Lentinula edodes

Bioactive compounds
β-glucans, mannoglucan, fucomannogalactan, lentinan, chitins, ergosterol, lenthionine, eritadenine, Lentin (protein), catechin, flavonoids

Ethnomedicinal value
Immunodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Lentinus edodes is used medicinally for diseases involving depressed immune function (including AIDS), cancer, environmental allergies, fungal infection, frequent flu and colds, bronchial inflammation, heart disease, hyperlipidemia (including high blood cholesterol), hypertension, infectious disease, diabetes,

Shiitake are rich in polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans. These compounds protect against cell damage, help your immune system, and boost white blood cell production for fighting off microbes. Polysaccharides also have anti-inflammatory properties.