Maitake's therapeutic uses
Maitake is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Japan, recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it is believed to help the body adapt to stress and enhance immune function, though definitive scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited. Some research, including double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, has indicated that maitake may assist in managing diabetes, support cancer treatment, and provide immune support, particularly through its polysaccharide components like beta-D-glucan. Preliminary studies suggest it might also contribute positively to cardiovascular health by addressing issues like high cholesterol and hypertension. Additionally, maitake is considered to potentially alleviate chemotherapy side effects and inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. Despite its widespread use and reputation, more rigorous research is necessary to substantiate these claims fully. Generally regarded as safe, maitake's effects on vulnerable populations, including young children and pregnant or nursing women, have not been thoroughly studied.
Maitake's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Adaptogen, strengthen immunity
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Diabetes, cancer treatment, human immunodeficiency virus infection support, high cholesterol, hypertension, cardiovascular health
Overview
Maitake is a medicinal mushroom used in Japan to promote robust health. Like Coriolus versicolor, shiitake, and reishi (all fungi), maitake has been attributed with innumerable healing powers, ranging from curing cancer to preventing heart disease. However, there has not been enough reliable research to determine whether any of these ancient beliefs are really true. Some double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have shown maitake effective immune support, diabetes management, and cancer support, but more trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
Therapeutic Dosages
Maitake is an edible mushroom that can be eaten as food or made into tea. A typical dosage of dried maitake in capsule or tablet form is 3 to 7 grams daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Contemporary herbalists classify maitake as an adaptogen, a substance said to help the body adapt to stress and resist infection. However, little definitive scientific evidence shows that maitake (or any other purported adaptogen) functions this way.
Most investigation through double-blind, placebo-controlled study 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 substance in particular, beta-D-glucan, has been studied for its potential benefit in treating cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection. A 2013 study showed maitake’s potential to stop the growth and reproduction of breast cancer cells. Maitake is also believed to help ease the side effects of chemotherapy. A 1997 study showed that maitake taken during chemotherapy helped reduce tumor progression. Highly preliminary studies also suggest that maitake may be useful in treating diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and high cholesterol. This may be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Finally, maitake’s perceived immune-boosting powers may be effective against cold and flu viruses. However, there is little real evidence from human trials that maitake is effective for these or any other illnesses.
Safety Issues
Although formal safety studies have not been performed, maitake is widely believed to be safe. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Begum, Jabeen. "Maitake Mushroom: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More." WebMD, 22 Nov. 2022, www.webmd.com/diet/maitake-mushroom-health-benefits. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Konno, S. "Maitake SX-fraction: Possible Hypoglycemic Effect on Diabetes Mellitus." Alternative and Complementary Therapy, vol. 7, 2001, pp. 366-370.
Kubo, K., H. Aoki, and H. Nanba. "Anti-diabetic Activity Present in the Fruit Body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake)." International Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, vol. 17, 1994, pp. 1106-1110.
Kubo, K., and H. Nanba. "Anti-hyperliposis Effect of Maitake Fruit Body (Grifola frondosa)." International Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, vol. 20, 1997, pp. 781-785.
"Maitake." Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 13 May 2022, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/maitake. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
"Mycomedicinals (Mushrooms) for Cancer - Whole Health Library." Veterans Affairs, 1 May 2024, www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/mycomedicinals-mushrooms-for-cancer.asp. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Wilson, Debra Rose, and Emily Cronkleton. "Everything You Should Know About Maitake Mushroom." Healthline, 12 Oct. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/maitake-mushroom. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Yamada, Y., H. Nanba, and H. Kuroda. "Antitumor Effect of Orally Administered Extracts from Fruit Body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake)." Chemotherapy, vol. 38, 1990, pp. 790-796.