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.
Maitake extract has been found to increase the so
called tumor-necrosis-factor 73, 74, 75 as well as
other cancer fighting mechanisms. 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81
Specific cancer types studied include colorectal, prostate, liver, lung and breast. 82 FDA has approved a
Phase II study of Maitake extract on breast and prostate cancer. 83
Other Maitake research has focused on its ability to enhance the
immune system, both in general 84, 85, 86 as well as in
cancer patients. 87 The anti-viral
potential of Maitake extract has been of particular interest. 88 Viruses are, after
all, notoriously difficult to treat. Research on Maitake and HIV is being conducted. 89
Another area of potential interest for Maitake extract
may be diabetes type II. One study reported blood glucose decrease of 25% in
insulin-resistant individuals. 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
Paul Stamets, in the book Mycelium Running, also
refers to research on leukemia in which Maitake has demonstrated some
positive effect. 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. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb
(or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Read why our Maitake Extract is better!!!
Click the following link to see chart for additional therapeutic
properties of Maitake extract.
Known active compounds of Maitake extract:
Bio-Beta-glucans
1--6 beta-glucan (Grifolan)
1--4 beta-D-glucans
1--3 beta-D-glucans
Acidic beta-glucans
Hetero beta-glucans
Mannogalactofucan
Mannoxyloglucan
N-acetylgalactosamine-specific lecithin ("GFL")
Xyloglucan
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