Shiitake Mushroom
Lentinula edodes
A well-studied culinary and functional mushroom with lentinan beta-glucan and antioxidant compounds
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is both a culinary and functional mushroom, widely consumed as food and studied for its health-supporting properties. It contains lentinan — a beta-1,3/1,6-glucan polysaccharide — along with AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds.
Shiitake is used in DOG-1 for its lentinan content and complementary immune-supporting properties. As a well-studied functional mushroom with both culinary and pharmaceutical research, Shiitake provides a well-characterized addition to DOG-1's functional mushroom blend.
Lentinan and other beta-glucans in Shiitake interact with immune cell receptors to modulate immune responses. Shiitake also provides antioxidant compounds and B vitamins that support cellular energy metabolism and overall health.
- ✓Immune Function
- ✓Antioxidant Defense
- ✓Cellular Health
- ✓Nutritional Support
What Is Shiitake?
Lentinula edodes, commonly known as Shiitake, is one of the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world. Originally cultivated in East Asia, it is now grown globally and is valued both as a food and for its functional properties. Shiitake has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, where it was associated with longevity and immune health.
Lentinan and Immune Support
Lentinan is a beta-1,3/1,6-glucan polysaccharide extracted from Shiitake mushroom. Like other mushroom beta-glucans, lentinan interacts with pattern recognition receptors on immune cells, stimulating macrophage activity and natural killer cell function. Lentinan has been studied extensively in Japan, where it has been used as an adjunct cancer therapy.
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a proprietary extract derived from Shiitake mycelium that has been studied for immune support in humans. Research has found that AHCC supplementation can influence natural killer cell activity and other immune markers, though most studies have been conducted in humans rather than dogs.
Nutritional Profile
Beyond its functional compounds, Shiitake is a good source of B vitamins (particularly B2, B3, B5, and B6), vitamin D (when exposed to UV light), copper, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients support cellular energy metabolism, antioxidant defenses, and overall health. Shiitake also contains ergothioneine, the unique antioxidant amino acid found in high concentrations in mushrooms.
Shiitake is one of three functional mushrooms in DOG-1's immune support blend. Its lentinan content and nutritional profile complement the PSK/PSP of Turkey Tail and the triterpenes of Reishi.
Scientific References
- Wasser SP. Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2002;60(3):258-74. PMID: 12436306
- Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):32-44. PMID: 26770080