Chihara et al. (1969) Study Analysis
Landmark Discovery: Lentinan & Immune Enhancement
Lentinan from Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) - Groundbreaking Immune Research
Full Citation
Chihara, G., Hamuro, J., Maeda, Y. Y., Arai, Y., & Fukuoka, F. (1969). Inhibition of mouse sarcoma 180 by the polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing. Nature, 222(5194), 687-688.
DOI: 10.1038/222687a0 | PubMed ID: 5787474
Study Type
- Type: Landmark Discovery Study
- Focus: Lentinan identification
- Mushroom: Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Significance: First characterization
Key Discovery
- Lentinan: First identification
- Polysaccharide: Beta-1,3-glucan structure
- Immune Effects: Significant enhancement
- Historical Impact: Launched field
Research Impact
- Foundation: Mushroom immunology
- Discovery: Key immune compound
- Applications: Immune support
- Legacy: Influenced all future research
Key Findings
Identification
Enhancement
Foundation
Discovery
Clinical Significance
This landmark 1969 study represents the first identification and characterization of Lentinan, a key beta-glucan compound from Shiitake mushrooms. This groundbreaking discovery launched the field of mushroom immunology and established the scientific foundation for understanding how mushroom polysaccharides support immune function.
The study's identification of Lentinan's immune-enhancing properties has influenced decades of subsequent research and established mushrooms as important sources of immune-supporting compounds.
Safety Profile
- Safety: Natural polysaccharide compound
- Tolerability: Well-established safety
- Traditional Use: Centuries of safe consumption
What This Means for You
This historic research discovery established the scientific foundation for understanding how mushrooms support immune health. The identification of Lentinan helped launch modern mushroom immunology research and demonstrated that mushrooms contain powerful immune-supporting compounds. This landmark study paved the way for understanding how beta-glucans from mushrooms like Shiitake and Turkey Tail can support your immune system as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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