The Shiitake mushroom is an ancient symbol of longevity in Asia because of its health-promoting properties, shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally by the Chinese for more than 6,000 years.

In recent years, its rich smoky flavor has been welcomed in North America where this wonder food can now be found in supermakets shelves across North America throught the year.

It also a great cancer fighter. A vast amount of research into Shiitake's medicinal properties has been completed and shows that it has the ability to fight tumors and viruses and enhance the immune system. Primary chemical constituents of Shitake include Polysaccharide, eritadenin, proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins D, B-2, B-12. The proteins contain all of the essential amino acids, and most commonly occuring non-essential amino acids and amides.

The fatty acids are largely unsaturated, and Shiitake's are rich in vitamins and minerals. Key therapeutic substances also present are glucans, a major constituent of the cell walls. Shiitake also yields Lentinan, a beta-1,3 linked glucan polysaccharide with a molecular wight of 1 million. Lentinan reversed tumor growth when injected in mice. It acts by stimulating the immune system, rather than by direct action on the tumor. Because of its large molecular size, Lentinan is not absorbed efficiently when taken orally, but some is absorbed. Lentinan activites the alternative complement pathway, stimulating the macrophages, thus inhibiting tumor growth.