A culinary delicacy as well as an important medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Maitake currently receives much attention from scientific circles. Specific focus is awarded to Maitake beta-glucans, which are major components in all Maitake extracts. [71, 72]
The common English name for Maitake is Hen-of-the-woods, due to its occasional resemblance to the fluffed up tail feathers of a hen. It is one of the most easily recognizable edible mushrooms in North America, though it is only to be found in eastern Canada and U.S. down to the Mid-Atlantic States.
Scientific research on Maitake extract has found that it increases the tumor necrosis factor [73, 74, 75] and enhances other anti-cancer mechanisms. [76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81] Specific cancer types studied include prostate, breast, liver, lung and colorectal cancer. [82] A Phase II study of Maitake on prostate and breast cancer has been FDA approved. [83]
The immune enhancing properties of Maitake extract have been under intense scrutiny by the scientific community. [84, 85, 86, 87] Its anti-viral properties have been of particular interest, since viruses are especially difficult to combat. [88] Research on Maitake extract as an adjunct in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Of further interest is the well demonstrated blood sugar lowering effect of Maitake extract. One study on insulin-resistance found blood glucose drops of 25% average. [90, 91, 92]
In addition to research on Maitake extract, there are also many studies on the individual active compounds, in particular beta-glucans. A patent application exists on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent." The patent in question "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity." [93] This protective effect against radiation poisoning and degradation of the immune system may be why NASA gives beta-glucans to astronauts.
Other therapeutic effects of Maitake extract that have been researched include: anti-fungal (Candida albicans) and anti-bacterial, blood pressure moderator, nerve tonic, respiratory conditions, and stress reduction. [25]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, also lists Maitake extract as showing some positive effect on leukemia. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
The common English name for Maitake is Hen-of-the-woods, due to its occasional resemblance to the fluffed up tail feathers of a hen. It is one of the most easily recognizable edible mushrooms in North America, though it is only to be found in eastern Canada and U.S. down to the Mid-Atlantic States.
Scientific research on Maitake extract has found that it increases the tumor necrosis factor [73, 74, 75] and enhances other anti-cancer mechanisms. [76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81] Specific cancer types studied include prostate, breast, liver, lung and colorectal cancer. [82] A Phase II study of Maitake on prostate and breast cancer has been FDA approved. [83]
The immune enhancing properties of Maitake extract have been under intense scrutiny by the scientific community. [84, 85, 86, 87] Its anti-viral properties have been of particular interest, since viruses are especially difficult to combat. [88] Research on Maitake extract as an adjunct in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Of further interest is the well demonstrated blood sugar lowering effect of Maitake extract. One study on insulin-resistance found blood glucose drops of 25% average. [90, 91, 92]
In addition to research on Maitake extract, there are also many studies on the individual active compounds, in particular beta-glucans. A patent application exists on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent." The patent in question "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity." [93] This protective effect against radiation poisoning and degradation of the immune system may be why NASA gives beta-glucans to astronauts.
Other therapeutic effects of Maitake extract that have been researched include: anti-fungal (Candida albicans) and anti-bacterial, blood pressure moderator, nerve tonic, respiratory conditions, and stress reduction. [25]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, also lists Maitake extract as showing some positive effect on leukemia. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked as a writer and researcher in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, including Maitake Extracts, in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For the numbered references in this article, go to the Maitake Supplements page. To view a reference, click its corresponding number.
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