How It Works
Bottom Line: Research is underway to test Maitake's anticancer effects in humans.
Maitake is a mushroom that traditionally has been used in Japan and China as part of the diet and to treat cancer. Like other medicinal mushrooms, maitake contains a complex sugar called a beta-glucan, which is thought to be its active component. In laboratory studies, maitake extract is able to stimulate various cells and factors in the immune system, such as NK cells and T cells. Studies in animals show that it also slows the growth of certain tumors and lowers blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Purported Uses
To prevent and treat cancer
Laboratory studies show that maitake extracts slow the growth of certain tumors and stimulate certain immune cells. Research is underway to test Maitake's anticancer effects in humans.
To manage diabetes
Maitake reduces blood glucose levels in rats.
To lower high cholesterol
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To lower high blood pressure
No scientific evidence supports this use.
As an immune stimulant
Maitake stimulates the activity of certain immune cells in laboratory experiments.
To lose weight
No scientific evidence supports this use.
Research Evidence
Research is underway to test Maitake's anticancer effects in humans.
Warnings
- This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Side Effects
No side effects have been reported
Scientific Name
Grifola frondosa
Common Name
King of mushrooms, dancing mushroom, cloud mushroom, hen of woods
Clinical Summary
Derived from the cap and stem of the mushroom. The active constituent is thought to be a beta-glucan polysaccharide. The whole mushroom is used primarily as a dietary element, but extracts and supplements are sold as immune stimulants for patients with HIV or cancer. While no adverse effects have been reported, some studies reveal a hypoglycemic effect following administration of maitake extract (9) (12). Maitake was shown to enhance bone marrow colony formation, reduce doxorubicin toxicity in vitro (11), and to inhibit tumor metastasis (13). In a small non-controlled study, tumor regression or significant symptom improvements were observed in half of the subjects using Maitake extract (5). Research is underway to test its anticancer effects and toxicity in humans.
Food Sources
Maitake mushroom is an edible fungus. The whole mushroom can be fried or boiled.
Purported uses
- Cancer prevention
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Immunostimulation
- Weight loss
Constituents
Polysaccharides: 1,3 and 1,6 beta-glucans appear to be the most active ingredients. Alpha glucan is also present.
Lipids: Octadecanoic and octadecadienoic acids
Phospholipids: Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid
Ergosterol (vitamin D2)
(1)
Mechanism of Action
Maitake is thought to exert its effects through its ability to activate various effector cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, T cells, interleukin-1 and superoxide anions, all of which have anti-cancer activity (2) (3) (4) (13). Some studies suggest possible hypoglycemic activity (9). Alpha-glucan from maitake may increase insulin sensitivity (12).
Adverse Reactions
None reported
Herb-Drug Interactions
Maitake may have synergistic effects with hypoglycemic agents.
(9)
Lab Interactions
May lower blood glucose level.
(9)
References
- Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms, 3rd ed. Loveland (CO): Interweave Press; 1996.
- Adachi K, Nanba H, Kuroda H. Potentiation of host-mediated antitumor activity in mice by beta glucan obtained from Grifola frondosa (maitake). Chem Pharm Bull 1987;35:262-70.
- Kubo K, Aoki H. Nanba H. Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake). Biol Pharm Bull 1994;17:1106-10.
- Horio H, Ohtsuru M. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) improve glucose tolerance of experimental diabetic rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 2001;47:57-63.
- Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can Maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Altern Med Rev 2002;7:236-9.
- Miura NN. Blood clearance of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in MRL lpr/lpr mice. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 1996;13:51-7.
- Ohno N, et al. Characterization of the antitumor glucan obtained from liquid-cultured Grifola frondosa. Chem Pharm Bull 1986;34:1709-1715.
- Nanba H, Kubo K. Maitake D-fraction: Healing and preventive potential for cancer. J Orthomolecular Med 1997;12:43-9.
- Konno S, et al. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 2001 Dec;18(12):1010
- Yamada Y, et al. Antitumor effect of orally administered extracts from fruit body of grifola frondosa (maitake). Chemotherapy 1990;38:790-6.
- Lin H, et al. Maitake beta-glucan MD-fraction enhances bone marrow colony formation and reduces doxorubicin toxicity in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2004 Jan;4(1):91-9.
- Hong L, Xun M, Wutong W. Anti-diabetic effect of an alpha-glucan from fruit body of maitake (Grifola frondosa) on KK-Ay mice. Pharm Pharmacol. 2007 Apr;59(4):575-82.
- Masuda Y, Murata Y, Hayashi M, Nanba H. Inhibitory effect of MD-Fraction on tumor metastasis: involvement of NK cell activation and suppression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in lung vascular endothelial cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2008 Jun;31(6):1104-8
