The beta-glucan contents of nine culinary mushrooms, including Lentinula edodes (Berk.) (Shiitake) and five different Pleurotus species, show beta-glucan contents of 15–22 g/100 g dm (dry mass) (Table 1). In particular, Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii are well known for their medicinal potential, and many studies could show the positive effects on the immune system due to their beta-glucans Lentinan (Lentinula edodes) and Pleuran (Pleurotus spp.) Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Pleurotus Pulmonarius and Pleurotus djamor show quite similar contents with 15.32–
21.70 g/100 g dm. Other species, such as Agaricus bisporus (white and brown varieties), show low contents (8.612.30g/100 g dm) with more in the stipe than the cap. The popular culinary mushroom Cantharellus cibarius (Chanterelle) contains higher values of beta-glucans (23.59 g/100 g dm in cap, 26.93 g/100 g dm in the stipe). These values can be compared to a study from Barros and co-workers: all carbohydrates were 31.9% (with consideration of other carbohydrates such as chitin or sugars and oligosaccharides).