​Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Tawan)

Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Tawan)

Product Name: Dried Shiitake Mushroom, Lentinula edodes, Shiitake-Pilz, Seta shiitake, Champignon shiitaké, فطر شيتاكي, เห็ดหอม, Шиитаке гриби, Шиитаке qo‘ziqorin, Шиитаке козу карын, Шиитаке göbələk, Гриби шиітаке, Šiitake grybas, Šiitake sēne, פטריית שיטאקי

Synonyms: Шиитаке, японский гриб, черный лесной гриб, китайский ароматный гриб, Shiitake mushroom, Black forest mushroom, Chinesischer Duftpilz, Seta de roble, Champignon parfumé, الفطر العطري, เห็ดหอมญี่ปุ่น

Used Parts: cap, fruiting body, stem, mycelium, spores

Primary Indications for Use of Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes): malignant neoplasms of the stomach, malignant neoplasms of the colon, malignant neoplasms of the breast, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, chronic bronchitis, secondary immunodeficiency states, alimentary-constitutional obesity.

Indications for Use of Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) in Mixtures and Complexes: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis of the aorta, ischemic heart disease, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, chronic fatigue syndrome, mixed-type dyslipidemia, chronic renal failure stages I–II.

Primary Pharmacological Properties of Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes): immunomodulatory, antitumor, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral, cardioprotective, adaptogenic, general tonic.

Dosage of Pharmacological Forms

Tea Beverage with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Indication: chronic viral hepatitis, malignant neoplasms of the colon, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic fatigue syndrome.
Standard Dosage: 200 ml of infusion once a day in the morning.
Enhanced Dosage: 250 ml of infusion twice a day, for chronic viral hepatitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia.
Maximum Dosage: 300 ml of infusion twice a day, for malignant neoplasms of the colon and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Preventive Dosage: 200 ml of infusion three times a week, for arterial hypertension and mixed-type dyslipidemia.
Pediatric Dosage: from 6 years old, body weight from 18 kg, 100 ml of infusion once a day in the morning, for chronic bronchitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to mushrooms. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically documented.
Side Effects: overdose may cause dyspeptic disorders, weakness, headache.
Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase dosage by 20%.
Preparation Technology: Tea Beverage with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes). For 1000 ml of infusion: 30 g of dried shiitake fruiting bodies, 10 g of dried goji berries, 10 g of ginger, 10 ml of organic coconut oil. Rinse the mushrooms, soak for 20 minutes. Pour 1000 ml of boiling water over all ingredients, infuse covered for 40 minutes at a temperature of about 85°C. Strain, take warm.
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a thermos or glass container at a temperature of +2 to +6°C for no more than 24 hours.

Salad with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Indication: alimentary-constitutional obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic fatigue syndrome.
Standard Dosage: 150 g of salad once a day in the evening.
Enhanced Dosage: 200 g of salad twice a day, for alimentary-constitutional obesity and hyperlipidemia.
Maximum Dosage: 250 g of salad twice a day, for type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Preventive Dosage: 150 g of salad three times a week, for chronic fatigue syndrome and hyperlipidemia.
Pediatric Dosage: from 5 years old, body weight from 15 kg, 100 g of salad once a day.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to mushrooms. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically documented.
Side Effects: overdose may cause bloating, flatulence, decreased appetite.
Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dosage by 15%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase dosage by 15%.
Preparation Technology: Salad with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes). For 1000 g of finished product: 200 g of soaked and boiled shiitake, 200 g of cucumbers, 200 g of carrots, 100 g of red bell pepper, 50 g of onion, 20 ml of organic coconut oil, 10 ml of lemon juice, 5 g of sea salt. Cut mushrooms into thin strips, julienne vegetables, mix, dress with coconut oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store at a temperature of +2 to +6°C in glass or ceramicware for no more than 12 hours.

