Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) have been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for various health benefits, but the interest in their use for herpes is supported primarily by some scientific evidence, though it remains preliminary. The key compound of interest is lentinan, a β-glucan polysaccharide found in shiitake. Lentinan is known to modulate the immune system and has demonstrated antiviral properties in several laboratory studies.

Scientific studies specifically examining shiitake or lentinan against herpes simplex virus (HSV) are limited. In vitro research (cell culture studies) has shown that lentinan can inhibit the replication of HSV-1, potentially by stimulating immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. Additionally, some animal studies suggest immunomodulatory effects that could theoretically help control herpes outbreaks. However, there are no large-scale, high-quality human clinical trials directly assessing shiitake or its extracts for the treatment or prevention of herpes in humans as of June 2024.

In summary, shiitake’s use for herpes is based on early scientific findings—mostly in laboratory and animal settings—rather than robust clinical evidence. While the immune-enhancing and antiviral properties of its polysaccharides are promising, more research is needed before shiitake can be recommended as an effective therapy for herpes in clinical practice.

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