What is Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)?What is Shiitake Mycelia Extract?How to use Lentinus edodes?

  seminal trace...Shiitake Mushroom Extract.10:1.Lentinus edodes.lentinan 25%.CAS.NO:95009-14-6.Synonyms:Mushroom Extract....

   Basic Botanical Description of Lentinus edodes:
 Name: Shitake
 Botanical Source:Lentinus edodes (Berk.)Sing.
 Botanical Synoms:Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer, Lentinula edodes (Berkeley) Pegler
 Scientific Botanical name: Lentinus elodes
 The other names: Shii-ta-ke,Lentinus edodes,Filamentous Fungi,
 Pinyin: Xiang Gu
 Synoms:Lentinula edodes, Lentinus shiitake ,Cortinelus edodes,Armillaria edodes
 Latin Name: Armillaria mellea
 Official Latin Name: Lentinula edodes
 Common name: Hua gu,Oak Mushroom,golden oak mushroom, Oriental Black Mushroom,Chinese black mushroom,Glossagyne,Chinese shiitake mushrooms,shiitake,shiitake mushroom
 Plant Part Used: Fruiting body and mycelium.Dried Shitake Mushrooms - whole. Mushroom in its entirety. Shiitake mycelia
 Character: Edible and fragrant mushroom.
 Definition: [n] edible east Asian mushroom having a golden or dark brown to blackish cap and an inedible stipe
 Properties: Sweet in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the spleen and stomach channels.
 Functions: Nourishes the spleen and the stomach, benefits qi, induces eruption of measles.
 Manners: One uses it to strengthen the natural body's immune systems and increase vigour. It is also a powerful anticholesterol.
 Effects: Stimulates immune systems, protects outside attacks.
 In China it is called dongo and shanku. When served in Chinese restaurants here it is called "the black forest mushroom." These have closed caps. Koshin types (spring season variety) have open caps and are less expensive
 

 

 Basic Botanical Description of Lentinus edodes:
 Description:Habitat and natural environment:
 History and Origin:
 Production Method of Extracts powder:
 Phytochemicals and constituents:
 Bioactivities and Organ's Defence Funtions:
 Action and Possible Benefit:
 How much is usually taken?
 Safety,Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:Usage Guidelines
 Modern Research of Lentinus edodes:
 Shiitake Mushroom Tradition:
 Why Eat It---Cooking Shiitake:
 Nutritional Profile of Lentinus edodes:


   Description:Habitat and natural environment:

 Environment and culture: This mushroom grows in wet Asian regions,major output from China.

 Wild shiitake mushrooms are native to China, and other Asian countries and typically grow on fallen broadleaf trees. Shiitake is now widely cultivated throughout the world, including the United States.The fruiting body is used as a food and medicine and it's a rich source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Shiitake Mushroom is revered in Asian medicine for its health-promoting effects, for it boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol, works as an anticoagulant and is helpful in cancer treatment.

 Chinese shiitake mushrooms(lentinus edodes),grows in natural environment. Farmers fell down some species of trees in the forest in autumn and winter and make a series of technical treatment. After one year of natural culture under snow and frost,the logs will grow brown tender shiitake mushrooms(lentinus edodes) of peculiar fragrance and flavor.

 Shiitake has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as a medicinal agent. Shiitake mushroom grows on the trunks or stumps of trees. The medicinal part used is the mycelia or immature growing stage of the mushroom. Recent attention has been placed on shiitake for its potential in enhancing immunity and preventing the development of some cancers.
 


   History and Origin:

 It is called "elixir of life" by Chinese emperors during the dynasty Ming. It slowed down their ageing and increased their vitality. Since the 40s, it is the object of traditional cultures in China.

 Mushroom refers to the conspicuous umbrella-shaped fruiting body (sporophore) of certain fungi, typically of the order Agaricales in the class Basidiomycetes but also of some other groups. Popularly, the term mushroom is used to identify the edible sporophores.

