Maitake

Herb – Mushroom

Benefits:

• Stimulates the immune system. 
• Regulates the digestive system.
• Moderates blood sugar level.
• Contains anti-oxidant properties – stimulates overall vitality.
• Improves skin health.
• Assists in weight control by improving metabolism.

• Immune system booster – stimulates the building of a strong immune system to ensure the body endurance against the infections and viral diseases;
• Cardio-vascular tonic – supports the function of cardiovascular system, lowers high blood pressure and regulates the cholesterol level;
• Nervous system tonic -provides a calming effect and strengthens the nervous system;

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Overview 

Maitake mushroom is a highly regarded Japanese mushroom in both the culinary and medicinal world. It is a very large mushroom, which grows deep in the mountains of northeastern Japan, as well as in North America and Europe. For centuries it was a rare and difficult mushroom to get. In fact, in the feudal era of Japan this mushroom used to be exchanged with the same weight of silver by local lords who in turn offered it to their superiors, the Shoguns that were of succession of Japanese hereditary Commanders-in-Chief and virtual rulers before 1868. The name “Maitake” literally means “dancing mushroom” so-called because people knowing well of its delicious taste and of the health benefits when they managed to find the mushroom in the deep mountains they began dancing with happiness and delight. Another interpretation for the name is that its beautifully shaped wavy petals remind one of a butterfly flapping its wings. The common English name is “Hen of the Woods” because Maitake resembles a hen’s tail.

The scientific name “Grifola frondosa” comes from the common name of Maitake found in Italy and myths refer to this mushroom as a half-lion and half-eagle beast. In remote areas Maitake can grow to enormous sizes weighing over 50 pounds (22 Kg). This is why this giant mushroom is called the “King of Mushrooms”.

Actions And Properties
Adaptogen, Tonic, Immune booster, anti-cancer, infection-fighter, cholesterol lowering, reduces tryglyceride levels, lowers arterial blood pressure, immunomodulator, anti – HIV, anti-hypertension, anti-obesity, liver regenerator and protector.

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Cancer fighting mushroom

The fruiting body and mycelium of Maitake are used medicinally. Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) may best be known for its cancer-fighting properties. It contains grifolan, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide (molecule composed of many sugar molecules linked together). Grifolan has been shown to activate macrophages, a type of cell consider the «heavy artillery”: of the immune system, explains Larry A. Walker, Ph.D., R.D., author of “Natural products update,” published in Drug Topics, June 1997. D-fraction, one of the polysaccharides in Maitake mushroom also activates memory T- cells, natural killer cells, and cytokines.

Macrophages are any of various phagocytic cells in connective tissue, lymphatic tissue, and bone marrow. Phagocytic cells are those that ingest and destroy harmful cells and other foreign matter in the blood and tissues. Memory T cells are important because they stimulate antibody production by “remembering” and recognizing foreign antibodies. In this manner, it is effective in preventing the spread of the cancer by aiding the immune system in locating (by remembering) destructive cells before they can give way to tumor growth in other areas of the body. Natural killer cells destroy virus-inflicted cells. Cytokines are proteins produced by white blood cells that attach themselves to T cell lymphocytes, thereby creating an army of tumor-fighting cells.

The evidence confirming Maitake’s therapeutic value – both in and out of the laboratory – is impressive. Laboratory studies have shown that Maitake extract can block the growth of cancer tumors and boost the immune function of mice with cancer of the breast, lung, liver, and prostate. Reduction in cancer growth was reported to be as much as seventy-five percent in some cases. Growth in stomach cancer, bone cancer, and leukemia were inhibited to a lesser degree.

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Haroaki Nanba reported the findings of the following study in “Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventing potentials for cancer,” published in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb/Mar 1996; In a non-randomized clinical study, 165 individuals with advanced cancer used Maitake D-fraction. Patients received either Maitake D-fraction alone or with chemotherapy. Maitake mushroom was found effective against leukemia and stomach and bone cancers. Responses were further improved when Maitake D-fraction and chemotherapy were used together. Individuals receiving Maitake D-fraction also experienced relief from the side effects of chemotherapy, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, hair loss, and deficiency of white blood cell.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved clinical studies of a its extract on participants with advanced breast and prostate cancer. The FDA actually skipped the usual first-phase toxicity study, going directly to a phase-two human study, which is a strong indication that it holds great promise.

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Diabetes

People with Type 2 Diabetes may also benefit from Maitake mushroom, according to researchers Hiroaki Nanba and Keiko Kubo, authors of “Mushroom biology and mushroom products”. Researchers investigated a specific, high-molecular polysaccharide in Maitake called the X-fraction. They found that mice given Maitake had an increased ability to recognize glucose, and the control group had higher blood glucose levels. The researchers suggested that Maitake mushroom can reduce insulin resistance, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity. The X-fraction appears to be the active compound with anti-diabetic properties.

Immune Booster

A common denominator among some medicinal mushrooms and some herbs like Cordyceps is the presence of complex polysaccharides in their structure (Beta-glucan polysaccharides) these active constituents help support immune system and are sometimes called immunomodulators. The polysaccharides present in ithave a unique structure and are among the most powerful studied in test tubes to date. The primary polysaccharide, beta-D-glucan, is well absorbed when taken orally and is being studied as a potential tool for prevention and treatment of cancer and as an adjunctive treatment for HIV infection.

Maitake contains 1, 3 and 1, 6 Beta glucans and has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in enhancing immune system function particularly in those patients with various forms of cancers, HIV/AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Alleviates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Maitake stimulates immune function and fights infection. It also provides nutritional support by enhancing the body’s absorption of micronutrients, including zinc, which is often not readily available to the bodies of people with CFS.

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Stress and Infection: Helps you adapt to stress and resist infection. Like the other medicinal mushrooms Reishi and Shiitake, it has long been used as a tonic and adaptogen, promoting wellness and vitality.

Other Uses

In addition, many doctors in Japan use Maitake mushroom to lower blood pressure and blood lipids, two key risk factors in cardiovascular disease.

Beinfield also recommends Maitake mushroom for stomach ailments. “It aids digestion by regulating the stomach and intestines, and helps eliminate food stagnation,” she explains.

Warnings / Safety: Since Maitake affects blood pressure in animals, persons using medications for diabetes and blood pressure should consult with their physician first.

Directions:

As adaptagen: 1 – 3 capsules per day

For serious conditions Maitake can be used in the amount of 3 to 7 grams a day. This herb should be used as a complementary therapy for chronic conditions such as cancer. It should not be considered a substitute for standard treatments.

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