Cultivation and Utilization of Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is the third most commonly cultivated edible mushroom species in the world. It has attracted people’s attention with its medical properties as well as taste and nutritional value. Shiitake which has been known and used in Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years is now considered a great resource for modern clinical and pharmacological research. This mushroom contains many biologically active compounds (polysaccharides, lentinan, LEM and KS–2, ergosterol, nucleic acid derivatives, water-soluble lignins, eritadenine, etc.) which possess different medicinal effects such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, hypocholesterolemic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti–inflammatory and antioxidant. The chapter presents an overview of the research on the shiitake mushroom including its taxonomy, cultivation techniques, biotechnological approach, functional compounds and medicinal properties.