Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is far more than a delicious edible mushroom - it's a powerful medicinal mushroom with remarkable benefits for skin, hair, and immune health. Known as the "elixir of life" in traditional medicine, Shiitake has been cultivated for over 800 years for both culinary and therapeutic purposes. Discover our premium Shiitake products to experience these beauty and wellness benefits.
Shiitake mushrooms are far more than a delicious edible mushroom. They're also part of the functional mushroom family. Hailing from Japan, they're commonly called sawtooth oak mushrooms, black forest mushrooms, or oakwood mushrooms.
The earliest record of their cultivation was in 1209 during the Song dynasty in China, and over the centuries, they have earned a reputation for their health and nutritional benefits. These include:
- Skin and hair health
- Immune system support
- Liver support
- Brain power
Skin and hair health
Your hair and skin require the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to do their job. If you've got a nutritional deficiency, you'll notice brittle, dry hair and flaky skin.
Luckily, shiitake contains many of the essential ingredients for optimal skin and hair growth. First, it contains 1 gram of protein for every 4 dried shiitake mushroom65. These amino acids are similar to meat66 and can support keratin production, the key protein in hair and skin.
Moreover, it also contains a healthy dose of vitamin B5, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium65. Together, they form the key building blocks of hair and skin. Your outer layer of skin has five times more zinc than the layer beneath it, and, alongside selenium, helps protect against UV damage67.
Vitamin B5 helps relieve itchiness and promotes healing from skin conditions like eczema and insect bites68. Vitamin D deficiency, meanwhile, is associated with hair loss as it's a critical compound in its growth69.
Ready to enhance your natural beauty? Try our Shiitake liquid extract for maximum bioavailability and skin-supporting nutrients.
Immune system support
In addition to its nutritional profile, shiitake also contains polysaccharides that support your immune functioning. One study identified a particular polysaccharide (L2) that enhanced immune responses by altering gene expression70.
Another study of 52 people aged 21 to 41 years old found daily shiitake intake for 4 weeks boosted immune cell proliferation and activation and improved cytokine production. The result was an overall uptick in immune performance and lowering of inflammation71.
In one mouse study, shiitake mushrooms even appeared to reverse some age-related immune function decline72.
Combining its effect on skin and the immune system, a 2019 study reported an antibacterial effect against acne bacteria73. In fact, it's even been used in some cosmetic products74.
For convenient daily immune support, our Shiitake powder can be easily added to meals, smoothies, or soups for comprehensive wellness benefits.
Weight loss
Shiitake mushrooms are a perfect addition to a weight loss diet with a high protein and fiber content and low calories. Indeed, a common problem for overweight individuals is maintaining adequate nutrition while losing weight. In rats fed a high-fat diet, shiitake mushrooms prevent excess fat in the liver and lower cholesterol levels compared to a no-mushroom diet75.
Moreover, there's some indication they boost heart health. These fungi contain three compounds associated with lower cholesterol: eritadenine, sterols, and β-glucans66,76,77. They've also been observed to prevent blood pressure increases in rats: a risk factor for heart disease78
Shiitake is also featured in our 7 Mushroom Blend, providing comprehensive beauty and wellness support alongside six other powerful medicinal mushrooms.
Related Mushrooms for Beauty & Wellness
Shiitake works synergistically with other medicinal mushrooms to support comprehensive health and beauty:
- Chaga - The ultimate skincare mushroom with powerful antioxidants and melanin for anti-aging benefits
- Reishi - Reduces stress and promotes better sleep for healthy skin regeneration
- Turkey Tail - Provides additional immune system support with PSP and PSK compounds
- Lion's Mane - Supports cognitive function and nerve health for overall wellness
Learn More About Medicinal Mushrooms
Expand your knowledge with our educational resources:
Deep dive down the mycelium rabbit hole and learn about the benefits of all the mushrooms by reading scientific studies from around the world.