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Lentinan

Clinical trial
Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan (high-molecular-weight triple-helix polysaccharide)

Mechanism of Action

Binds Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3) on macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells, triggering NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades. Activates the classical complement pathway (C3 cleavage). Enhances Th1 cytokine production (IL-2, IL-12, IFN-γ), promotes dendritic cell maturation and antigen cross-presentation, and directly enhances NK cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity against tumor cells. Does not have direct cytotoxic activity — mechanism is entirely immune-mediated.

Research Notes

ShiitakeMushroom

Approved as an injectable immunoadjuvant in Japan since 1985 (Ajinomoto Co.) for unresectable/recurrent gastric cancer in combination with tegafur/5-FU chemotherapy. Oba et al. (2009) meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n=650) demonstrated significant improvement in overall survival (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.97) when lentinan was added to chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer. Hazama et al. (2009) showed median survival improvement from 233 to 406 days in unresectable gastric cancer with lentinan + S-1 chemotherapy. Over 1000 published papers on lentinan since 1969.

Found In 1 Herb

Shiitake

Shiitake

Mushroom

3D Molecular Structure

Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan (high-molecular-weight triple-helix polysaccharide)
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Lentinan

Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan (high-molecular-weight triple-helix polysaccharide)Complex carbohydrate polymers that modulate immune response

Representative pattern: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Atoms
Carbon
Oxygen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.