Unveiling the glucan profile: a comparative study of Lion’s Mane and Shiitake mushrooms

Mushrooms are rich in bioactive polysaccharides, particularly α- and β-glucans, renowned for their immunomodulatory properties. The present study optimised the cultivation methods and quantified α-, β-, and total glucan from <i>Hericium erinaceus</i> (Lion’s Mane) and <i>Lentinula edodes</i> (Shiitake) mushrooms. Shiitake exhibited an α-glucan content ranging from 0.806% to 5.521%, with the highest at 5.521% (DMRO-356), approximately 8.2 times higher than Lion’s Mane (HE-TC), which had 0.673%. For β-glucans, Shiitake strains showed a range of 13.433–26.190%, with the highest value at 26.190% (DMRX-2022) which was 1.5-fold higher than HE-TC at 17.442%. The findings emphasise Indian Shiitake strains’ remarkable α and β-glucan content and their potential as immune-boosting supplements. Incorporating these mushrooms into commercial products and health supplements requires more research on their bioavailability and health advantages.