Tincture made from Lentinula edodes, also known as Shiitake. This is a double extraction, where a 60oC decoction is prepared and then used as the water fraction in alcohol extraction. This ensures the the full range of desired compounds are extracted and preserved.
Lentinula edodes, water, ethanol (25%)
Family: Marasmiaceae
Part used: Fungal fruiting body
Habitat and Description: Shiitake is native to countries in east Asia notably Japan and China, however it is now widely cultivated throughout the world as a valued food and medicinal source. Shiitake can be found growing on fallen broadleaf trees including chestnut, oak, beech, maple, walnut and mulberry.
Constituents: Polysaccharides (Lentinan - one of the compounds found in AHCC complex; KS2), eritadenine, lipids (linoleic acid), ergesterol (a provitamin which converts to vitamin d when exposed to sunlight), calcium, vitamins B2 and C.
Actions: Antiviral, antitumour, anticancer, immunostimulant, immunostimulating, antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibiotic, hepatoprotective.
Traditional and current uses:
Shiitake has traditionally been used as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients in Japan and China due to its immunological function. In ancient Japan the shiitake mushroom was known as the ‘elixir of life’.
Immune Modulating properties:
Upregulates macrophage activity (e.g. phagocytosis, ROS/NO production and cytokine expression) and NFκB activation (the master regulator of innate immune responses, i.e. macrophage inflammatory response to pathogens), and binds to dectin-1 and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2).
Used by some herbalists for:
Chronic infections, chronic immune deficiency, HIV/ AIDS, post-viral syndrome, CFS, hepatitis C,malaria prophylaxis,and antibiotic resistant pulmonary sepsis.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.