1. Improving Gut Microbiome Diversity

In one of the studies from the review, 52 individuals with mildly high cholesterol who consumed a beta-glucan-enriched shiitake mixture for eight weeks experienced an increase in gut bacterial diversity. A more diverse gut microbiome is linked to better digestive health, stronger immunity, and reduced risk of inflammatory diseases.

2. Supporting Immune Function

Another study described in the review found that 8 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who took a shiitake extract showed a boost in immune cell activity. Specifically, researchers observed that T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are important for immune defense, became more active and produced higher levels of molecules that help fight disease.

3. Enhancing Cancer Treatment Tolerance

Several studies included in the review suggest that shiitake mushroom compounds may help patients better tolerate chemotherapy. In an early clinical study, 275 patients with advanced stomach and colorectal cancer who received lentinan, a natural beta-glucan extracted from shiitake mushrooms, alongside chemotherapy had prolonged survival times. More recent studies found that shiitake extracts could reduce nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by chemotherapy and lessen the severity of side effects, supporting a better quality of life during treatment.