Lentinula edodes
shiitake mushroom
Herbal medicineA meaty medicinal mushroom that contains protein, B vitamins, cortinelin (an antibacterial) and lentinan—a polysaccharide complex that stimulates the immune system, and is thought to be responsible for shiitake’s anticarcinogeic properties. Shitake is used for hypertension and to stimulate the immune system in patients with AIDS, cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Fringe oncology
Shiitake mushrooms have been used to treat cancer, using proprietary extracts (e.g., PSK and Lentinan).