Maitake has been used in a number of ways to help treat a number of health conditions. Contemporary herbalists classify maitake as an adaptogen, a substance said to help the body adapt to stress and resist infection (see the article on Ginseng for further explanation about adaptogens). However, we lack definitive scientific evidence to show us that maitake (or any other purported adaptogen) really functions in this wayIt has been shown to stimulate the immune system and hence has been used for that purpose in a variety of ways.
Most investigation has focused on the polysaccharide constituents of maitake. This family of substances is known to affect the human immune system in complex ways, and one in particular, beta-D-glucan, has been studied for its potential benefit in treating cancer and HIV . 1 Highly preliminary Preliminary studies also suggest that maitake may be useful in treating diabetes , hypertension (high blood pressure), and high cholesterol . 2 However, there is no real evidence as yet that maitake is effective for these or any other illnesses
Uses in Health Challenges
Cancer: There are over 100 studies and a lot of clinical and patient evidence that suggest that Maitake may be helpful in killing cancer, and stopping its spread. It is believed that the main action of Maitake that helps fight cancer come from beta-glucan in the mushroom which has the ability to stimulate certain parts of your immune system that your body uses to fight cancer. Maitake has been shown to have a more positive effect on some cancers than others, which you can read about below.
Melanoma: Maitake has been used in the treatment of melanoma because form of cancer tends to repond more than others to stimulation of your body’s immune system. For example, one study performed on mice showed that in mice who were exposed to melanoma tumors, 90% fewer of those given Maitake-D Fraction extract did not develop tumors. Read more about Maitake and melanoma.
Leukemia: Maitake has been used in the treatment of Leukemia and some people believe there is a positive effect. However, more importantly, one study suggests that when patients take Maitake-D Fraction at the same time they are receiving chemotherapy may double the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
Diabetes: In animal studies, Maitake-D Fraction extracts have been reported to lower blood sugar levels. Little is know about the exact mechanism in Maitake that effects the blood sugar levels. However, some people with Diabetes have used it to help regulate their blood sugar levels.
Common Cold: Because Maitake may help to stimulate the immune system, some people have used it as a preventative measure to avoid catching the common cold. Additionally, others have used Maitake to reduce the duration of the cold once it has been caught.
How To Use It: Maitake can be taken in many ways. Since Maitake itself is a mushroom, it can be eaten directly. It can also be ground up into a powder and mixed with other foods. There is no evidence as to whether eating the mushrooms whole vs. powder makes a difference. On one hand, you may be able to eat a higher quantity of the mushroom by taking it in powder form. On the other hand, some people believe that eating the whole, unprocessed mushroom increases its effectiveness. Check out the Article “Powders vs. Whole Food Supplements” to learn more about the differences. Generally speaking however, it is believed that you need to either eat 4 grams of mushrooms or one tablespoon of power a day, to allow for a positive, medicinal effect.
Maitake is an edible mushroom that can be eaten as food, taken as an extract (Maitake-D) or made into tea. A typical dosage of dried maitake in capsule or tablet form is 3 to 7 g daily. However, more may be needed for use in fighting cancer and other diseases (usually the D extract is used in those cases).
The Maitake mushroom is native to the mountains of Northeastern Japan, and an extract from this mushroom, called Maitake D is sold as a supplement. This mushroom is often used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to boost the immune system. Research has also suggested that it may be helpful in regulating glucose, blood pressure, insulin, serum lipids, and liver lipids, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. It is also used in same cases to aid in weight loss. Picture of
Maitake Maitake is also full of vitamins and minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, D2, B2 and Niacin), fibers and amino acids.
Studies done in the 1980s were able to isolate the element of Maitake that helps boost immune activity: the protein-bound polysaccharide compound, beta-glucan.
Other medicinal mushrooms that are similar to Maitake in that they have had healing effects ascribed to them include: Coriolus versicolor, shiitake , and reishi (all fungi).
Scientific Name: Grifola frondosa
Other Common Names: Ram’s Head mushroom, Hen of the Woods, Sheep’s Head mushroom.
How to get it: Maitake-D extract can be purchased at most stores that sell vitamins and supplements, including health food stores, and health-oriented supermarkets. It can also be ordered online. The processing and packaging of the mushroom extract can make a difference in terms of its quality and effectiveness. See Maitake-D shopping to learn more of the community opinion on the different brands.
Cost: Maitake is relatively expensive as supplements go. Depending on the brand and type of extract, you can expect to pay about $40 for a 30 day supply.
Chemical Structure: Maitake D-fraction is a highly standardized and purified beta-1,6 glucan (1,6 main chain with 1,3 branches in its chemical structure) and beta-1,3 glucan (1,3 main chain with 1,6 branches in its chemical structure)with about 30% of protein, extracted from Maitake mushroom fruit body. D-fraction has the unique polysaccharide compound.
