Synonyms--- Lentinus edodes, Xianggu (Chinese: 香菇), Shiitake(Japanese: 椎茸) Letinan (Beta-Glucan) Chemical Name: Beta-Glucan, β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranose Molecular Formula: C42H72O36 Mol. Wt.: 1152.99948 Molecular Structure:: The Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries, as well as being dried and exported to many countries around the world. It is a feature of many Asian cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai. In the East, the Shiitake mushroom has long been considered a delicacy as well as a medicinal mushroom. The Shiitake Mushroom Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the whole mushroom (the fruiting bodies of Lentinula fungi).