Maitake is the Japanese name for the edible fungus Grifola frondosa , which is characterized by a large fruiting body and overlapping caps. Maitake has been used traditionally both as a food and for medicinal purposes. Polysaccharide constituents of maitake have been associated in animal studies with multiple bioactive properties. Extracts of maitake mushroom, and particularly the beta-glucan polysaccharide constituent, have been associated with immune modulation in pre-clinical studies, and are hypothesized to exert anti-tumor effects as a result of these immune properties. Human data are limited, and at this time there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of oral maitake for any indication.

Synonyms

Beta-glucan, cloud mushroom, dancing mushroom, grifolan, Grifon Pro Maitake D Fraction Extract®, king of mushroom, Maitake Gold 404®, MD-fraction, MDF, My-take.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Cancer

Maitake is the Japanese name for the edible fungus Grifola frondosa , which is notable for its large fruiting body and overlapping caps. Maitake has been used traditionally both as a food and for medicinal purposes. Early studies in the laboratory as well as in humans suggest that beta-glucan extracts from maitake may increase the body's ability to fight cancer. However, these studies have not been well designed, and better research is needed before the use of maitake for cancer can be recommended.

Diabetes

In animal studies, maitake extracts are reported to lower blood sugar levels. However, little is known about the effect of maitake on blood sugar in humans. Immune enhancement

Animal and laboratory studies suggest that beta-glucan extracts from maitake may alter the immune system. However, no reliable studies in humans are available.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antifungal, anti-infective, antitumorigenic, antiviral, arthritis, bacterial infection, diagnostic agent, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, HIV, liver inflammation (hepatitis), weight loss.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. Standardized maitake products are not widely available. Amounts of the ingredient beta-glucan may vary between preparations. Various chemicals from maitake can be prepared by standardized processes, but it is not known if these products have the same effects.

Adults (18 years and older)

Capsules, tablets, or liquid extract: Doses of beta-glucan from maitake range from 0.5 to 1 milligram per kilogram daily, taken in divided doses. Few studies in humans are available, and it is not known what doses may be safe or effective.

Raw mushroom: It is not known what doses are safe or effective.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Little information is available about the safety of maitake in children. Therefore, its use cannot be recommended.

Safety

Allergies

A case report exists of hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with Grifola frondosa (Maitake) mushroom.

Side Effects and Warnings

Maitake has not been studied thoroughly in humans, and its effects are not well known. Because it has been used historically as a food, it is thought that low doses may be safe. Studies in animals suggest that it may lower blood pressure. However, no information about these effects is reported for humans. Individuals who take blood pressure medications should use caution. Animal studies report that maitake may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare professional, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Little is known about the safety of maitake in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and therefore its use as a supplement cannot be recommended.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Based on animal studies, maitake may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional. Medication adjustments may be necessary. Animal studies also suggest that maitake may lower blood pressure. Persons taking medications for blood pressure should use caution and should first discuss the use of maitake with a qualified healthcare professional.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Based on animal studies, maitake may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment. Possible examples of herbs and supplements that may effect blood sugar levels include: Aloe vera , American ginseng, bilberry, bitter melon, burdock,fenugreek, fish oil, gymnema, horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), marshmallow, milk thistle, Panax ginseng, rosemary, Siberian ginseng, stinging nettle, and white horehound.

Animal studies suggest that maitake may lower blood pressure. Use caution when combining maitake with other herbs that can lower blood pressure. Some examples include aconite/monkshood, arnica, baneberry, betel nut, bilberry, black cohosh, bryony, calendula, California poppy, coleus, curcumin, eucalyptol, eucalyptus oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, goldenseal, green hellebore, hawthorn, Indian tobacco, jaborandi, mistletoe, night blooming cereus, oleander, pasque flower, periwinkle, pleurisy root, shepherd's purse, Texas milkweed, turmeric, and wild cherry.

Tags: Herbal Medicine

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