 Umbrella-shaped sporophores are found chiefly in the agaric family (Agaricaceae), members of which bear thin, bladelike gills on the undersurface of the cap from which the spores are shed. The sporophore of an agaric consists of a cap and stalk. The sporophore emerges from an extensive underground network of threadlike strands. An example of an agaric is the honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea). Mushroom may live hundreds of years or die in a few months, depending on the available food supply. As long as nourishment is available and temperature and moisture are suitable, a mushroom will produce a new crop of sporophores each year during its fruiting season.

 Wu Ri, a physician from the Chinese Ming Dynasty era (A.D. 1368~1644), wrote extensively about this mushroom, noting its ability to increase energy, cure colds, and eliminate worms.

 The shiitake mushroom is considered to be the finest edible mushroom in Asia, where it has been used for over 2,000 years. Shiitake mushrooms are cultivated on logs, dead tree trunks, and sawdust. Shiitakes range in color from tan to dark brown, and have broad, umbrella-shaped caps, wide-open veils, and tan gills. Shiitake caps have a soft, spongy texture. When cooked, these mushrooms have a rich, smoky flavor and a meat-like texture.

 Shiitake are available year-round in many grocery stores and in Asian markets. Shiitake mushroom are sold fresh and dried.


 


 Shiitake Mushroom is also known by the names Oak Mushroom, Oriental Black Mushroom, and Glossagyne. Shiitake grows on the trunks or stumps of trees. In the wild, this light amber fungus is also found on fallen hardwood trees. Shiitake has been revered in China and Korea as both a food and medicinal herb for thousands of years. Wu Ri, a famous physician from the Chinese Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368~644), wrote extensively about this mushroom, noting its ability to increase energy, cure colds, and eliminate worms. Wild Shiitake Mushrooms are native to China, and other Asian countries. Shiitake is widely cultivated throughout the world, including the United States. The fruiting body is used medicinally. Mushrooms have been valued as both food and medicine throughout the world, but until recently, many in the West associated all mushrooms with poison. The recent surge of Western interest in medicinal mushrooms shows that this attitude may be changing, however.

 Shiitake products containing LEM, a polysaccharide-rich extract from the Shiitake Mushroom, and similar extracts from Maitake Mushroom, are currently undergoing trials in the United States to see whether they are effective treatments for various cancers and AIDS. Currently, the total world worth of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products derived from mushrooms is estimated at more than $1.2 billion. A vast amount of research into Shiitake's medicinal properties has been completed and shows that it has the ability to fight tumors and viruses and enhance the immune system.

 Primary chemical constituents of Shiitake include Polysaccharide (lentinan), eritadenin, proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins D, B-2, B-12. The proteins contain all of the essential amino acids, and most commonly occurring non-essential amino acids and amides. The fatty acids are largely unsaturated, and Shiitake's are rich in vitamins and minerals. Key therapeutic substances also present are glucans, a major constituent of the cell walls. Shiitake also yields Lentinan, a beta-1,3-linked glucan polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 1 million. Lentinan reversed tumor growth when injected in mice. It acts by stimulating the immune system, rather than by direct action on the tumor. Because of its large molecular size, Lentinan is not absorbed efficiently when taken orally, but some is absorbed. Lentinan activates the alternative complement pathway, stimulating the macrophages, thus inhibiting tumor growth. It also may activate interleukin-1 secretion, which helps trigger T lymphocytes. Shiitake is believed to stimulate interferon production. Eritadenine, a purine alkaloid from Shiitake, is similar to nucleotides in structure, and lowers cholesterol in animal studies.

 


   Production Method of Extracts powder:

 1. The fungus (Lentinus edodes) is cultured on solid media consisting of sugar cane bagasse and rice bran.
 2. Just before the formation of fruit bodies, the above media are extracted with hot water.
 3. The extract is sterilized by filtration and is dried after being concentrated, to give LEM powder.

