Known for its high content of beta-glucans [71, 72], powerful immune-stimulating polysaccharides, the gourmet mushroom Maitake is one of the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
American mushroom hunters will know Maitake by its common English name as Hen-of-the-woods, so named because it resembles the fluffed up tail feathers of a hen that grows in the woods. As one of the most easily identified food mushrooms of North America, Hen-of-the-woods can be found in the eastern U.S. down to the Mid-Atlantic States, as well as eastern Canada.
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]
Other studies on Maitake extract have focused on its immune enhancing properties in general, [84, 85, 86] or on immune-enhancement on cancer patients in specific. [87] Maitake's anti-viral properties have received particularly intense scrutiny by the scientific community [88] and research on Maitake in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Blood sugar is another area where Maitake extract appears to have an effect. In one study, insulin-resistant individuals that were administered Maitake experienced an average 25% blood-glucose drop. [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.
Many other effects of Maitake extract have been researched with promising results, including: blood pressure regulation, respiratory conditions, stress and nerve tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-Candida. [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 to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
American mushroom hunters will know Maitake by its common English name as Hen-of-the-woods, so named because it resembles the fluffed up tail feathers of a hen that grows in the woods. As one of the most easily identified food mushrooms of North America, Hen-of-the-woods can be found in the eastern U.S. down to the Mid-Atlantic States, as well as eastern Canada.
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]
Other studies on Maitake extract have focused on its immune enhancing properties in general, [84, 85, 86] or on immune-enhancement on cancer patients in specific. [87] Maitake's anti-viral properties have received particularly intense scrutiny by the scientific community [88] and research on Maitake in the treatment of HIV is ongoing. [89]
Blood sugar is another area where Maitake extract appears to have an effect. In one study, insulin-resistant individuals that were administered Maitake experienced an average 25% blood-glucose drop. [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.
Many other effects of Maitake extract have been researched with promising results, including: blood pressure regulation, respiratory conditions, stress and nerve tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-Candida. [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 to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked as a writer and researcher in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, including Maitake Extracts, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For the numbered references in this article, go to the Maitake Supplement page. To view a reference, click its corresponding number.
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