Skip to main content
Skip to content
← Encyclopedia

Shiitake Mushroom

Immune

Also known as: Lentinula edodes, Lentinus edodes, Shiitake, Shiitake Mushroom Extract (Lentinula edodes), Shiitake extract

B
Grade B
💊 500-3000 mg daily🎯 6 primary uses🔗 4 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Compare Check interactions
Levels upVitality+50 pts

Overview

Shiitake mushroom extract is a fungal ingredient containing bioactive compounds including polysaccharides (beta-glucans) and lentinan, traditionally used to support immune function. Limited clinical evidence supports immune-modulating properties, primarily from observational and preliminary studies.

Primary Uses
Immune supportCardiovascular healthAntioxidantGeneral wellnessImmune system supportAntioxidant support

Frequently Asked About Shiitake Mushroom

How much Shiitake Mushroom should I take?
The typical effective range is 500-3000 mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Shiitake Mushroom?
With meals. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Shiitake Mushroom with food?
Yes, improves tolerance.
Does Shiitake Mushroom interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include May enhance immunosuppressant effects. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Shiitake Mushroom.
What does Shiitake Mushroom pair well with?
Shiitake Mushroom stacks well with Reishi, Maitake, and Turkey Tail — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Shiitake Mushroom?
Shiitake Mushroom should be avoided or used with caution by people with Mushroom allergy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Shiitake Mushroom?
Most people tolerate Shiitake Mushroom well. The most commonly reported side effects are Rare GI upset and Skin sensitivity in some. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range
500-3000 mg daily
Timing
With meals
With food
Yes, improves tolerance
Duration

Safe for long-term use

Special Populations

Immune support seekers

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Shiitake Mushroomyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Search Shiitake Mushroom research
PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trialsPubMed (all) ↗Full literatureCochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviewsExamine.com ↗Research summaries
Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

  • • Beta-glucans activate immune cells
  • • Lentinan enhances natural killer cells
  • • Antioxidant compounds

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade B

Good evidence for immune modulation and beta-glucan benefits

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings
  • • Shiitake dermatitis rare
Contraindications
  • • Mushroom allergy
Common Side Effects
  • • Rare GI upset
  • • Skin sensitivity in some
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Consult healthcare provider

Liver & Kidney Notes

No concerns

Interactions

💊 Medications
  • • May enhance immunosuppressant effects
🧪 Supplements
  • • Synergistic with other medicinal mushrooms

Stacking & Synergies

Best Goal Synergies
Immune healthLongevity

Buying Guide

What to Look For
  • • Fruiting body source
  • • Beta-glucan standardized
Standardization Markers
Beta-glucan contentPolysaccharide percentage
Adulteration risk
Moderate
Practical Notes
  • • Fruiting body preferred over mycelium
  • • Cooking does not destroy beta-glucans
Tags
mushroomimmunebeta-glucanadaptogenimmune-supportpolysaccharidestraditional-useculinary-origin

Top Products with Shiitake Mushroom

Highest-scored catalog products containing Shiitake Mushroom, ranked by our scoring engine.

Browse all Shiitake Mushroom products →

More in Immune

Other ingredients in the Immune category.

Beta Glucan
Beta glucan is a soluble polysaccharide found in yeast, mushrooms, and grains that supports immune function by activating immune cells. Multiple clinical studies demonstrate modest benefits for immune response and upper respiratory health.
A
Browse all Immune ingredients →
Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Shiitake Mushroom — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/shiitake-mushroom

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.