 Shiitake (Lentinus edodes), according to Kampo medicine, supports immune function and interferon production.It also contains anti-tumor polysaccharides which stimulate macrophages or immune cells

 


   Phytochemicals and constituents:

 Shiitake mushrooms(lentinus edodes) contains multiple nutrition such as rich protein, fats, amino acids,carbohydrates,trace element and soluble dietary fiber that are indispensable for human health.Lentinan can produce the action of curing and preventing tumour. shiitake mushrooms (lentinus edodes) is a kind of natural green health food ,high content of protein and rich nutrition.

 Lentinus edodes is a delicious, nutritious, and completely edible fungus. The optimum conditions for growth are 80 - 90% relative humidity. a 5 - 15oC in temperature range for the low temperature type and 10 - 20oC for the medium temperature type. It is one of the most popular cultivated mushrooms with an annual yield of 14% of the total edible mushrooms (15 million tons) cultivated in the world.

 Active Substances: Peptidomsannan, KS-2 (a water solubilized lignin derivative), EPS-3
 

 Shiitake is a popular edible mushroom from the Far East, for example served in miso soup. It is cultured on logs of the shii tree, Castanopsis (Querqus) cuspidata (Fagaceae), and exported in the dry state or pickled.

 An important odoriferous principle of shiitake is 1,2,3,5,6-pentathiepane, called lenthionine. In the pure state it is a crystalline substance

 Shitake Mushroom contains 18 amino acids ( 7-8 of which are essential) and over 30 enzymes. Eritadenine is a unique amino acid believed to lower cholesterol. Shitake Mushroom is high in B vitamins, especially B1, B2 and niacin; and in its sun-dried form, it provides vitamin D (found in very few foods). Oriental herbalists have used wild Shitake Mushroom medicinally for many years; Oriental folklore recommends its use for tumors, flu, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, sexual dysfunction, and aging. The past two decades have provided well documented clinical studies showing that Shitake Mushroom helps to decrease cholesterol; 3 ounces of shiitake per day can decrease cholesterol by as much as 12% per week. Shitake Mushroom is an enhancer of the immune system, and it may stimulate production of interferon. According to Kisaka Mori, Ph.D., Shitake Mushroom is high in enzymes and vitamins not usually found in plant foods. In studies, extract form has helped to prevent transplanted tumors from taking hold. Possible indications for use of Shitake Mushroom include: heart disease, cancer, AIDS, high cholesterol, gallstones, stomach disorders, ulcers, diabetes, vitamin deficiency, anemia, common cold, allergies, insomnia, and neuromuscular disorders.

 It contains lots of bio-active substances such as polysaccharide protein, nucleic acid derivatives, vitamin B group, ergosterol, erytadenine, and various minerals. L.E.M. extract improves and activates the organ's defence functions**. Especially, the action of erytadenine, very unique to Lentinus edodes is quite marked in preventing the accumulation of cholesterol and protecting from arteriosclerosis.


 


  Active constituents:

 Shiitake contains proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, shiitake¡¯s key ingredient~found in the fruiting body~is a polysaccharide called lentinan. Commercial preparations employ the powdered mycelium of the mushroom before the cap and stem grow. This preparation is called lentinus edodes mycelium extract (LEM). LEM is rich in polysaccharides and lignans.

 One preliminary trial suggested that oral shiitake may be useful for people with hepatitis B. A highly purified, intravenous form of lentinan is used in China and has been reported to increase survival in people with recurrent stomach cancer, particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy. Similar findings have been found in one small clinical trial with people suffering from pancreatic cancer. Case reports from China suggest that intravenous lentinan may be helpful in treating people with HIV infection. However, large-scale clinical trials to confirm this action have not yet been performed.

 Oral supplementation of lentinan from shiitake has been shown to significantly reduce the recurrence rate of genital warts (condyloma acuminata). A preliminary trial involving a group of men and women with genital warts found that those who took 12.5 mg of lentinan twice a day for two months after laser surgery had significantly fewer recurrences (10.53% recurrence rate) compared to those who only had the laser surgery (47.06% recurrence rate).6

 Key constituents are the polysaccharied protein complex, a new peptidomannan, KS-2, and a water solubilized lignin derivative, EPS-3

 Bioactive constituent: Beta-glucan, Heteroglucan, Adenine derivative, Guanosine 5' - monophosphate, polyacelylene

