Lentinan (Shiitake Beta-Glucan · (1→3)-β-D-Glucan · Immune Polysaccharide)
| CAS No. | 37339-90-5 |
| Class | Polysaccharide · Fungal Beta-Glucan · (1→3)-β-D-Glucan with (1→6) branches |
| Source | Lentinula edodes (Shiitake mushroom) — fruit body and mycelium |
| Claim strength | Moderate–High |
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Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) has been cultivated and consumed in China, Japan, and Korea for over two thousand years. In traditional Chinese medicine, shiitake was classified as a tonic food strengthening qi, supporting stamina, and promoting longevity. The active polysaccharide fraction — lentinan — was first isolated by Japanese researchers in the 1960s and became the first mushroom-derived compound to receive formal pharmaceutical approval in Japan. Lentinan is a (1→3)-β-D-glucan with (1→6) branch points, recognised by Dectin-1 receptors of the innate immune system.
Lentinan for Immune Modulation, NK Cell Activation & Antiviral Support — Evidence
Clinical immune modulation — approved pharmaceutical use: Lentinan is approved in Japan as a biological response modifier for use alongside chemotherapy in gastric cancer management. Multiple clinical trials document improvements in immune parameters. The injectable pharmaceutical form is distinct from oral supplement applications. Claim strength: High (pharmaceutical); Moderate (oral supplement).
Natural killer cell activation: Multiple human studies with oral shiitake extract document statistically significant increases in NK cell counts and activity markers. Claim strength: Moderate.
Gut immune axis support: Oral lentinan interacts with immune cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), stimulating dendritic cell activation and cytokine production. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antiviral activity: Lentinan and related shiitake polysaccharides have demonstrated antiviral activity against several enveloped viruses in preclinical studies. Claim strength: Emerging.
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Lentinan Dosage, Standardisation & Formulator Specification
Clinically referenced dose (oral): 1–3g per day of shiitake extract standardised to beta-glucan content for immune support applications.
Standardisation: Beta-glucan percentage verified by the Megazyme enzymatic method is the quality handle. Target 10–40% beta-glucan for supplement-grade extract. Always confirm fruit body specification and starch content on the CoA.
Fruit body vs mycelium: Fruit body extract contains lentinan and related (1→3)-beta-glucans. Mycelium extract has a different polysaccharide profile and may include significant grain substrate starch. Always confirm fruit body on the CoA.
Pairs with: Reishi, Cordyceps, fucoidan, Vitamin D.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lentinan
What is lentinan and how does it differ from other mushroom beta-glucans?
Lentinan is the (1→3)-β-D-glucan with (1→6) branches from shiitake — the most extensively clinically studied fungal beta-glucan with pharmaceutical approval in Japan. Each mushroom species has a distinct polysaccharide profile — reishi, turkey tail, and shiitake beta-glucans are not interchangeable.
Is shiitake extract the same as lentinan?
Shiitake extract contains lentinan alongside other polysaccharides. Pharmaceutical lentinan is a purified isolated form for intravenous use. Supplement-grade is standardised to total beta-glucan percentage by enzymatic method.
How does lentinan's immune mechanism work?
Lentinan's (1→3)-beta-glucan structure is recognised by Dectin-1 receptors on macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells, triggering NK cell proliferation, cytokine production, and enhanced phagocytic activity.
Can lentinan be positioned for oncology support in supplement formulations?
The pharmaceutical evidence base uses intravenous administration and should not be referenced on supplement consumer labels in regulated Western markets. Appropriate claims are immune support, NK cell activity, and general wellness.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
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