Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Common Names
Maitake (dancing mushroom), Hen-of-the-Woods, sheep’s head, kumotake (“cloud mushroom”), mushikusa.
Natural Habitat
Northern temperate deciduous forests. North America, Eastern Canada, Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, Northeastern regions of Japan, temperate regions of China and Europe.
Key Components
Polysaccharides; alpha and beta glucans, including grifolan; ergosterol; lipids and phospholipids; mannogalactofucan; mannoxyloglucan; xloglucan; GFL (N-acetylgalactosamine-specific lectin).
Overview
Grifola frondosa, more commonly known as maitake or “Hen-of-the-woods,” grows throughout the temperate forests of North America, as well as in China and Europe. Long valued as a gourmet culinary mushroom, maitake also has excellent nutritional value, containing a variety of beneficial phospholipids, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin D2.1 Maitake offers medicinal properties comparable to those of reishi and cordyceps, showing a range of anti-cancer effects,2,3,4immune-stimulating properties,5 and blood glucose lowering action in diabetes.6,7,8
Maitake was available only as a wild-harvested mushroom until 1979, when cultivation techniques were developed.9 Before that time, it is reported that Japanese mushroom hunters foraged for maitake alone and did not disclose the location of their finds to anyone, even their own family, so desirable and valuable was the mushroom.10
Mushroom researcher Hiroaki Nanba reports that maitake has the strongest tumor growth inhibition properties of all mushrooms studied.11 In one study with mice bearing breast cancer tumors, complete remission was confirmed on four out of ten fed with maitake, while the remaining six showed a 90 percent suppression rate.12
Maitake appears to exert strong anti-cancer effects by increasing immune activity. In one clinical study a specific beta-glucan found in maitake, known as D-fraction, administered to cancer patients increased NK cell activity and effectively repressed cancer progression in all ten subjects.13 When maitake was combined with chemotherapy, immune cell activities were enhanced 1.2-1.4 times, compared with chemotherapy alone14. In a study using maitake MD-fraction (similar to the beta-glucan D-fraction) from maitake, cancer regression or significant symptom improvement was observed in 58.3 percent of liver cancer patients, 68.8 percent of breast cancer patients, and 62.5 percent of lung cancer patients.15 Maitake has also been shown to help lessen the side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss, nausea, and loss of appetite.16
Studies with diabetic mice have found that maitake exhibits anti-diabetic activity. In addition to reducing blood glucose levels, supplementation with maitake effectively decreased body weight and lowered levels of insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids.17,18 Clinical trials also show maitake extract helps control blood sugar levels.19 One study theorizes maitake’s anti-diabetic activity may be due to its effect on insulin receptors, increasing insulin sensitivity and ameliorating insulin resistance.20
A number of animal studies have shown that maitake lowered blood-pressure.21,22,23 Animal studies have also found maitake improves lipid metabolism, which can have a cholesterol lowering-effect.24
Maitake has demonstrated significant hepatoprotective action. In animal studies on rats with hepatitis, maitake effectively protected the liver where five other medicinal mushroom species failed. Maitake’s hepoprotective effects have been shown in clinical studies as well.25 In one clinical trial with hepatitis B patients, the group taking maitake had a higher rate of recovery, and seroconversion from HbeAG positive to negative was 44%, compared with 13% in the control group.26
Maitake has been demonstrated to serve as a powerful immunomodulator. Supplementation with powdered maitake, for example, enhanced the activity of macrophages, NK cells, and T-cells.27 In addition to showing benefits for those dealing with cancer and other diseases, maitake’s immune-stimulating properties may make it useful for those with chronic fatigue syndrome.28
The National Cancer Institute has studied maitake for its potential anti-HIV activity. Preliminary research found that a proteo-glucan in maitake showed anti-cancer activity and was able to prevent HIV from killing T-cells in vitro.29 Physicians Joan Priestley, MD, and Dr. David Hughes, MD, report improvement of symptoms and Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions in their HIV patients administered maitake extract.30
Research in Japan has shown that compounds in maitake may increase collagen synthesis31 and alleviate dry skin.32
1 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 110
2 Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventive potential for cancer. Nanba H. J Orthomolecular Med. 1997
3 Kodama, N., et al. 2003. Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients. Journal of Medicinal Food. 6 (4), 371-377.
