Shiitake mushrooms (Lentula edodes) are one of the most widely used medicinal mushrooms in Eastern medicine. It is their unique immunomodulatory role that provides a variety of medicinal effects in different biological systems. Unique, because the properties of the shiitakes serve more as mediators, advisors and coders, so to speak, rather than tactical strike forces in the body. Terrence McKenna would probably agree that it is the “raising of internal intelligence and expression of intelligence” through which the human biology benefits from these medicinal mushrooms.
Immune Strengthening
Shiitakes improve human immunity by up regulating Natural Killer T-Cells, Tumor Necrosis Factor, secretory IgA in the gut and interleukins 4 and 10.1 These special mushrooms affect both the humoral (recognition of invaders) and cellular (attack component) branches of immune function.2 The immune-protective role against foreign invaders and cellular damage should place shiitakes as a regular consumable in your kitchen.
Anti-Cancer / Anti-tumor
Ingestion of shiitake extracts demonstrates reduction of skin carcinoma cell proliferation and stimulates programmed cancer cell death without harming non-tumor cells.3 Similar studies have shown reduction in colon cancer tumor size4 as well as breast cancer (breast adenocarcinoma).5
Anti-Aging / Gut Microbiome
Aging, premature cellular damage due to oxidative stress is very much a function impaired immunity and imbalances in the gastrointestinal microbiome. Shiitake polysaccharides serve as prebiotics, the necessary substrates for microbiota health. They have been demonstrated to partially reverse the age-related composition of gut microbiota together with immune stimulating effects.6 Restoring human cellular integrity by boosting bacterial function!
Liver Protective
Shiitake extracts demonstrate significant effects on reducing markers of liver damage including serum transaminases (SGOT, SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin caused by induced paracetamol liver toxicity.7 The capacity to restore liver function has profound implications for all body functions. In response to the question I often pose to patients, “what does the liver do?” the most appropriate response is “everything” biochemically-speaking. This would make meal-inclusion of shiitakes during detox and daily routines absolutely vital.
Macrobiotic Shiitake and Seaweed Brown Rice
The mycelium component in mushrooms is capable of destroying many environmental toxic wastes and its study has led to what Paul Stamets refers to as Mycoremediation.
This hearty macrobiotic recipe is a simple favorite you can use to Mycoremediate your health! Definitely a comfort food, especially during cold weather.
Ingredients: brown rice, dry shiitake mushrooms, dried brown seaweed, garlic, ginger, black pepper, tamari sauce.
Preparation: It doesn’t get much simpler than this. This is really nice to eat on its own or to serve alongside baked butternut or acorn squash.
- Boil up a pot of brown rice.
- Crumble up 5-6 shiitake mushrooms and throw them in the pot together with some crushed garlic and ginger (too taste) when the rice is 2/3 cooked. As a general note, shiitake mushrooms don’t like metal, so I never cut them, I prefer to crumble them by hand.
- Toss in a handful of shredded dry brown seaweed or wakeme, whatever you prefer.
- Season in the end with black pepper and organic tamari sauce.
Disclaimer. The information represented in this article is meant to provide concepts from evidence based research. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any health condition. For appropriate treatment methods please contact your healthcare provider.
