A culinary delicacy as well as an important medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Maitake currently receives much attention from scientific circles. Specific focus is awarded to Maitake beta-glucans, which are major components in all Maitake extracts. [71, 72]
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 Maitake research has focused on its ability to enhance the immune system, both in general [84, 85, 86] as well as in cancer patients. [87] The anti-viral potential of Maitake extract has been of particular interest. [88] Viruses are, after all, notoriously difficult to treat. Research on Maitake and HIV is being conducted. [89]
Blood sugar is another area where Maitake extract appears to have an effect. In one study, insulin-resistant individuals that were administered Maitake experienced an average 25% blood-glucose drop. [90, 91, 92]
Additional research has also been conducted on beta-glucan polysaccharides as isolated compounds. There is a pending patent on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent," which "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity," [93] In light of this, it should come as no surprise that NASA gives beta-glucans to its astronauts as protection against radiation poisoning and subsequent immune system degradation.
Other therapeutic effects of Maitake extract that have been researched include: anti-fungal (Candida albicans) and anti-bacterial, blood pressure moderator, nerve tonic, respiratory conditions, and stress reduction. [25]
In his book "Mycelium Running," medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists Maitake extract to have a beneficial effect on leukemia, according to research. [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. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and 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 Maitake research has focused on its ability to enhance the immune system, both in general [84, 85, 86] as well as in cancer patients. [87] The anti-viral potential of Maitake extract has been of particular interest. [88] Viruses are, after all, notoriously difficult to treat. Research on Maitake and HIV is being conducted. [89]
Blood sugar is another area where Maitake extract appears to have an effect. In one study, insulin-resistant individuals that were administered Maitake experienced an average 25% blood-glucose drop. [90, 91, 92]
Additional research has also been conducted on beta-glucan polysaccharides as isolated compounds. There is a pending patent on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent," which "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity," [93] In light of this, it should come as no surprise that NASA gives beta-glucans to its astronauts as protection against radiation poisoning and subsequent immune system degradation.
Other therapeutic effects of Maitake extract that have been researched include: anti-fungal (Candida albicans) and anti-bacterial, blood pressure moderator, nerve tonic, respiratory conditions, and stress reduction. [25]
In his book "Mycelium Running," medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists Maitake extract to have a beneficial effect on leukemia, according to research. [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. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and 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 specializes in medicinal mushrooms, including Maitake Extracts, in partnership 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.
