Maitake Extract Research Summary
Known for its high content of beta-glucans [71, 72], powerful immune-stimulating polysaccharides, the gourmet mushroom Maitake is one of the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Maitake is the Japanese name for the mushroom species Grifola frondosa. American mushroom hunters know it as Hen-of-the-woods. Common in eastern Canada and the United States down to the Mid-Atlantic States, Hen-of-the-woods is one of the most easily recognizable wild gourmet mushrooms.
Research has found Maitake extract to increase tumor necrosis factor [73, 74, 75] and demonstrate other anti-tumor properties. [76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81] Specific focus in these studies has been given to breast, prostate, lung, liver and colorectal cancer. [82] In fact, a Phase II study of Maitake on breast and prostate cancer was approved by the FDA. [83]
Other studies on Maitake extract have focused on its immune enhancing properties in general, [84, 85, 86] or on immune-enhancement on cancer patients in specific. [87] Maitake's anti-viral properties have received particularly intense scrutiny by the scientific community [88] and research on Maitake in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Another area of potential interest for Maitake extract may be diabetes type II. One study reported blood glucose decrease of 25% in insulin-resistant individuals. [90, 91, 92]
In addition to research on Maitake extract, there are also many studies on the individual active compounds, in particular beta-glucans. A patent application exists on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent." The patent in question "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity." [93] This protective effect against radiation poisoning and degradation of the immune system may be why NASA gives beta-glucans to astronauts.
Many other effects of Maitake extract have been researched with promising results, including: blood pressure regulation, respiratory conditions, stress and nerve tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-Candida. [25]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, also lists Maitake extract as showing some positive effect on leukemia. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
Maitake is the Japanese name for the mushroom species Grifola frondosa. American mushroom hunters know it as Hen-of-the-woods. Common in eastern Canada and the United States down to the Mid-Atlantic States, Hen-of-the-woods is one of the most easily recognizable wild gourmet mushrooms.
Research has found Maitake extract to increase tumor necrosis factor [73, 74, 75] and demonstrate other anti-tumor properties. [76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81] Specific focus in these studies has been given to breast, prostate, lung, liver and colorectal cancer. [82] In fact, a Phase II study of Maitake on breast and prostate cancer was approved by the FDA. [83]
Other studies on Maitake extract have focused on its immune enhancing properties in general, [84, 85, 86] or on immune-enhancement on cancer patients in specific. [87] Maitake's anti-viral properties have received particularly intense scrutiny by the scientific community [88] and research on Maitake in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Another area of potential interest for Maitake extract may be diabetes type II. One study reported blood glucose decrease of 25% in insulin-resistant individuals. [90, 91, 92]
In addition to research on Maitake extract, there are also many studies on the individual active compounds, in particular beta-glucans. A patent application exists on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent." The patent in question "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity." [93] This protective effect against radiation poisoning and degradation of the immune system may be why NASA gives beta-glucans to astronauts.
Many other effects of Maitake extract have been researched with promising results, including: blood pressure regulation, respiratory conditions, stress and nerve tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-Candida. [25]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, also lists Maitake extract as showing some positive effect on leukemia. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked as a writer and researcher in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently focuses on medicinal fungi, including Maitake Extract, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. To see the references for this article, go to the Maitake Supplements page and click on any number to view its reference.