Soup with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Indication: malignant neoplasms of the stomach, chronic viral hepatitis, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, chronic bronchitis.
Standard Dosage: 250 ml of soup once a day, course 21 days.
Enhanced Dosage: 300 ml of soup twice a day, for chronic viral hepatitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease.
Maximum Dosage: 400 ml of soup twice a day, for malignant neoplasms of the stomach, hyperlipidemia.
Preventive Dosage: 250 ml of soup twice a week, for arterial hypertension and chronic bronchitis.
Pediatric Dosage: from 7 years old, body weight from 20 kg, 150 ml once a day, for chronic bronchitis and alimentary-constitutional obesity.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to mushrooms. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically documented.
Side Effects: overdose may cause dyspeptic disorders, diarrhea, flatulence.
Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase dosage by 20%.
Preparation Technology: Soup with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes). For 1000 ml of soup: 40 g of dried shiitake fruiting bodies, 100 g of tofu, 50 g of carrots, 50 g of celery, 20 ml of organic coconut oil, 5 g of sea salt. Soak mushrooms in water for 30 minutes beforehand, julienne, sauté in coconut oil for 3 minutes, add chopped vegetables, pour in 900 ml of water, simmer on low heat for 40 minutes. Add chopped tofu, cook for another 10 minutes.
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store at a temperature of +2 to +6°C for no more than 48 hours. Re-boiling is allowed no more than once.

Rice Porridge with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Indication: type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, chronic gastritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, alimentary-constitutional obesity.
Standard Dosage: 200 g of porridge once a day in the morning.
Enhanced Dosage: 250 g of porridge twice a day, for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia.
Maximum Dosage: 300 g of porridge twice a day, for alimentary-constitutional obesity and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Preventive Dosage: 200 g of porridge three times a week, for chronic gastritis and compensated type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Pediatric Dosage: from 5 years old, body weight from 18 kg, 100 g once a day.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to mushrooms. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically documented.
Side Effects: overdose — possible abdominal pain, flatulence.
Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dose by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase dose by 25%.
Preparation Technology: Rice Porridge with Dried Shiitake Mushroom. For 1000 g of finished product: 60 g of dried shiitake, 300 g of round-grain rice, 700 ml of water, 10 ml of organic coconut oil, 5 g of sea salt. Soak mushrooms for 30 minutes, dice. Rinse rice, add water, cook for 20 minutes, add mushrooms and salt, finish cooking for 20 minutes, dress with coconut oil.
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store at a temperature of +2 to +6°C for no more than 24 hours.

Sauce with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Indication: chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, mixed-type dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, chronic bronchitis.
Standard Dosage: 30 g of sauce as part of a main dish once a day.
Enhanced Dosage: 50 g of sauce twice a day, for gastric ulcer and chronic gastritis.
Maximum Dosage: 70 g of sauce twice a day, for mixed-type dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension.
Preventive Dosage: 30 g of sauce twice a week, for chronic bronchitis and arterial hypertension.
Pediatric Dosage: from 4 years old, body weight from 15 kg, 15 g once a day with a main dish.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to mushrooms. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically documented.
Side Effects: overdose may cause heartburn, stomach heaviness.
Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase dosage by 20%.
Preparation Technology: Sauce with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes). For 1000 g of finished product: 80 g of dried shiitake, 400 g of tomatoes, 100 g of onion, 30 ml of organic coconut oil, 10 g of sea salt, 10 g of garlic. Soak mushrooms for 30 minutes, chop. Sauté onion and garlic in coconut oil, add mushrooms, stew for 10 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, salt, simmer covered for 40 minutes. Blend the resulting mixture until smooth.
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store at a temperature of +2 to +6°C in an airtight glass container for no more than 5 days. Use within 48 hours after opening.

Oil Extract with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Indication: malignant neoplasms of the breast, malignant neoplasms of the stomach, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, secondary immunodeficiency states.
Standard Dosage: 5 ml of oil extract orally once a day after meals, course 30 days.
Enhanced Dosage: 10 ml of oil extract orally once a day, for malignant neoplasms of the breast, chronic viral hepatitis, hyperlipidemia.
Maximum Dosage: 15 ml of oil extract orally once a day, for malignant neoplasms of the stomach, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, secondary immunodeficiency states.
Preventive Dosage: 5 ml of oil extract twice a week, in courses of 30 days, recommended for adult patients with chronic bronchitis, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia.
Pediatric Dosage: from 8 years old, body weight from 25 kg, 2 ml of oil extract once a day, for chronic bronchitis, arterial hypertension. No data on use in children under 8 years old.
Contraindications: individual intolerance, allergic reactions to mushrooms. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 8 years old are not scientifically documented.
Side Effects: overdose has been associated with nausea, diarrhea, skin itching, headache.
Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase dose by 20%.
Preparation Technology: Oil Extract with Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes). For 100 g of finished product, use 30 g of dried shiitake fruiting bodies, ground into powder, pour over 70 ml of organic coconut oil, maintain at a temperature of 45°C in a water bath for 6 hours, stir thoroughly every 30 minutes, then filter through gauze and a glass filter. Store the resulting extract in a sterile glass container.
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 5 to 20°C, in a tightly closed glass container. Shelf life 12 months. Use within 30 days after opening the package.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Brief summary of scientific research results on the toxicity of Lentinula edodes (shiitake):

• Acute Toxicity (LD₅₀):
• Repeated Dose and Subchronic Toxicity:
• Acute Toxicity of Lectins (Protein Component):
• Myo- and Hepatotoxicity at High Doses:
• Skin Reaction — Dermatitis:

Lentinan, a polysaccharide from the fruiting body of shiitake, has an LD₅₀ > 1500 mg/kg when administered intravenously to mice, indicating low acute toxicity.
Reference: [PMC+15Drugs.com+15Wikipedia+15]{.underline}

In a 28-day study on Wistar rats, an extract from cultured Lentinula edodes mycelium (LEM) was examined. Oral administration of doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day showed no mortality, significant clinical manifestations, or notable histopathological changes. NOAEL exceeds 2000 mg/kg/day.
Reference: [Drugs.com+3PubMed+3ResearchGate+3]{.underline}

A lectin (LEL) extracted from the fruiting body, when administered intraperitoneally to mice up to 10,000 mg/kg, caused no fatalities or morphological organ changes.
Reference: [enamine.net+7ResearchGate+7PMC+7ccohs.ca+8PubMed+8ResearchGate+8]{.underline}

In an experiment on mice, powdered L. edodes mushrooms were given at doses of 3, 6, and 9 g/kg/day for 5 days. At the highest dose (9 g/kg), an increase in plasma creatine kinase activity was observed, indicating myotoxic effects; no signs of overt hepatotoxicity were recorded.
Reference: [ResearchGate+1]{.underline}

In some individuals (especially when consuming raw or lightly cooked shiitake), shiitake mushroom dermatitis may occur — rashes, itching, and linear erythematous papules, likely caused by the polysaccharide lentinan. Symptoms resolve within 3–21 days.
Reference: [efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com+11Wikipedia+11Drugs.com+11]{.underline}

Toxicity Conclusion:

• Lentinan (polysaccharide): low toxicity (LD₅₀ > 1500 mg/kg);
• Mycelium extract (LEM): non-toxic at 2000 mg/kg/day (NOAEL > 2000 mg/kg);
• Lectin (LEL): at high doses (≤ 10,000 mg/kg) shows no acute toxicity;
• Powdered mushroom: at very high oral doses (9 g/kg/day) shows myotoxicity;
• Side reactions: rarely — dermatitis from consuming uncooked mushroom.

According to WHO classification, Lentinula edodes can be characterized as low-toxicity and equally safe even at significantly exceeded doses.
Reference: Yoshioka Y., Tamesada M., Tomi H. (2010). *A repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study of extract from cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia in Wistar rats*. Journal of Toxicological Sciences, 35(5), 785–791. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20930474/)

Pharmacodynamics — Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

The pharmacodynamic profile of Lentinula edodes is characterized by the complex action of its bioactive components (primarily β-glucans/lentinan, glycoproteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals), which determine multisystem modulating effects. According to modern scientific sources, the following key pharmacodynamic properties are highlighted.

Firstly, the immunomodulatory effect. β-glucans from L. edodes interact with immune receptors (PRR) on cells of innate immunity (macrophages, dendritic cells), activating cellular and humoral responses, increasing cytokine synthesis, driving the immune response [sciencedirect.com+15mdpi.com+15es.wikipedia.org+15]{.underline}. These polysaccharides act as biological response modifiers, stimulating both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms [PMC]{.underline}.

Secondly, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Shiitake extracts, particularly lentinan, exert a stabilizing effect on oxidative processes, reducing free radical levels, and inhibit inflammatory mediators at the level of immune cells [PMC+15BioMed Central+15Drugs.com+15]{.underline}.

The third direction is antibacterial and antiviral effects. Polysaccharide fractions and glycoproteins demonstrate suppressive action on the growth of bacteria and viruses, including herpes viruses and retroviruses (at the level of cellular models and in vitro) [it.wikipedia.org]{.underline}.

Fourth — metabolic regulation. Mushroom components such as sterols, amino acids, and vitamins influence lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, participating in the regulation of energy metabolism at the systemic level [it.wikipedia.orgscirp.org]{.underline}.

