Overview
Lentinan is a substance that comes from the shiitake mushroom.
Some medical professionals use lentinan to boost the effects of regular medicines used for treating cancer and HIV infection, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Lentinan, derived from shiitake mushrooms, is a polysaccharide with potent anti-cancer properties. It stimulates the immune system, activates tumor-fighting cells, and enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It has shown promise in treating gastric, colon, and lung cancers.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Lentinan is POSSIBLY SAFE. It might cause stomach and intestinal discomfort and rash.
When given as a shot: Lentinan is POSSIBLY SAFE. It might cause rash, muscle pain, and tiredness.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
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Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with LENTINAN
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lentinan might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking lentinan along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can decrease the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking lentinan, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.
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Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with LENTINAN
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lentinan might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking lentinan along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can decrease the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking lentinan, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix); diazepam (Valium); carisoprodol (Soma); nelfinavir (Viracept); and others.
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Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with LENTINAN
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lentinan might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking lentinan along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can decrease the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking lentinan, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil); antipsychotics such as haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal), and chlorpromazine (Thorazine); beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), and carvedilol (Coreg); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); and others.
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Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with LENTINAN
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lentinan might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking lentinan along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can decrease the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking lentinan, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.
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Metoprolol (Toprol) interacts with LENTINAN
The body breaks down metoprolol to get rid of it. Taking lentinan might decrease how quickly the body breaks down metoprolol. Taking metoprolol along with lentinan might increase side effects of metoprolol.
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Midazolam (Versed) interacts with LENTINAN
The body breaks down midazolam to get rid of it. Taking lentinan might decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking lentinan along with midazolam might increase the side effects of midazolam.
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Omeprazole (Prilosec) interacts with LENTINAN
The body breaks down omeprazole to get rid of it. Taking lentinan might decrease how quickly the body breaks down omeprazole. Taking omeprazole along with lentinan might increase side effects of omeprazole.
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Phenacetin interacts with LENTINAN
The body breaks down phenacetin to get rid of it. Taking lentinan might decrease how quickly the body breaks down phenacetin. Taking phenacetin along with lentinan might increase side effects of phenacetin.
Special Precautionsand Warnings
When taken by mouth: Lentinan is POSSIBLY SAFE. It might cause stomach and intestinal discomfort and rash.
When given as a shot: Lentinan is POSSIBLY SAFE. It might cause rash, muscle pain, and tiredness. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lentinan is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of lentinan depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lentinan. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
