Shitake (Shiitake)has been proven to lower blood cholesterol. The Shitake, which is a fungus that grows on the trunks of trees, contains cortinelin, a strong antibacterial agent that kills many disease causing germs. Moreover, these mushrooms contain a polysaccharide complex called lentinan, which may be effective in stimulating the immune system.

Herbalists believe that this chemical is extremely useful in shrinking cancerous tumors as lentinan has slowed the growth of malignancies in several animal studies.