ANTITUMOR EFFECT OF LENTINULA EDODES MUSHROOM: A MODERN REVIEW OF MECHANISMS OF ACTION AND CLINICAL APPLICATION

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) is a medicinal and culinary mushroom widely cultivated across the globe, particularly in East Asia, where it has been traditionally used for centuries. In recent decades, growing scientific interest has focused on its diverse therapeutic properties, especially its antitumor potential. The mushroom contains a wide spectrum of bioactive compounds, including lentinan (a β-1,3-glucan), α-1,4-glucans, proteins, peptides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, vitamins, and essential minerals. These components contribute to a multifactorial mechanism of action against cancer, involving both direct and indirect pathways. Direct antitumor effects include the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, inhibition of angiogenesis, and suppression of metastasis. Indirect effects are mediated through immunomodulation—enhancing the activity of macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, and T- and B-lymphocytes—along with regulation of cytokine production and restoration of immune balance. Lentinan has also been shown to synergize with chemotherapeutic agents like 5-FU and paclitaxel, improving treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity. Clinical studies and meta-analyses confirm that lentinan and L. edodes extracts improve overall survival rates, enhance patient tolerance to chemotherapy, and improve quality of life by minimizing adverse effects. Despite these promising outcomes, further research is needed to standardize extract formulations, investigate molecular mechanisms in greater depth, and conduct large-scale, randomized clinical trials. Given its multifaceted antitumor activity, immunological benefits, and clinical relevance, Lentinula edodes represents a promising candidate for inclusion in integrative cancer treatment protocols and future development of functional medical foods and adjuvant therapies.