Shiitake Extract
Shiitake mushroom extracts have a long history of food and traditional medicinal use, generally safe at culinary intakes. Whole shiitake can cause shiitake dermatitis (toxicodermatitis) when raw or undercooked, due to lentinan.
What it is
Concentrated extract of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), often containing polysaccharides like lentinan.
Functional ingredient, flavor enhancer (umami), supplement.
Why it's flagged
- shiitake dermatitis from raw/undercooked
- supplement-level concentrations less studied
What regulators actually say
"UV-treated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus and Lentinula edodes) ... safety as a Novel Food ... no concerns."
"Shiitake dermatitis is caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms ... due to lentinan."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Whole food and extracts not specifically regulated; no GRAS notice for medicinal extract.
European Union — EFSA
UV-treated shiitake powder (vitamin D source) authorized as Novel Food.
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