Evidence supporting the use of: Shiitake mushroom
For the health condition: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) has been investigated for its potential to support immune function, including in the context of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Scientific interest centers around a specific polysaccharide extracted from shiitake called lentinan. Lentinan is a beta-glucan that has demonstrated immunomodulatory properties in laboratory and animal studies, such as stimulating macrophages, enhancing T-cell function, and increasing cytokine production. These effects have led to its use as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment in some countries, notably Japan. In the context of HIV/AIDS, preliminary studies and small clinical trials from the 1980s and 1990s explored lentinan as an adjunct to antiretroviral therapy or as a means to boost immune responses in patients with AIDS. Some studies suggested minor improvements in immune markers like CD4 counts, but the results were inconsistent and generally not robust. Moreover, sample sizes were small, and methodological limitations were present. Systematic reviews and more recent research have not found strong evidence to support shiitake or lentinan as a clinically effective treatment for AIDS. Current HIV management relies on antiretroviral drugs, and shiitake is not recommended as a primary or adjunct therapy. While there is scientific rationale and some early evidence for immune-modulation, the clinical evidence is weak, and shiitake mushrooms are not part of standard AIDS treatment protocols. Thus, the scientific evidence supporting its use for AIDS is limited and rated as 2 out of 5.

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