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Sk4.5
Shiitake Research
Probably helps
46 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Probably helps
Shiitake helped in about half (3/5) of the studies that measured an effect — promising, but not unanimous.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2007–2026 with a typical study size of 52 participants.
Based on 46 studies · 3 meta-analyses · 14 RCTs · 6,546 total participants
Confidence
High confidence
What the studies found
3helped2unclear· 41 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Therapeutic & clinical
Probably helps37 studies
Immune supportEnhanced immune cell function · 4 weeks
Cancer patients (lung, colorectal, gastric cancer)1
Active research area
31 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2024
200720162026
1Safety and tolerability of beta-glucan in cancer patientsSystematic ReviewCited 47×n=1,650 · large study2021
It was observed that the administration of β-glucan is safe and well-tolerated.
Steimbach L et al. · Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2021)
It was observed that the administration of β-glucan is safe and well-tolerated.
Most of the trials pointed that concomitant administration of β-glucan with chemo or radiotherapy reduced the immune depression caused by such treatments and/or accelerated the recovery of white blood cells counts.
However, some articles also commented that no statistical difference was encountered between β-glucan treated vs. control groups, which gives a controversial conclusion about the β-glucan effects.
2Anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushroomsSystematic ReviewCited 1×2025
In this review, we aim to analyze the anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushrooms, including Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Laetiporus sulphureus, Boletus edulis, and Phellinus igniarius, as well as their potential anti-cancer mechanisms, providing strong theoretical support for the further development of edible/medicinal mushroom anti-cancer products.
Górska-Jakubowska S et al. · Nutrients (2025)
In recent years, the incidence rate of cancer has been on the rise all over the world, and the age of cancer patients has shown a younger trend, which seriously endangers patients' health.
Although the anti-cancer potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms has been widely studied in the past, this review focuses on the most recent literature from the last five years, providing an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of the current findings.
3Medicinal and therapeutic potentials of shiitakeSystematic ReviewCited 2×2025
SMs demonstrate translational potential for pharmaceutical and functional food applications; further studies are needed to elucidate their mechanisms and develop standardized, evidence-based formulations.
Baral B · Chemistry & biodiversity (2025)
Advances in processing technologies have mitigated the toxicity risks associated with prolonged use, thereby enhancing the safety profiles for therapeutic applications.
Emerging evidence also supports its role in dermatological health.
Furthermore, rigorous analytical characterization of its bioactive profile is critical for standardization and quality control.
This review focuses on the properties of selected medicinal mushrooms and their effects on the human organism and presents current knowledge on the possibilities of their use in the production of functional foods.
Łysakowska P et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2023)
Detailed mechanisms of the effects of medicinal mushrooms on the human organism still require long-term clinical studies to confirm their nutraceutical effects, their safety of use, and their dosage.
Medicinal mushrooms have great potential to be used in the design of innovative functional foods.
There is a need for further research on the possibility of incorporating mushrooms into food products to assess the interactions of their bioactive substances with ingredients in the food matrix.
Maitake or hen-of-the-woods), the genus Pleurotus (e.g. oyster mushrooms), and Agaricus subrufescens (i.e. the almond mushroom).
Shevchuk Y et al. · Ageing research reviews (2023)
Maitake or hen-of-the-woods), the genus Pleurotus (e.g. oyster mushrooms), and Agaricus subrufescens (i.e. the almond mushroom).
We propose that further research on fungal extracts will provide a greater picture of the role fungi-derived bioactive molecules can have in developing longevity and neuroprotective medicines for humans.
6Antineoplastic activity against breast cancer cellsSystematic ReviewCited 29×2023
We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
Gariboldi MB et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
In this article, we reviewed mushrooms showing antineoplastic activity again breast cancer cells, especially focusing on the possible bioactive compounds involved and their mechanisms of action.
In particular, the following mushrooms have been considered: Agaricus bisporus, Antrodia cinnamomea, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus.
We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
7Vitamin B12 content in non-animal foodsSystematic ReviewCited 16×n=25 · very small study2023
Future research should consider different methods of storage, preparation, fermented foods and standardization of the production of certain foods.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2053057.
Marques de Brito B et al. · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2023)
In the last decade, more sensitive method for real B12 determination was used, the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry chromatograms.
It is possible that daily recommendations for B12 can be met by a varied diet containing non-animal B12 food sources.
Future research should consider different methods of storage, preparation, fermented foods and standardization of the production of certain foods.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2053057.
8Lentinan effects in inflammatory and tumor diseasesSystematic ReviewCited 32×2024
Lentinan (lLNT) is an active substance extracted from shiitake mushrooms with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor functions.
Zhou G et al. · European journal of medical research (2024)
Moreover, clinical experiments have confirmed that LNT combined with chemotherapy drugs has a significant effect in improving the prognosis of patients, enhancing their immune function and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.
LNT has been approved as an adjunct to chemotherapy in China and Japan.
Therefore, this article reviews the mechanism and clinical research of LNT in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases in recent years.
In this review, we discuss the immunomodulatory properties of various polysaccharides from L. edodes in animal models and in humans.
Roszczyk A et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2022)
Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, also known as shiitake mushroom, is a popular edible macrofungus and a source of numerous bioactive substances with multiple beneficial health effects.
L. edodes-derived polysaccharides are the most valuable compounds, with anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties.
It has been demonstrated that their biological activity depends on the extraction method, which affects monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, branching degrees, and helical conformation.
10Beta-glucan supplementation effects on healthSystematic ReviewCited 33×2021
Supplementation with beta-(1 → 3,1 → 6)-d-glucans is well-tolerated, and health-promoting properties are manifested primarily through the potentiation of the immune system.