 


   Bioactivities and Organ's Defence Funtions:

  1.) Anti-tumor effect:  Immune enhancement, Activating macrophage, T-cell and NK-cell, Increasing production of TNF-a, interleukins, interferon and complement C3
  2.) Anti-HIV action:  Producing synergistic effect with azidothymidine (AZT)
  3.) Anti-hyperlipemia:  Promoting the metabolism and excretion of the eaten cholesterol
  4.) Anti-thrombogenicity:  Inhibiting platelet aggregation
  5.) Natural antidote:  Strengthening liver function of detoxication
  6.) Medicational effect against woodchuck hepatitis.
  7.) Protection against bacterial infection
  8.) Lymphocyte blastogenic activity
  9.) Promotion of chemotaxis in macrophages
  10.) Influence on reverse transcriptase activity
  11.) Inhibitive effect on proliferation of rat ascites hepatoma
  12.) L929 cells cytotoxicity
  13.) In vivo neutrophil conglomerating activity
  14).Expelling micro-organisms of external origin including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa.
  15).expelling harmful chemial substances (residual agricultural chemicals, environmental pollutants, food additives), pollen and dust.
  16).expelling abnormal cells (mutant cells, cancer cells)
  17).expelling worn out autocells (old erythrocytes, etc.), excessively produced substances (antigen antibody complexes), etc.

  How it Works:Shiitake Mushroom has a polysaccharide compound called lentinan which helps produce T-cells to destroy bacteria and viruses and has anti-cancer, anti-tumor effects. It contains other nutrients helpful in strengthening the immune system and fighting disease-causing organisms. Shiitake Mushroom works to prevent heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helping pull fat from the system, and working as an anticoagulant.

 


   Action and Possible Benefit:

  1)Hepatitis: It is found to be particularly valuable for treating all forms of hepatitis,Helps decrease chronic hepatitus B infection.

  2) Antiviral It is a powerfully antiviral, with the ability to increase helper T-cell and low lymphocyte counts in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals.

  3).Immunity and Longevity: Builds immunity and promotes longevity,Invigorate Your Immune System:Recent studies have traced shiitakes' legendary benefits to an active compound contained in these mushrooms called lentinan. Among lentinan's healing benefits is an ability to power up the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease. Against influenza and other viruses, lentinan has been shown to be even more effective than prescription drugs; it even improves the immune status of individuals infected with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.
 Shiitake may play a role in boosting a number of immune responses that help the body ward off bacterial and viral infection. Further study has shown that Shiitake may even be beneficial in the fight against HIV and related viruses.

  4).Cancer prevention and anti-tumor activity: Lentinan, which is technically classified as a polysaccharide and referred to as a branched beta-glucan, has also been shown to have anti-cancer activity. When lentinan was given for human gastric cancer, reticular fibers developed in tumor sites. Reticular cells, which are spread throughout the body in various tissues, are immune cells that have the ability to ingest (phagocytose) bacteria, particulate matter, and worn out or cancerous cells. When lentinan was administered, not only was there a proliferation of reticular cells in gastric tumor sites, but many T lymphocytes (another type of immune defender) were drawn to these cancer sites with the result that the cancer cell nests were fragmented and destroyed.
 Research also suggests that shiitake may be a valuable weapon against cancer. Its ability to activate the immune system may specifically stimulate responses that can counter the growth of tumors. Because of these benefits, shiitake has been used as a supportive therapy in breast, advanced colo-rectal and stomach cancers.
 In addition to boasting anti-cancer properties, shiitake may support cardiovascular health by potentially lowering cholesterol and reducing artherosclerotic buildup in the circulatory system.

  5).Helps prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and has anticoagulant properties: It can also lower blood levels of cholesterol and lipids.A large number of animal studies conducted over the last ten years have shown that another active component in shiitake mushrooms called eritadenine lowers cholesterol levels--and this amazing compound lowers cholesterol no matter what types of dietary fats the lab animals are given. Even when lab rats are given dietary protein rich in methionine (an amino acid researchers have found causes an increase in cholesterol formation), eritadenine still lowers plasma cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent manner. In other words, the more eritadenine given, the more cholesterol levels drop.

