Shiitake Powder

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is the most consumed medicinal mushroom in the world after the white button mushroom, and one of the most studied. Its major active compound, lentinan (a specific beta-glucan), was approved in Japan as an adjunct medication in gastric chemotherapy in the 1980s. Shiitake is also rich in eritadenine (which reduces cholesterol levels), lentionine (the compound responsible for its characteristic aroma) and zinc, iron and B vitamins.

Yes, this is a documented fact. Injectable lentinan was approved by Japanese health authorities (Kaken Pharmaceutical) as an immune adjuvant in gastric cancer therapy in combination with mitomycin-C. Controlled Japanese clinical trials from the 1980s–90s showed improved survival in certain gastrointestinal cancers with the addition of lentinan to standard treatment. These are the medical data of the isolated active compound — shiitake powder as a dietary supplement is a nutritional source, not a medication.

Eritadenine, a compound unique to shiitake, inhibits the BHMT enzyme involved in homocysteine and cholesterol metabolism. Animal studies show LDL cholesterol reduction of up to 25 to 45%. Preliminary human studies published in Nutrition and Cancer confirm effects on blood lipids with regular shiitake consumption. These effects are more modest than statins but synergistic with a diet low in saturated fats.

Shiitake powder has a deep umami taste that integrates naturally into cooking: add 1 to 2 g in broths, soups, sauces, risottos or marinades. For functional supplementation, mix into your morning coffee, tea or broth. The powder can also be incorporated into salad dressings or savoury dishes for an incomparable depth of flavour while benefiting from its nutritional properties.

Yes, shiitake is one of the rare plants containing vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) naturally. When dried shiitakes are exposed to UV light (some producers dry their mushrooms in sunlight), their vitamin D2 content can increase considerably — up to 46,000 IU per 100g of sun-dried mushrooms. Shiitake powder can thus contribute to vitamin D intake, complementing animal-derived vitamin D3.

Allergy to shiitake or mushrooms (exists, can cause skin reactions — shiitake flagellate dermatitis); immunosuppressants (potential interaction with the immune system); anticoagulants (precaution); before surgery. 'Flagellate dermatitis' (striped dermatitis) can rarely occur following consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked shiitake — treated extract powder is generally without this risk.

SuperKure is the official distributor of Kiki Health in France. Order at superkure.fr with 24–48h delivery from our French warehouse. No customs fees, free delivery from €60. Also find the Shiitake Capsules and all adaptogenic mushrooms in powder and capsule form from the Kiki Health range at superkure.fr.