Lentinan may help extend the survival of patients with some cancers when used with chemotherapy, but additional studies are needed. Lentinan is a type of sugar molecule called 1,3 beta glucan that comes from the shiitake mushroom. In laboratory tests, lentinan does not kill cancer cells directly. Instead, it enhances the immune system, which may aid in slowing the growth of tumors. Lentinan also kills viruses and microbes directly in laboratory studies.

Lentinan

$9.99

Shiitake
Hua gu; Snake butter; Forest mushroom
Pasania fungus
To prevent and treat cancer Several clinical trials show that lentinan combined with chemotherapy extends survival in patients with stomach, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers.
To lower cholesterol Laboratory studies support this use, but human data are lacking.
To stimulate the immune system Laboratory and a few human studies show that lentinan increases the activity of certain immune cells.
To treat infections Laboratory and a few human studies show that lentinan increases the activity of certain immune cells.

Lentinan

Common Names

Potential Benefits