PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Enoki mushroom (Flammulina filiformis/velutipes) is a commercially important edible fungus recognized for its nutritional value and various bioactive compounds [PMID:30685812, PMID:35887449].
Background
Also known as Enokitake, velvet shank, or golden needle mushroom, Flammulina filiformis (previously Flammulina velutipes) is a widely cultivated edible and medicinal mushroom in East Asia [PMID:30685812, PMID:28003804, PMID:39741595].
Active compounds
Bioactive constituents include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, glycoproteins, phenols, sesquiterpenes (such as flammuterpenols A-D), and adenosine [PMID:28003804, PMID:39321853, PMID:37432279]. Stem waste is a source of protein (13.5%), ash (8.2%), total phenolics (6.3 mg GAE/g), and dietary fiber (32.3%) [PMID:32260391].
Mechanism of action
Adenosine found in enokitake may affect testosterone production by enhancing Leydig cell function [PMID:37432279]. Cuparene-type sesquiterpenes have demonstrated neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells in vitro [PMID:39321853].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DTestosterone production (impaired/fatigued models)
Administration of enokitake ethanolic extract or adenosine increased testosterone production in cisplatin-impaired and wet floor fatigue mouse models [PMID:37432279]
Evidence CGeneral Health/Therapeutic Effects
Reported degrees of immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, and antitumor effects [PMID:9110582]; other reviews cite anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory activities [PMID:28003804]
Safety & adverse effects
Enokitake may contain flammutoxin, a heat-labile cardiotoxic protein [PMID:31018285]. Rare cases of hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis have been reported, with identified allergens including protein bands at 18 kDa, 39 kDa, 50 kDa, and 75 kDa [PMID:25779064, PMID:29249758]. Additionally, raw enoki mushrooms are considered high-risk vectors for Listeria monocytogenes contamination [PMID:38701973, PMID:36914348].
Evidence summary
Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (mice), and case reports of allergic reactions, with some general review articles on nutritional and medicinal properties. There is a lack of high-level human clinical trials.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30685812 (2019) — Agronomic and environmental factors affecting cultivation of the winter mushroom or Enokitake: achievements and prospects. · Applied microbiology and biotechnology
- 2.PMID: 32260391 (2020) — Application of Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina Velutipes) Stem Wastes as Functional Ingredients in Goat Meat Nuggets. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 9110582 (1996) — Functional properties of edible mushrooms. · Nutrition reviews
- 4.PMID: 38701973 (2024) — Listeria monocytogenes Contamination Leads to Survival and Growth During Enoki Mushroom Cultivation. · Journal of food protection
- 5.PMID: 36983498 (2023) — Development of Multiple Nucleotide Polymorphism Molecular Markers for Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina filiformis) Cultivars Identification. · Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)