  6).Fatigue: Relieves fatigue and increases energy.Fights fatigue and builds strength.Valuable for chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes simplex types 1 and 2, for liver problems such as hepatitis, and for other virus-induced conditions

  7).Drive: Good for colds and to eliminate worms.
  8).Hepatitus B: 

  9).Ihibitory: Shiitake extract showed an inhibitory effect on water-insoluble glucan formation from sucrose by crude glucosyltransferases of Streptococcus mutans JC-2 and S. sobrinus OMZ-176. The firmly adherent plaque in the artificial plaque formation test was strongly inhibited by shiitake extract.

  10).Anti-aging: Shiitake extract can be used to boost the immune system, protect the body from cancer (and even shrink existing tumors), lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and combat viruses and bacteria. Shiitake contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a number of polysaccharides, which are linked to countering cancer, primarily by promoting immune function rather than attacking cancer cells directly. Following the discovery that cancer patients given lentinan have increased survival times and a more positive prognosis, the Chinese have recently begun prescribing the polysaccharide as an adjunct to chemotherapy. Other research also indicates shiitake extracts may assist in the treatment of AIDS.

  11).Overall Energy and Liver Enhancer: Shiitake extract can be used to boost the immune system, protect the body from cancer (and even shrink existing tumors), lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and combat viruses and bacteria. Shiitake contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a number of polysaccharides, which are linked to countering cancer, primarily by promoting immune function rather than attacking cancer cells directly. Following the discovery that cancer patients given lentinan have increased survival times and a more positive prognosis, the Chinese have recently begun prescribing the polysaccharide as an adjunct to chemotherapy. Other research also indicates shiitake extracts may assist in the treatment of AIDS.

  12).To treat indigestion, poor appetite, tiring easily, and constant urination: Can be cooked by itself, or with chicken meat in a dish and consume it.

  13).To treat slow eruption of measles in children: Cook several shiitake mushrooms in water. Consume both the mushrooms and drink the solution.

  14).Health Benefits: A symbol of longevity in Asia because of their health-promoting properties, Shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally by the Chinese for more than 6,000 years. Now that their rich, smoky flavor has endeared them to American tastebuds, these exotic hearty mushrooms can be found in supermarket shelves across the U.S.

  15).Adsorption of Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions: Fungal organisms can remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Macro fungi such as Agaricus bisporus and Lentinus edodes (shiitake), commonly called mushrooms, are edible and are grown commercially. Laboratory batch studies were conducted at room temperature (21 ¡À 1¡ãC) to determine the potential of these fungal biomasses for adsorption of cadmium from aqueous solutions containing 1 mg/L cadmium. Results from batch studies showed that biomasses prepared from A. bisporus and L. edodes had good potential for removing cadmium from aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of A. bisporus and L. edodes for uptake of cadmium from aqueous solutions was 2.08 and 0.716 mg/g, respectively. The equilibrium time for adsorption was found to be 6 and 1 h for A. bisporus and L. edodes, respectively. 68% cadmium removal was achieved with A. bisporus and 45% with L. edodes. The optimum initial pH was found to be 6.0 and 5.0 for A. bisporus and L. edodes, respectively.
 Isotherm studies suggested that cadmium adsorption by both the mushrooms followed the Freundlich isotherm. Desorption of cadmium from mushrooms by dilute HCl was minimal (19%), but rapid.

  16).Dental Cavities: Finally, based on clinical study shiitake may be useful for preventing dental cavities.
 


   How much is usually taken?

