Objective: In this study, we evaluated the safety of excessive intake of granular foods containing extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia (L.E.M.) in healthy adult volunteers.
Methods: Eleven subjects (8 males and 3 females, ages 33.4 ± 9.4) consumed the test foods containing 5,400 mg L.E.M. a day, three times the recommended daily intake, for 4 weeks.
Results: No adverse effect by excessive intake of test foods was observed in physical and clinical exam. No severe symptom was observed, except for mild gastrointestinal symptom such as soft stool in a subject who has hypersensitive intestine.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the granular food containing L.E.M. is safe in healthy adults, even if excessive amount up to 5,400 mg a day is consumed.

Objective: Extract from cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia (L.E.M.) is a food ingredient possessing various pharmacologic actions such as immunomodulatory properties, antitumor and hepatoprotective effects. In Japan, it has been used as a health food for 30 years or more.
In the present study to evaluate the safety of L.E.M., a genotoxicity study and acute toxicity study were conducted. In addition, the inhibitory effect of drug-metabolizing enzyme by L.E.M. was tested in vitro, to gain insight on the interaction with medicines.
Methods: The genotoxicity study was performed using a bacterial reverse mutation assay and a in vivo mammalian bone marrow cell chromosomal mutation assay. The acute toxicity study was performed using a single-dose oral toxicity test in rats. Inhibitory activity of cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4), one of the most important drug-metabolizing enzymes, by L.E.M. was tested using a baculovirus-expressed system.
Results: In the genotoxicity study, mutagenicity was negative for both bacterial reverse mutation assay and in vivo mammalian bone marrow cell chromosomal mutation assay. In the acute toxicity study, no toxic symptoms were observed by single dose oral administration of L.E.M. at a dose of 10,000 mg/kg BW in rats. This implies LD₅₀>10,000 mg/kg BW. No inhibitory activity of CYP3A4 by L.E.M. was observed at in the in vitro screening system to investigate drug-L.E.M. interaction.
Conclusion: It is believed L.E.M. is a safety ingredient for foods used in complementary and alternative medicine, since it was toxicologically safe and showed no inhibitory activity of CYP3A4 in the studies conducted.

A 93-year-old man with a history of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) in the right shoulder and wrist had severe pain in his right lower limb in the absence of trauma. He was transported by ambulance to our hospital. He was febrile (38℃) and swelling of the inguinal region was noted on physical examination. Laboratory examination showed elevated C-reactive protein (19.1 mg/dL, normal range ＜ 0.3 mg/dL) and white blood cell count (9600/μl, normal range ＜ 9000/μL). X-ray showed calcifications near the hip bilaterally, computed tomography showed distension of the iliopectineal bursa, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion of the iliopectineal bursa. Aspiration was performed under ultrasound guidance. Fluid analysis under an optical microscope revealed calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Bacterial examination was negative. Iliopectineal bursitis associated with CPPD was diagnosed, and he was treated conservatively with NSAIDs. To our knowledge, only 5 cases of iliopectineal bursitis associated with CPPD have been reported in Japan, and here we present the details of this rare case.

Insufficient physical function is strongly associated with decreased activity of daily living and health-related quality of life in middle-aged and older women. YOSAKOI Soran is one of the traditional Japanese dances to have naruko (wooden hand clappers) in their hands as they dance and incorporate the phrase from the Soran Bushi in their song. YOSAKOI Soran festivals can be seen being held in various places across the country, proving its growing popularity with residents as a celebration regardless of age or occupation. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional associations between YOSAKOI Soran and the physical functions of middle-aged and older women. A total of 30 middle-aged and older women practicing YOSAKOI Soran (YOSAKOI group) and 163 middle-aged and older women who had not practiced YOSAKOI Soran (control group) participated in this cross-sectional study. Handgrip strength, 30-second chair stand performance, and flexibility were used to measure physical functions. Handgrip strength was not significantly differed between the YOSAKOI group and the control group (P = 0.79). 30-second chair stand performance and flexibility were significantly higher in the YOSAKOI group than in the control group (both P < 0.05). These results remained significant after adjusting for age and body mass index (both P < 0.05). The present results suggest that practicing YOSAKOI Soran may increase lower extremity function and flexibility in middle-aged and older women.