Supplement Scholar
Mushroom

Shiitake (Lentinan)

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Shiitake (Lentinan). Culinary mushroom whose beta-glucan lentinan is an approved injectable immune adjunct.

How it works. Lentinan activates T-helper cells.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: IV lentinan improves cancer survival (Asian trials) (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1–3 g extract dietary.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc, Omega-3.

Common forms. Available as Lentinan injectable (Rx), Mushroom powder.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Shiitake (Lentinan). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Shiitake (Lentinan). Culinary mushroom whose beta-glucan lentinan is an approved injectable immune adjunct.

Key compound: eritadenineC9H11N5O4 · 253.22 g/mol

What it is

Culinary mushroom whose beta-glucan lentinan is an approved injectable immune adjunct.

Also called

Lentinula edodes

Food sources

Lentinula edodes

Goals

Immune FunctionCardiovascular Health

How it works

Lentinan activates T-helper cells.

Pathways

  • T-cell activation

Effects

  • +Immune activation supports
  • ↓LDL cholesterol (mild) decreases

What the research supports

IV lentinan improves cancer survival (Asian trials)moderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1–3 g extract dietary
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the lentinan injectable (rx) form.
Shop Shiitake (Lentinan) on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Skin reactions (rare)

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Shiitake (Lentinan) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.
  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.

Common forms

  • Lentinan injectable (Rx)
  • Mushroom powder

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Shiitake (Lentinan) — IV lentinan improves cancer survival ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Shiitake (Lentinan) and "IV lentinan improves cancer survival". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Shiitake (Lentinan) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Shiitake (Lentinan) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Shiitake (Lentinan) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Shiitake (Lentinan) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…