Evidence supporting the use of: Shiitake
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

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

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) have a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, particularly in China and Japan, where they have been consumed both as food and for their purported health benefits, including immune support. Modern scientific research has identified several bioactive compounds in shiitake, most notably lentinan, a β-glucan polysaccharide. Lentinan has been shown in laboratory and animal studies to possess immunomodulatory properties, potentially enhancing the body's ability to respond to viral infections by stimulating various immune cells, such as macrophages and T-cells.

Several in vitro and animal studies suggest that shiitake extracts may have activity against certain viruses, such as influenza and herpes simplex virus, by boosting immune responses or directly inhibiting viral replication. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. Some small human trials indicate that shiitake supplementation can enhance markers of immune function, but robust evidence for its efficacy in treating or preventing viral infections is lacking. Lentinan is approved as an adjunctive therapy for cancer in Japan, partially due to its immune-enhancing effects, but its use for viral infections remains largely experimental.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and early-stage evidence to support the use of shiitake for immune support and possibly viral infections, high-quality clinical trials are lacking, and it should not be considered a primary treatment.

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