 The traditional intake of the whole, dried shiitake mushroom is 6~16 grams per day.
 The mushroom is typically eaten in soups or taken as a decoction (i.e., boiled for 10~20 minutes, cooled, strained, and drunk).
 Recommended intake of LEM is 1~3 grams two to three times per day. Purified lentinan is considered a drug in China and is available as an herbal supplement in North America.
 Directions For extracts:100mg~400mg of extract. 3 times a day, with food. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

 

   Safety,Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:Usage Guidelines

  Common Use: Shiitake mycelia stimulates macrophages to engulf foreign objects by recognizing antigens and transferring information to T-helper cells. If the foreign bodies are destroyed then the odds of contracting an infection or disease is very limited and not probable. Since Shiitake mycelia is able to increase immune support, the HIV infection is hampered.
 Pregnant and lactating women should consult doctor before using. Excellent safety record but has been know to cause temporary diarrhea and bloating in high dosages.
 There have been no toxicities reported. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional. safe and non-toxic, even in very large doses.
 Shiitake mushrooms are not a commonly allergenic food, are not included in the list of 20 foods that most frequently contain pesticide residues, and are also not known to contain goitrogens, oxalates, or purines.


   Shiitake Mushroom Tradition:

 Long a symbol of longevity in Asia because of their health-promoting properties, shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally by the Chinese for more than 6,000 years. More recently, their rich, smoky flavor has endeared them to American taste buds and these exotic hearty mushrooms can now be found in supermarket shelves across the U.S. throughout the year.
 Like other mushrooms, these specialty mushrooms are as mysteriously unique as they are delicious. While often thought of as a vegetable and prepared like one, mushrooms are actually a fungus, a special type of living organism that has no roots, leaves, flowers or seeds.
 Ancient healers prescribed them for a number of ailments such as fatigue, liver ailments, vision problems, sinus conditions, colds, gastrointestinal ailments. Shiitake were also prescribed as a general prophyllactic to promote longevity, vitality, and well-being.
 What the ancients knew, modern medicine is just beginning to discover. Compounds in shiitake mushrooms--especially a phytochemical called lentinan--have been subjected to various clinical studies, and are thought to have possible benefit for a number of disorders, including cancer, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hepatitis, AIDS, and herpes (and other viral conditions).
 In addition to the phytochemicals that seem to bring health benefits, these delightful fungi are also host to a significant number of macro- and micronutrients. They have high levels of amino acids (including glutamic acid, a nonessential amino acid considered to be "brain food" due to its ability to stimulate neurotransmitter activity as well as its ability to transport potassium to the brain), protein, enzymes (dietary enzymes are vital for proper absorption of nutrients and digestion of food), dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including ergosterol, which can be converted by sunlight into vitamin D.
 Last, but not least, shiitake are delicious. Luckily for both the medical and culinary worlds, shiitake are now among the most-cultivated edible mushrooms in the world.
 


   Why Eat It---Cooking Shiitake:

 The shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) has been prized by people in China and Korea for at least 2,000 years. Valued not only for its culinary contributions, the shiitake is also consumed for its medicinal properties. One of the world's most cultivated edible mushrooms, shiitakes are a good source of nutrients and they contain eight essential amino acids as well as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and dietary fiber and enzymes. Shiitake mushrooms also contains ergosterol, which can be converted by sunlight into vitamin D.
 Ancient Chinese physicians knew the power of this dark, meaty, capped woodland mushroom and they prescribed it as an important food to activate qi, which is roughly translated as "life force." Shiitake was also promoted by ancient healers as a food that promotes longevity, protects the immune system, and as a preventative against gastrointestinal distress, liver disease, colds, flu, and circulatory problems. Scientists today are discovering that the ancient healers of China indeed knew their medicine and that shiitake may be instrumental in helping to combat a host of serious ailments including heart disease, cancer, and life-threatening viral conditions.
 Of interest to scientists is a substance extracted from shiitake known as lentinan. A polysaccharide, lentinan is currently under investigation for potential anti-tumor effects, blood pressure-lowering effects, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Lentinan is currently being studied for its ability to inhibit cancer, primarily by stimulating certain types of white blood cells important in immune function rather than by directly attacking cancer cells. Shiitake extracts have been tested in recent years in China as an adjunct to chemotherapy, and a highly purified form of lentinan is currently used in China in conjunction with standard chemotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer.
 Another compound in shiitake, lentinula edodes mycelium (LEM), may prove to be helpful in treating and preventing cancer, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, infectious disease, and hepatitis. Eritadenine, another substance in shiitake, may be responsible for helping to reduce blood levels of cholesterol and fats by promoting their excretion. If you are on blood-thinning anticoagulant medication, it is important to consult with your physician before consuming large amounts of shiitake as these mushrooms may possess blood thinning properties.
 Varieties:While there are no different varieties of shiitake mushrooms, they are frequently sold for different prices depending upon their size. It is not so much the size of the mushroom that determines the price, but the plumpness of the cap. Thick, plump caps are meatier in texture and somewhat more flavorful than others. This size-related price differential applies to both dried and fresh shiitakes.

