Scientific Name: Lentinus edodes

Constituents:

• Myco-Polysaccharides (beta glucans: lentinan (β-1,3-glucan) & eritadenine)
• Protein, Lipids & Fiber
• Lectins

Medicinal actions:

• Adaptogen
• Anti-cancer
• Antimicrobial
• Hypocholesterolemic
• Immune stimulant
• Immunomodulator

Mechanism of Action & Pharmacology:

• Polysaccharides (β-glucans) are well studied and appear to be primarily responsible for immune modulatory effects on both innate and adaptive immunity. May induce interferon production (thus disrupting viral replication & inhibiting bacterial infection), and upregulate the activity of macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer, and dendritic cells. Also act as antigens playing a role in the first step of activation signaling pathways to antigen presenting cells.
• Lentinan has immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects, and appears to prolong the survival of cancer patients. Researchers working with terminal pancreatic cancer patients who responded positively noted an increase in killer T-lymphocytes and a decrease in levels of interleukin-6, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, and prostaglandin E2.
• Eritadenine is an inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) and has demonstrated hypocholesterolemic activity.

Pharmacy:

• As food in soups, stews, broths and stir-frys
• Powdered

Safety & Toxicity Concerns:

• May experience mild diarrhea and digestive disturbance.

Interactions:

• May decrease effectiveness of immunosuppressants.