Shiitake: A Helper in the Fight Against Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a serious health issue, especially for elderly individuals. This condition leads to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the spine and femur.

Supporting your immune system is also important for bone health. Learn more about gut health and immunity.

According to medical protocols and recommendations from international organizations, the main approaches to treating osteoporosis include medication therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary support. However, modern treatment methods are often lengthy and come with several side effects. In the search for natural alternatives that can effectively support bone health and strength, researchers have turned their attention to the medicinal properties of mushrooms, particularly shiitake (Lentinus edodes).

Scientists have noted that shiitake mushrooms contain active compounds that positively affect bone strength:

  • Beta-glucans – polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system and contribute to bone tissue strengthening.
  • Ergosterol – a precursor to vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption in the body.
  • Antioxidants – reduce inflammation, which can slow down bone degradation.

In 2016, a study was published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, conducted at the Zagreb University School of Medicine, Croatia. A team of scientists examined the effects of aqueous extracts of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on osteoporosis in laboratory settings and animal models. Rats were fed shiitake and maitake extracts for 42 days. Bone density parameters were measured using X-ray densitometry and micro-computed tomography.

The study aimed to assess the extract’s impact on:

  • Osteoclasts – cells responsible for bone resorption (breakdown).
  • Osteoblasts – cells responsible for forming new bone tissue.

Bone tissue is constantly renewed through resorption (breakdown) and formation processes. Osteoclasts break down old bone tissue, while osteoblasts create new bone. An imbalance in these processes leads to osteoporosis. The shiitake extract simultaneously reduces osteoclast activity and stimulates osteoblasts, helping to restore this balance.

The study found that consuming shiitake extract led to:

  • Reduced osteoclast activity. Shiitake extract decreased the activity of bone-resorbing cells by 49%, helping to minimize bone mass loss.
  • Stimulation of osteoblasts. An increase in bone tissue mineralization by 155% was observed due to the enhanced activity of bone-forming cells.
  • Improved bone mineral density. Model animals that received shiitake extract showed a 17% increase in bone density in the lumbar spine compared to the control group.

These results indicate that shiitake mushrooms can effectively slow down bone degradation and promote bone regeneration. Active compounds, such as beta-glucans and polysaccharides, stimulate the natural remodeling processes of bone tissue, making it stronger and healthier.

Polysaccharides also play a role in cancer prevention. Read more in the article about shiitake mushroom in the treatment of rectal cancer

Another study, conducted by researchers from Saudi Arabia and Germany (Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 2013), investigated whether shiitake aqueous extract could help form new bone tissue and strengthen bones.

Scientists tested the aqueous mushroom extract on specialized cells responsible for bone formation. The study found that shiitake extract:

  • Increases alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity – an enzyme that promotes bone cell maturation. ALP activity doubled when shiitake extract was used.
  • Enhances bone mineralization – the process of forming solid bone tissue. The area of mineralized bone regions increased by up to 22%.
  • Does not cause toxicity – even at high doses, the extract did not harm cells.

These effects suggest that shiitake extract supports bone regeneration and strengthening, especially in cases where the body loses its ability to absorb calcium properly due to aging or hormonal changes. Vitamin D, found in shiitake mushrooms in the form of ergosterol (provitamin D2), aids calcium absorption and supports optimal bone mineralization, which is crucial for osteoporosis prevention.

Shiitake mushrooms support overall health, strengthen the immune system, and improve metabolism. Regular consumption of shiitake can be an essential addition to the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

It is important to remember that timely osteoporosis prevention can help preserve not only bone health but also years of life, as recovery from this condition is a long process and is often diagnosed only when significant damage has already occurred. Therefore, do not forget about moderate physical activity (yes, this is one of the key prevention strategies), a balanced diet, and the beneficial properties of shiitake mushrooms.

Be sure to consult your doctor, take care of yourself, and stay healthy!

You can always purchase unique shiitake extracts in our store.

This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

For each client individually, we draw up instructions according to his indicators and requests

Monthly course:

How to get discounts

Other articles on the topic:

Contact us: