Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) is a type of edible fungus. It's native to Japan and China, and contains a chemical called lentinan.
Shiitake mushrooms are the second most commonly eaten mushrooms in the world. Lentinan and other chemicals in shiitake mushrooms might stimulate the immune system.
People use shiitake mushroom or an extract called AHCC for HIV/AIDS, common cold, flu, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using shiitake mushroom for COVID-19.
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