Summary of Research on Maitake Extract
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]
The immune enhancing properties of Maitake extract have been under intense scrutiny by the scientific community. [84, 85, 86, 87] Its anti-viral properties have been of particular interest, since viruses are especially difficult to combat. [88] Research on Maitake extract as an adjunct in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Of further interest is the well demonstrated blood sugar lowering effect of Maitake extract. One study on insulin-resistance found blood glucose drops of 25% average. [90, 91, 92]
Apart from research conducted specifically on Maitake extract, there's also a sea of research done on the active compounds themselves, most importantly the beta-glucans. For example, there is a patent application on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent." More specifically, the patent "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity," [93] which is probably why NASA gives beta glucans to astronauts, for the prevention of radiation poisoning and the degradation of the immune system.
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]
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 medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material. - 17269
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]
The immune enhancing properties of Maitake extract have been under intense scrutiny by the scientific community. [84, 85, 86, 87] Its anti-viral properties have been of particular interest, since viruses are especially difficult to combat. [88] Research on Maitake extract as an adjunct in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Of further interest is the well demonstrated blood sugar lowering effect of Maitake extract. One study on insulin-resistance found blood glucose drops of 25% average. [90, 91, 92]
Apart from research conducted specifically on Maitake extract, there's also a sea of research done on the active compounds themselves, most importantly the beta-glucans. For example, there is a patent application on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent." More specifically, the patent "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity," [93] which is probably why NASA gives beta glucans to astronauts, for the prevention of radiation poisoning and the degradation of the immune system.
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]
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 medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material. - 17269
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the area of natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently focuses on medicinal fungi, including Maitake Extract, in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. To see the references for this article, go to the Maitake Supplements page. To view a reference, click its corresponding number.
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2:38 AM
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