Mushrooms

Shiitake extract

Also called: lentinan, AHCC, lentinula

Extracts of the shiitake mushroom.

Why people take it
Immunity.
What the evidence says
Limited evidence.
How it is usually taken
Usually 1 to 3 g a day; raw shiitake can cause a whip-like rash.
Be careful
Raw or undercooked shiitake can cause a skin rash.
Medicines it can interact with
No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.

Other mushrooms

Lion's maneChagaTurkey tailMaitakeTremellaAgaricus blazeiMushroom coffeeLingzhi spores

Common questions

What is Shiitake extract?

Extracts of the shiitake mushroom.

Why do people take Shiitake extract?

Immunity.

Does Shiitake extract work?

Limited evidence.

How much Shiitake extract do people take?

Usually 1 to 3 g a day; raw shiitake can cause a whip-like rash.

Is Shiitake extract safe?

Raw or undercooked shiitake can cause a skin rash.

Does Shiitake extract interact with medicines?

No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.