Maitake - A Medicinal Gourmet Mushroom
Considered a gourmet mushroom, Maitake is also an important medicinal mushroom in Oriental medicine. It is especially known for its high content of beta-glucans [71, 72], which are known as potent immune boosters.
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.
Additional therapeutic properties of Maitake extract as indicated by scientific research include: anti-bacterial, anti-Candida, moderating blood pressure, respiratory conditions, nerve tonic, and stress reducer. [25]
Paul Stamets, in the book "Mycelium Running," also refers to research on leukemia in which Maitake has demonstrated some positive effect. [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.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references. - 17273
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.
Additional therapeutic properties of Maitake extract as indicated by scientific research include: anti-bacterial, anti-Candida, moderating blood pressure, respiratory conditions, nerve tonic, and stress reducer. [25]
Paul Stamets, in the book "Mycelium Running," also refers to research on leukemia in which Maitake has demonstrated some positive effect. [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.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references. - 17273
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked as a writer and researcher in the area of natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, including Maitake Extract, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For the numbered references in this article, go to the Maitake Supplement page. To view a reference, click its corresponding number.
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12:54 PM
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