The Maitake mushroom is native to the mountains of Northeastern Japan, and an extract from this mushroom, called Maitake D is sold as a supplement. This mushroom is often used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to boost the immune system. Research has also suggested that it may be helpful in regulating glucose, blood pressure, insulin, serum lipids, and liver lipids, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. It is also used in same cases to aid in weight loss.
Maitake is also full of vitamins and minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, D2, B2 and Niacin), fibers and amino acids.
Studies done in the 1980s were able to isolate the element of Maitake that helps boost immune activity: the protein-bound polysaccharide compound, beta-glucan.
Other medicinal mushrooms that are similar to Maitake in that they have had healing effects ascribed to them include: Coriolus versicolor, shiitake , and reishi (all fungi).
Scientific Name: Grifola frondosa
Other Common Names: Ram’s Head mushroom, Hen of the Woods, Sheep’s Head mushroom.
How to get it: Maitake-D extract can be purchased at most stores that sell vitamins and supplements, including health food stores, and health-oriented supermarkets. It can also be ordered online. The processing and packaging of the mushroom extract can make a difference in terms of its quality and effectiveness. See Maitake-D shopping to learn more of the community opinion on the different brands.
Cost: Maitake is relatively expensive as supplements go. Depending on the brand and type of extract, you can expect to pay about $40 for a 30 day supply.
Chemical Structure: Maitake D-fraction is a highly standardized and purified beta-1,6 glucan (1,6 main chain with 1,3 branches in its chemical structure) and beta-1,3 glucan (1,3 main chain with 1,6 branches in its chemical structure)with about 30% of protein, extracted from Maitake mushroom fruit body. D-fraction has the unique polysaccharide compound.
The Maitake mushroom is a medicinal mushroom used in Japan as a general promoter of robust health. As with native to the mountains of Northeastern Japan, and an extract from this mushroom, called Maitake D is sold as a supplement. This mushroom is often used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to boost the immune system. Research has also suggested that it may be helpful in regulating glucose, blood pressure, insulin, serum lipids, and liver lipids, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. It is also used in same cases to aid in weight loss.
Maitake is also full of vitamins and minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, D2, B2 and Niacin), fibers and amino acids.
Studies done in the 1980s were able to isolate the element of Maitake that helps boost immune activity: the protein-bound polysaccharide compound, beta-glucan.
Other medicinal mushrooms that are similar to Maitake in that they have had healing effects ascribed to them include: Coriolus versicolor, shiitake , and reishi (all fungi), innumerable healing powers have been attributed to maitake, ranging from curing cancer to preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, there hasn't been enough reliable research yet to determine whether any of these ancient beliefs are really true. .
Scientific Name: Grifola frondosa
Other Common Names: Ram’s Head mushroom, Hen of the Woods, Sheep’s Head mushroom.
How to get it: Maitake-D extract can be purchased at most stores that sell vitamins and supplements, including health food stores, and health-oriented supermarkets. It can also be ordered online. The processing and packaging of the mushroom extract can make a difference in terms of its quality and effectiveness. See Maitake-D shopping to learn more of the community opinion on the different brands.
Cost: Maitake is relatively expensive as supplements go. Depending on the brand and type of extract, you can expect to pay about $40 for a 30 day supply.
Chemical Structure: Maitake D-fraction is a highly standardized and purified beta-1,6 glucan (1,6 main chain with 1,3 branches in its chemical structure) and beta-1,3 glucan (1,3 main chain with 1,6 branches in its chemical structure)with about 30% of protein, extracted from Maitake mushroom fruit body. D-fraction has the unique polysaccharide compound.
I did not try it, but my wife did. I did a bunch of research, and also talked with a number of integrative doctors who recommend it. Everything I found suggested that it is likely to stop the proliferation of melanoma cells and help kill them. She still takes Maitake to this day, 5 years later.
I did not try it, but my wife did. I did a bunch of research, and also talked with a number of integrative doctors who recommend it. Everything I found suggested that it is likely to stop the...
... (more)
Actually, I didn't try it myself, my wife tried it. She was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and this was one of the substances that she decided to try, based on my research as well as the research of several doctors we worked with. My research resulted in a number of studies that showed how Maitake boosts the immune system (good for fighting cancer and especially melanoma) as well as directly led to killing tumors and melanoma prevention in a number of animal studies.
She has been cancer free for 4 years now and continues to take Maitake in her regimen.
Actually, I didn't try it myself, my wife tried it. She was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and this was one of the substances that she decided to try, based on my research as well as the research of...
... (more)