Brief Introduction

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).

Benefits

Shiitake mushroom is a popular culinary mushroom used in cuisine throughout the world. It contains a high concentration of Lentinan, which is a beta-glucan isolated from the Shiitake mushroom fruiting bodies. Research has demonstrated the Shiitake mushroom:

• Stimulates the immune system
• Anti-caner
• Contains a cholesterol lowering compound known as eritadenine.
• Possesses anti-bacterial properties
• Possesses anti-viral properties (including anti-HIV and anti-HSV-1) (contains a proteinase inhibitor)
• Reduces platelet aggregation

Mechanism

Beta-glucan and the immune system

Beta-glucans are known as "biological response modifiers" because of their ability to activate the immune system. Immunologists at the University of Louisville, discovered that a receptor on the surface of innate immune cells called Complement Receptor 3 (CR3 or CD11b/CD18) is responsible for binding to beta-glucans, allowing the immune cells to recognize them as "non-self." However, it should be noted that the activity of beta-glucans is different from some pharmaceutical drugs which have the ability to over-stimulate the immune system. Pharmaceutical drugs have the potential to push the immune system to over-stimulation, and hence are contraindicated in individuals with autoimmune diseases, allergies, or yeast infections. Beta-glucans seem to make the immune system work better without becoming overactive. In addition to enhancing the activity of the immune system, beta-glucans also reportedly lower elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, aid in wound healing, help prevent infections, and have potential as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer.

Research of Lentinan shows: An in vitro experiment showed lentinan stimulated production of white blood cells in the human cell line U937. An in vivo experiment on mice, revealed lentinan is orally active (since clinical use of the drug is administered through an IV). Limited clinical studies of cancer patients have associated lentinan with a higher survival rate, higher quality of life, and lower re-occurrence of cancer.

Safety

Shiitake Mushroom Extract is safe. No side and harmful effect have been found.

Dosage

• The typical dose is 500-1500mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Shiitake Mushroom Extract Features and Benefits:

Shiitake Mushroom Extract is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Ganodema lucidum Mushroom

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High purity: over 25%(Polysaccharides as Beta-glucan: Lentinan)

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Crystal yellow-Brown in appearance

•  High solubility in water

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life