lentinan

Lentinan is a purified β-glucan polysaccharide extracted from the fruiting body or mycelium of the shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes). It acts as a biological response modifier and immunomodulator. Its primary mechanism involves enhancing T-helper cell function and stimulating immune responses by increasing interleukin production, interferon levels, and natural killer cell activity. Lentinan does not have direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells but potentiates host defense mechanisms against cancer and infections. It is approved in Japan (since 1985) and China as an adjuvant therapy for various cancers—including gastric, lung, colorectal, liver, ovarian—and is also used to support chemotherapy regimens. In addition to its antitumor properties demonstrated in preclinical studies (inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis), lentinan has shown benefits in improving quality of life and survival rates when combined with standard chemotherapy. It may also possess antiviral activity (notably as adjunctive therapy for HIV/AIDS), anti-inflammatory effects, cholesterol-lowering potential (supported by laboratory data), and other therapeutic properties[1][2][3][4][5][8].

Brand names

Zhengdekang正得康

Other names

香菇多糖Lentinus edodes polysaccharideβ-glucan from Lentinula edodesShiitake mushroom polysaccharidePolysaccharide derived from Lentinus edodesTricholomopsis edodes polysaccharide