Vlassopoulou M et al. · Food & function (2021)
Supplementation with beta-(1 → 3,1 → 6)-d-glucans is well-tolerated, and health-promoting properties are manifested primarily through the potentiation of the immune system.
More studies are required to confirm their additional beneficial effects, to establish the optimal dose, and to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms.
11Cancer regression and immune prophylaxisReview2021
These observations indicate that regression of advanced inoperable cancers and long-lasting cancer immune prophylaxis can be reached by simple approaches.
Bukovsky A · Histology and histopathology (2021)
An otherwise untreated rectal cancer, progressing over 3 years, regressed after severe toxic dermatitis lasting over one week.
This was caused by an accidental consumption of a large raw shiitake mushroom.
These observations indicate that regression of advanced inoperable cancers and long-lasting cancer immune prophylaxis can be reached by simple approaches.
12Rice bran arabinoxylan modified with shiitake enzyme effectsSystematic ReviewCited 17×2021
Nevertheless, further research in both basic studies and human clinical trials are required to investigate the clinical applications, mechanisms, and effects of RBAC.
Ooi SL et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2021)
Additionally, RBAC has been shown to ameliorate irritable bowel syndrome and protect against liver injury caused by hepatitis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
It can potentially ease symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome and prevent the common cold.
RBAC is safe to consume and has no known side effects at the typical dosage of 2-3 g/day.
In a more positive vein, the presence of potent toxins and neurotropic compounds in basidiomycete fruit bodies suggests that secondary metabolites with useful pharmacological properties are widespr...
Money NP · Fungal biology (2016)
In a more positive vein, the presence of potent toxins and neurotropic compounds in basidiomycete fruit bodies suggests that secondary metabolites with useful pharmacological properties are widespread in these fungi.
Major investment in controlled experiments and objective clinical trials is necessary to develop this natural pharmacopeia.
14Vitamin D content in mushroomsSystematic ReviewCited 167×2018
This review examines the current information on the role of UV radiation in enhancing the concentration of vitamin D₂ in mushrooms, the effects of storage and cooking on vitamin D₂ content, and the bioavailability of vitamin D₂ from mushrooms.
Cardwell G et al. · Nutrients (2018)
The most common form of vitamin D in mushrooms is D₂, with lesser amounts of vitamins D₃ and D₄, while vitamin D₃ is the most common form in animal foods.
Worldwide mushroom consumption has increased markedly in the past four decades, and mushrooms have the potential to be the only non-animal, unfortified food source of vitamin D that can provide a substantial amount of vitamin D₂ in a single serve.
This review examines the current information on the role of UV radiation in enhancing the concentration of vitamin D₂ in mushrooms, the effects of storage and cooking on vitamin D₂ content, and the bioavailability of vitamin D₂ from mushrooms.
15AHCC effects on NK and T cellsSystematic ReviewCited 22×2019
Here, we review in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells of humans and animals in health and disease, providing a platform for the better understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms and clinical implications of AHCC®.
Shin MS et al. · Journal of immunology research (2019)
Mushrooms have been used for various health conditions for many years by traditional medicines practiced in different regions of the world although the exact effects of mushroom extracts on the immune system are not fully understood.
AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured shiitake or Lentinula edodes mycelia (ECLM) which contains a mixture of nutrients including oligosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals obtained through liquid culture.
Here, we review in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells of humans and animals in health and disease, providing a platform for the better understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms and clinical implications of AHCC®.
These insights extend beyond shiitake and provide a framework for interpreting structure-function relationships in complex food systems.
Makkar S et al. · Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety (2026)
However, interpretation is constrained by variability in structural characterization, study design, and limited availability of structure-resolved human data.
This review integrates evidence across biosynthesis, processing, microbial fermentation, and host responses, emphasizing context-dependent associations rather than causal claims.
By positioning shiitake as a model system, it highlights the value of structure-guided frameworks and outlines directions to improve reproducibility and translational relevance in functional food science.
Multi-omics and organoid models should be integrated by future research to advance precision medicine applications of fungal-derived therapies.
Jin Y, He J, Fan D, Wang L, Cui N, Liu Y, Liu D. · NPJ science of food (2025)
However, critical gaps persist, particularly in translating these preclinical findings to humans.
Key challenges include understanding their bioavailability, establishing human-relevant dose-response relationships, and elucidating spatiotemporal dynamics within microbiota-host interaction networks.
Addressing these gaps requires integration with multi-omics technologies and well-designed clinical trials.
Moreover, both randomized trials and long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in the treatment of IBD and CRC.
Bugajewski M, Angerhoefer N, Pączek L, Kaleta B. · International journal of molecular sciences (2025)
Moreover, clinical trials confirmed that these compounds combined with standard chemotherapy have a significant effect in improving the prognosis of CRC patients.
In addition, L. edodes glucans increase microbial diversity and enhance interferon (IFN)-γ production by immune cells.
Future studies must be focused on understanding the pathways and mechanisms associated with the observed effects.
20Influenza vaccine efficacy enhancementRCTCited 17×n=239 · medium study2021
The findings of this pilot study warrant further research to study AX as an oral adjuvant to support vaccine efficacy.
Laue C et al. · Nutrients (2021)
Huge benefit
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Borderline
Specifically, a trend towards a higher mean log2 fold increase was observed in the AX group (uncorrected p = 0.074) combined with a trend for an increased seroprotection rate, AX group (48.7%) compared to CTRL (25.6%) (uncorrected p = 0.057), for the influenza A H1N1 strain.
Subjects consuming AX also had a reduced incidence of common colds compared to CTRL (1 vs. 8; p = 0.029 in Fisher exact test).
No adverse effects of NPS consumption were reported.