YAMAMOTO RESEARCH
Shiitake Bio 45 capsules

The name "Shiitake" (by which it is best known) derives from the Japanese word "shii" which indicates a particular variety of chestnut tree (Castanopsis cuspidata), and from the word "takeche" which means mushroom. Shiitake is sometimes also called "Forest Mushroom" and "Black Forest Mushroom". In China, where it is also widely cultivated, it is known as Shaingugu (pin yin = Shang Guor Shiang- ku), which means "fragrant mushroom". The Latin name of the Shiitake is "Lentinus edodes" (lent means "pliable", inus means "resembling" and edodes means "edible").

Characterised by an intense and pleasant flavour, after the common mushroom, it appears to be the most famous culinary mushroom in the world, and its cultivation in China is even older than that of rice. Even in the United States just as in Europe, its spread has increased considerably.

The Shiitake grows spontaneously on the trunks of dead and dying oak and chestnut trees; besides having an excellent flavour, it also boasts various therapeutic properties which were valued as early as the Ming era. Its characteristics have been studied since the 1960s, when a group of Japanese epidemiologists noted that in two isolated mountain districts, degenerative pathologies were virtually absent. Scientists discovered that the main activity in both areas was related to the cultivation of the Shiitake, which the inhabitants habitually used in their daily diet.

The Shiitake boasts of a true tradition as a medicinal mushroom, used for centuries in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and also within Japanese medicinal circles. Its characteristic properties have a preventive health impact, it contains many precious bioactive substances and has a high nutritional value. It contains all the essential amino acids including "erythadenine", a very particular amino acid, which is believed to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as containing β-glucans and polysaccharides (such as lentinan) which augment the immune system.

In its dried form, it also contains vitamin D and 58-60% carbohydrates, 20-23% proteins, 9-10% fibre and 3-4% lipids. It is an excellent source of vitamins such as vitamin E, and in particular, provitamin D (ergosterol) which becomes calciferol (vitamin D2) in the presence of ultraviolet light. It also contains B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B12 and pantothenic acid). It is also rich in minerals including iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and zinc.

In traditional Chinese medicine, shiitake is used for problems related to lipid metabolism and for flu. Furthermore, it is believed that it "revives" the blood, providing vital energy and eliminating hunger as well as being considered to be a remedy against the common cold. In fact, Traditional Oriental Medicine says that it stimulates the "Qi", the primordial vital energy that animates the body and connects it to the living cosmos.

Its main action remains that of supporting the immune system, although it needs and depends on an active autonomic nervous system, on the pituitary-adrenal axis being in good condition and on a functioning thymus.
From the chemical point of view, the secret of the beneficial properties that affects practically all medicinal fungi lies in the presence of polysaccharides. These are macromolecules of highly variable structure consisting of a repeated sequence of sugars with numerous portions of oxygen inside which, when broken down by the body, are released and absorbed at a cellular level. In fact, an organism that is not adequately nourished with oxygen tends to precipitate degenerative states that favour the onset of cancer, heart disease, immune disorders and diabetes. Mycotherapy teaches that beta-glucans also present in Shiitake, which represent the polysaccharides that make up the cell wall of fungi, have the ability to promote and activate immune cells in the presence of infectious, viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. They often tend to join with proteins, making proteoglycans, substances with a more powerful immunomodulating action than simple beta-glucans. These are able to increase the presence of macrophage cells, NK and subpopulations of helper T cells in the body.

Research on the individual components of medicinal mushrooms and their synergistic and therapeutic action is still ongoing. Today however, the Shiitake can also boast of an interesting collection of studies attesting to its many health benefits, in addition to its effective immunomodulating action against colds, flu, bronchitis, and rhinitis. In this regard, it is also used in an antiviral and antibacterial context, combatting Escherichia coli, herpes simplex and Staphylococcus aureus. It also fights some fungal infections such as candida because it acts on the intestine as a "prebiotic", promoting the formation of good intestinal bacterial flora.

Among the most interesting bioactive substances together with lentinan is above all erythadenine, which speeds up cholesterol metabolism, counteracting arteriosclerosis. In fact, in mycotherapy, this fungus is also attributed as having hypocholesterolising and supporting properties in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and it helps to combat arteriosclerosis. In fact, this fungus also improves the blood lipid profile, lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol and raising levels of good cholesterol, HDL. Consequently, thanks to the Shiitake, cholesterol deposits can be kept under better control, preventing the onset of arteriosclerosis by combatting its pathogenesis. In doing so, there is also a marked improvement on the hypertension caused by cholesterol deposits on the vessel walls. Erythadenine would also have antithrombotic properties, as it would dilute the blood, inhibiting platelet aggregation.

For the regulating action of the circulation, the Shiitake is also successfully used to treat migraine and tinnitus. This fungus is associated with interesting properties, it favours liver function and the protection of this very important organ. It is an excellent ally against hepatic steatosis and in studies, has shown to be able to reduce levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in the blood.

Net content: 32 g

Warnings: do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. Keep out of the reach of young children. Keep in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposure to heat sources and sunlight.