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Maitake
Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Maitake, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.
What is it?
Maitake is a fungus that has many nutrients. It’s used to help with health issues in traditional Asian medicine.
It also comes as dietary supplements in capsules, powders, and liquid extracts.
What are the potential uses and benefits?
Maitake is used to:
Manage diabetes
Lower high cholesterol levels
Reduce high blood pressure
Boost the immune system
Prevent and treat cancer
Maitake has other uses, but doctors haven’t studied them to see if they work.
It’s generally safe to eat maitake in food. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking maitake supplements. Herbal supplements are stronger than the herbs you would use in cooking.
Supplements can also interact with some medications and affect how they work. For more information, read the “What else do I need to know?” section below.
What are the side effects?
Side effects of maitake may include:
Higher white blood cell count
What else do I need to know?
Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re on blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®). Maitake can increase your risk of bleeding.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re taking medications to lower your blood sugar.Maitake can also lower blood sugar so taking both at the same time may not be safe.