Shiitake Mushroom Powder

What Is Shiitake Mushroom Extract?

Lentinula edodes, or as it is more commonly known, Shiitake mushroom has been used for various Traditional Chinese practices for thousands of years. Shiitake mushrooms have long been used in traditional Chinese practices. They’re also part of the traditional practices of Eastern Russia, Japan, and Korea. Beginning in the 12th century, people started growing Shiitake mushrooms in the mountains of central China. Cultivators would use the plant spores from fallen trees and wood logs to accelerate the growth of Shiitake mushroom in the region.

Unlike most mushrooms, Shiitake mushroom is fragrant and delicious, making oral consumption a breeze for most and taking advantage of Shiitake mushroom benefits a much easier task. Learning how to cook Shiitake mushrooms is very common today. People typically use dried Shiitake mushrooms and describe it as having an umami flavor that’s more intense when Shiitake mushrooms are fresh. Umami flavor is typically described as ‘meaty’ or ‘savory’ and many people use both fresh and dried Shiitake mushrooms in stews, stir-fries, and other various dishes. Today, Shiitake is the second most popular cultivated mushroom in the world.

Shiitake Mushroom Benefits and Uses

• May help promote immune system function*
• May help support dental health*
• May help promote metabolic function*
• May help support inflammation levels*
• May help promote positive emotional outlook*

Shiitake Mushroom Health Benefits and Uses

Various research has been conducted on Shiitake mushroom over the last several years to investigate the compounds responsible for Shiitake mushroom benefits. In the 1970’s, the Japanese mushroom industry supported extensive research into the nutritional properties of Shiitake. The scientist Goro Chihara fractionated Shiitake polysaccharides and named the most active fraction Lentinan, a pure beta-1-3-glucan. Some isolated studies have found that Lentinan supports immune system function and promotes cellular health.

Animal research has found that Lentinan also interacts with AMPA receptors and may promote feelings of well being. The results of several rat trials has led researchers to believe that Lentinan’s interaction with the AMPA receptors appears to be the source of mood and cognitive promoting effects. Even with more research underway, Lentinan is currently used for some practices in Japan and China.

Unlike other mushrooms, Lentinula edodes is also studied in-depth for its oral health benefits. Several small studies using Shiitake mushroom extract found positive correlations between Shiitake mushroom supplementation and oral Shiitake mushroom health benefits as a whole. Although this trend appears to be consistent, further work needs to be done to identify and isolate other active ingredients explore different delivery systems.

Small animal studies were conducted to see the effects of diets enriched with Shiitake mushroom. Results found that animals whose diets contained Shiitake mushroom appeared to promote cardiovascular and metabolic function. Although these findings support evidence from Traditional Chinese practices and anecdotal reports from regular Shiitake mushroom consumers, modern studies are underway to fully understand and determine Shiitake mushroom benefits on our health.*

Shiitake Mushroom Dosage

As a dietary supplement, take 500mg of Shiitake mushroom extract 1-2 times daily. 

Shiitake Mushroom Reviews

To gain more insight, see the Shiitake mushroom reviews and experiences below. 

Where To Buy Shiitake Mushroom Powder

Nootropics Depot offers 30 gram or 60 gram jars of organic, whole-fruiting body Shiitake Mushroom Extract powder. Nootropics Depot's Shiitake mushroom extract has been lab-tested and verified for both product purity and identity.