Systemic and local levels of action are closely intertwined: immunomodulation occurs through systemic enhancement of immune system activity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action can exert local effects on mucous and epithelial tissues.

Target physiological targets include:

• innate immune receptors (PRR, β-glucan receptors);
• cytokine signaling pathways;
• redox enzymes and free radical neutralization systems;
• antimicrobial targets on cell membranes and viral complexes.

Thus, the pharmacodynamics of Lentinula edodes is determined by the synergistic, multimodal activity of its active components, exerting immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, which are confirmed by experimental and review studies in well-known scientific journals.

References:
‑ Roszczyk A., Turło J., Zagożdżon R., Kaleta B. (2022). Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(16): 8980.
‑ Zhou G. (2024). Lentinan progress in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases. European Journal of Medical Research.
‑ Finimundy T.C., Dillon A.J.P., Henriques J.A.P., Ely M.R. (2014). A Review on General Nutritional Compounds and Pharmacological Properties of the Lentinula edodes Mushroom. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 5: 1095–1105.

Pharmacokinetics — Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Available pharmacokinetic data on Lentinula edodes primarily describe classical pathways of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, characteristic of polysaccharide extracts, glycoproteins, and melanin complexes.

Absorption. Polysaccharides, such as lentinan, have low bioavailability when administered orally due to their large molecular weight, therefore, in some clinical applications, they are used parenterally (e.g., intravenously) [ijraset.com+10ResearchGate+10scirp.org+10PubMed+1de.wikipedia.org+3Wikipedia+3BioMed Central+3BioMed Central]{.underline}. Aqueous extracts and finely dispersed forms may be partially absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution and Metabolism. Large molecular components likely do not penetrate tissues but interact with immune cells in lymph nodes and the liver. Smaller fractions, vitamins, and amino acids participate in systemic metabolism. Metabolism occurs through common liver enzyme pathways (including CYP enzymes for lipophilic components) and possibly, intestinal microflora contributes to the fermentation and transformation of polysaccharides.

Excretion. Metabolites and semi-hydrolyzable fractions are excreted by the liver and kidneys (with bile or urine). Some components, such as small β-glucans or terpenoids, may also be excreted through the respiratory tract and skin as metabolites.

Administration. The main route is oral (as extract, powder, infusion). The possibility of transdermal or inhalation application is considered only theoretically, without confirmed data. It is believed that intestinal microflora contributes to the enzymatic breakdown of active fractions and influences their absorption.

In summary, the pharmacokinetics of L. edodes corresponds to the properties of substance groups: large polysaccharides primarily act locally or through local immune activation; smaller substantial fractions are distributed and metabolized through classical pathways via the liver, kidneys, and microflora.

References:
‑ Lentinan. Wikipedia.
‑ Finimundy T.C., Dillon A.J.P., Henriques J.A.P., Ely M.R. (2014). A Review on General Nutritional Compounds and Pharmacological Properties of the Lentinula edodes Mushroom. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 5: 1095–1105.

Mechanisms of Action — Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Polysaccharides, mainly β-glucans (including lentinan), extracted from Lentinula edodes, act as biological modulators of the immune system. These molecules act as pattern recognition molecules (PAMP), activating innate immune receptors (PRR) on macrophages and dendritic cells. Activation triggers a cascade of signaling pathways, including NF-κB and STAT, leading to increased cytokine synthesis and improved function of T-lymphocytes and NK cells.
Reference: Roszczyk A., Turło J., Zagożdżon R., Kaleta B. (2022). Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(16): 8980. ([PMC link]) [BioMed Central+13PMC+13ResearchGate+13]{.underline}

Lentinan suppresses NF-κB activation, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating antioxidant systems. This anti-inflammatory action is also associated with the inhibition of COX and LOX pathways, reduction of reactive oxygen species levels, and stabilization of cell membranes.
Reference: G. Zhou et al. (2024). Lentinan progress in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases. European Journal of Medical Research, 29: 8. [BioMed Central]{.underline}

Furthermore, lentinan promotes apoptosis through the activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cytochrome c release, and eliminating NF-κB-mediated protection. This is observed at the cellular level and in tumor models.
Reference: Bugajewski M. et al. (2025). Lentinula edodes as a Source of Bioactive Compounds... International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(7): 3320. [PMC+13mdpi.com+13ResearchGate+13]{.underline}

Lentinan also exerts a mucosa-protective effect, improving epithelial barrier integrity, increasing the expression of tight-junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin), and normalizing gut microbiota, indicating its action through an intestinal target.
Reference: Bugajewski M. et al. (2025). ibid. [mdpi.com]{.underline}

Thus, Lentinula edodes acts at different levels: activation of the innate immune system (macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells), regulation of cytokine balance, triggering of signaling pathways (NF-κB, STAT), antioxidant protection, apoptosis modulation, support of the intestinal barrier and microbiota. All mechanisms are confirmed by experimental data from peer-reviewed publications and biomedical databases.
References: Roszczyk A. et al. (2022). ibid.; G. Zhou et al. (2024). ibid.; Bugajewski M. et al. (2025). ibid.