 

  Preparation:
 Fresh shiitake are delicious sauteed, stir-fried, marinated and grilled, or braised. To prepare shiitake for cooking, the stem should be removed (you can save the stems to use in stocks or discard them).
 Sauteing or stir-frying: Slice the mushrooms and saute or stir-fry for five to seven minutes in a little oil or broth until tender.
 Grilling or broiling: Marinate large whole mushroom caps in an herbed vinaigrette, or broth, place on the grill or under the broiler and cook five minutes, turning the mushrooms as they color, until soft and tender.
 Braising: Heat a little broth and chopped garlic, add whole mushroom caps and either cook slowly on top of the stove or oven braise at 375¡ãF for 10 minutes, turning the mushrooms halfway through cooking until tender. Serve with any pan juices.
 Simmering: Use whole or sliced mushroom caps in soups and stews. In soups, drop mushrooms into simmering soup and cook until tender. In stews, add mushrooms when adding other vegetables and simmer until stew is done.
 Reconstituting dried shiitakes: Dried shiitakes should be soaked and reconstituted before cooking. They can be soaked in either hot or cold water until rehydrated. Mushrooms take 20 minutes (in hot water) or up to two hours in cold water. Some people feel that the slower soak in cold water makes the mushrooms more tender and flavorful once cooked, however both work well. Once rehydrated, scoop the mushrooms out of their soaking liquid, leaving any dirt behind. Strain the soaking liquid through a fine-meshed sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towels. The soaking liquid is very flavorful once cooked down. Use it in the dish you're preparing or in soups, stews, stir-fries, pasta sauces, and braises.
 


  Cooked in soup; steamed or fried in dishes.
 Before using fresh shiitakes, tear off the fibrous stems, and clean the mushrooms carefully with a damp cloth or paper towel. The mushrooms can also be rinsed briefly, but do not allow them to soak as they will swell with water. Dried shiitakes should be reconstituted in warm water for approximately one hour. Once they are reconstituted, chop off the stems. Use the soaking water and stems to make soup stock.
 Cooking brings out the distinct flavor of shiitakes. Saute or fry them in oil for 5 to 7 minutes; or cook them with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan for 15 minutes. Once cooked, add them to a pasta recipe, rice dish, soup, sauce, or stir-fry.
 When buying fresh shiitake mushrooms, choose mushrooms with firm, spongy caps and small stems. Fresh shiitake mushrooms keep for up to 14 days when stored in the refrigerator in a paper bag. Store dried shiitakes in a cool, dry place.
  Cautions on Use:  It is recommended that you only buy wild mushrooms from dependable retail outlets. Certain wild mushrooms can cause damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Some species can be lethal.
 


   Nutritional Profile of Lentinus edodes:

  Introduction to Food Rating System Chart:
 The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an excellent, very good or good source. Next to the nutrient name you will find the following information: the amount of the nutrient that is included in the noted serving of this food; the %Daily Value (DV) that that amount represents (similar to other information presented in the website, this DV is calculated for 25-50 year old healthy woman); the nutrient density rating; and, the food's World's Healthiest Foods Rating. Underneath the chart is a table that summarizes how the ratings were devised. For more detailed information on our Food and Recipe Rating System, please click here.

 

  Scientific References:

  1. What is Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)?What is Shiitake Mycelia Extract?How to use Lentinus edodes?.