The Benefits of Lentinan on the Human Body

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in lentinan, what’re the real benefits for people?
1. Antitumor activity of lentinan
Lentinus edodes polysaccharide has an anti-tumor effect, and it has no toxic side effects of chemotherapy drugs. After the lentinan enters the antibody, it induces an immunologically active cytokine. Under the combined action of these cytokines, the body’s immune system is enhanced and it plays a defense and killing effect on the tumor cells.
Lentinus edodes polysaccharide enhances antibody-dependent cell-induced cytotoxicity (ADDC) by activating macrophages, and exerts anti-tumor activity; in addition, lentinan can cause blood vessel dilatation and hemorrhage at the tumor site, resulting in tumor hemorrhage, necrosis and complete degeneration.
2. Immunomodulation of lentinan
The immunomodulatory effects of lentinan are an important basis for its biological activity. Lentinus edodes is a typical T cell activator that promotes the production of interleukins and promotes the function of mononuclear macrophages. It is considered to be a special immune enhancer. Its immune function is characterized by its ability to promote the production of lymphocyte activating factor (LAE), release various helper T cell factors, enhance the phagocytic rate of host peritoneal macrophages, and restore or stimulate the function of helper T cells. In addition, lentinan also promotes antibody production and inhibits macrophage release.
3. Antiviral activity of lentinan
Dr. Ishida of Japan believes that shiitake mushrooms contain a double-stranded ribonucleic acid that stimulates the release of interferon from human reticular cells and white blood cells, while interferon has an antiviral effect. The mycelium extract of shiitake mushroom can inhibit the adsorption of herpes virus by cells, thereby preventing various diseases caused by herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus. The United Kingdom extracts a substance from the cultured shiitake mycelium, which can restore the HIV-infected T lymphocytes, stimulate macrophages, help produce antibodies to treat AIDS, and is safe and has no side effects.
Some scholars have found that sulfated lentinan has anti-HIV (HIV) activity, which can interfere with the adsorption and invasion of retroviruses and other viruses. Japanese scholars have reported that a sulfated derivative of glucan with good anti-tumor activity obtained from the fruiting body of Lentinus edodes can inhibit the activity of HIV.
4. Anti-infective effect of lentinan
It has been reported that lentinan can increase macrophage function. Lentinus edodes polysaccharide has inhibitory effects on Abelson virus, adenovirus type 12 and influenza virus infection, and is a good drug for treating various hepatitis, especially chronic migratory hepatitis.