Synergy — Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Research confirms the synergistic interaction of Lentinula edodes (often through AHCC — active hexose correlated compound) with other bioactive substances. In in vitro and in vivo models, combined use of AHCC and Wasabia japonica (wasabi) demonstrated an additive effect: enhanced induction of apoptosis through G0/G1 arrest and activation of pro-apoptotic factors.
Reference: Balakrishnan B. et al. (2021). Combining the Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects... PMC [mdpi.com+4PMC+4wcrj.net+4]{.underline}

The combination of extracts from Agaricus bisporus and Lentinula edodes suppressed the expression of IL-8 and NF-κB, indicating enhanced anti-inflammatory and antimodulatory effects.
Reference: Balakrishnan B. et al. (2021). ibid. [synapse.patsnap.com+15PMC+15mdpi.com+15]{.underline}

Also, the study describes synergistic activity of shiitake polysaccharides with conjugated forms (NP): for example, lentinan-NP together with budesonide inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in a model of intestinal inflammation, demonstrating tissue-specific anti-inflammatory effects.
Reference: Bugajewski M. et al. (2025). ibid. [ageconsearch.umn.edu+9mdpi.com+9wcrj.net+9]{.underline}

Thus, synergy is observed when combining L. edodes with other plant components, including wasabi, extracts of various mushrooms, as well as pharmacological carriers. Forms of interaction are potentiating (increased apoptosis, suppression of pro-inflammatory markers) and modulating — through common signaling cascades (NF-κB, cytokines). These effects are confirmed by experimental data and reflected in peer-reviewed publications.
References: Balakrishnan B. et al. (2021). ibid. [PMC]{.underline} Bugajewski M. et al. (2025). ibid. [mdpi.com]{.underline}

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Dried Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

Lentinula edodes, better known as Dried Shiitake Mushroom, has a deep historical and cultural tradition of use in East Asia. The first written mentions of its use were recorded in China during the Song Dynasty (10th–13th centuries), where the mushroom was considered an "elixir of life" and mentioned in treatises as a product that strengthens vital energy. Japanese chronicles from the Muromachi period (14th–16th centuries) contain records of shiitake cultivation on logs of shiitake trees (Castanopsis cuspidata), from which its name originates. The tradition of use spread to Korea, where the mushroom became part of the local pharmacopoeia and culinary practice.

In Chinese traditional medicine, shiitake was traditionally used in the form of decoctions and infusions prepared from dried fruiting bodies. It was considered a means of maintaining the harmony of vital energy "qi" and prolonging longevity. In Japanese tradition, the mushroom was used not only as a food product but also as part of ritual cuisine in Buddhist monasteries, where it symbolized spiritual purification. In Korea, it was often included in tonic soups served on festive and ceremonial days.

Beyond medicine, the mushroom also had symbolic significance. In Chinese culture, shiitake was considered a "plant of power" and used in rituals related to strengthening the home and family. It was believed that its scent repelled evil spirits, so dried mushrooms could be kept in the house as a kind of amulet. In Japanese ritual practices, it could be part of food served during Buddhist ceremonies, symbolizing purity and spiritual balance.

Ethnographic information indicates that in some regions of Southeast Asia, shiitake was used as a component of infusions for treating skin and hair to maintain their health, reflecting the intersection of therapeutic and cosmetic traditions. In the village culture of Southern China and Northern Vietnam, the use of shiitake in combination with other local mushrooms and herbs in ritual soups prepared for harvest festivals was noted.

Thus, the geography of shiitake use encompasses China, Japan, Korea, and adjacent regions of Southeast Asia, where the mushroom has taken an important place not only in traditional medicine but also in culinary, ritual, and cultural traditions. Its historical use confirms the status of shiitake as an ethnobotanical object with centuries of practice and rich cultural heritage.