Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler or shiitake is the second most cultivated mushroom in the world. Therapeutic characteristics like antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are attributed to shiitake which is a, source of proteins, carbohydrates, mineral and vitamins. In this work, supercritical fluid extraction of shiitake oil was investigated with the purpose of process modeling. Extraction curves were obtained at 303, 313 and 323 K, from 150 to 350 bar, and flow rate from 3.33 to 6.67 g/min. Process yields were up to 1.01% (w/w), with yield isotherms showing a crossover pattern between 150 and 200 bar. Different mass transfer models, based on mass balance of the extractor and empirical correlations. were used to describe the experimental data. The modeling shows a good fit with experimental data. Additionally, the oil composition was obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and the main components detected were palmitic acid, linoleic acid and ergosterol. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.