4 Kodama, N., et al. 2002. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Alternative Medicine Review. 7 (3), 236-239.
5 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 111-112.
6 Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake). Kubo K, Aoki H, Nanba H. Biol Pharm Bull. 1994;17
7 Anti-diabetic effect of an alpha-glucan from fruit body of maitake (Grifola frondosa) on KK-Ay mice. Hong L, Xun M, Wutong W. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007;59(4)
8 Powell, M., 2010. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, Mycology Press, East Sussex U.K.
9 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 110
10 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 110
11 Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventive potential for cancer. Nanba H. J Orthomolecular Med. 1997
12 Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventive potential for cancer. Nanba H. J Orthomolecular Med. 1997
13 Kodama, N., et al. 2003. Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients. Journal of Medicinal Food. 6 (4), 371-377.
14 Kodama, N., et al. 2002. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Alternative Medicine Review. 7 (3), 236-239.
15 Kodama, N., et al. 2002. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Alternative Medicine Review. 7 (3), 236-239.
16 Powell, M., 2010. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, Mycology Press, East Sussex U.K.
17 Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake). Kubo K, Aoki H, Nanba H. Biol Pharm Bull. 1994;17
18 Anti-diabetic effect of an alpha-glucan from fruit body of maitake (Grifola frondosa) on KK-Ay mice. Hong L, Xun M, Wutong W. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007;59(4)
19 Powell, M., 2010. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, Mycology Press, East Sussex U.K.
20 Anti-diabetic effect of an alpha-glucan from fruit body of maitake (Grifola frondosa) on KK-Ay mice. Hong L, Xun M, Wutong W. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007;59(4)
21 Blood pressure lowering activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (maitake). Adachi K, Nanba H, Otsuka M, Kuroda H. Chen Pharm Bull. 1988;36
22 Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on blood pressure and plasma lipids in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Kabir Y, Yamaguchi M, Kimua S. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1987
23 Dietary mushrooms reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Kabir Y, Kimura S. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1989;35
24 Anti-hyperliposis effect of Maitake fruit body (Grifola frondosa) Kubo K, Nanba H. Biol Pharm Bull. 1997
25 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 111
26 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 242
27 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p.111
28 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 112
29 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 112
30 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 114
31 Lee, B.C., et al. Biological activities of the polysaccharides produced from submerged culture of the edible Basidiomycete Grifola frondosa. Enzyme and Microbial Technology. 32 (5), 574-581. 2003.
32 Nagao, M., et al. Augmentation of sebaceous lipogenesis by an ethanol extract of Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in hamsters in vivo and in vitroExperimental Dermatology. 18 (8), 730-733. 2009.
1. Grifola frondosa (Dicks.: Fr.) S.F. Gray (maitake mushroom): medicinal properties, active compounds, and biotechnological cultivation
Boh, B., and Berovic, M. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2007. 9 (2), 89-108.
In this review article, the authors discuss the composition and beneficial effects of maitake mushroom. Active compounds include beta glucans and glycoproteins. Maitake demonstrates anticancer effects, helps boost the immune system, and possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant qualities. It benefits cholesterol balance, promotes healthy blood pressure, helps lower blood sugar, and has other beneficial effects on health.
2. Antitumor activity of orally administered “D-fraction” from maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa)
Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. 1993. 4 (1), 10-15.
In this series of experiments, researchers examined the effects of D-fraction, an extract from maitake mushroom. When fed to mice, it had anti-tumoric effects. Testing showed that the D-fraction helped to stimulate the immune system. D-fraction boosted the cell-destroying capability of macrophages and T-cells.
3. Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventive potential for cancer
Nanba, H. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 1997. 12 (1), 43-49.
In this article, the researcher examined the effects of maitake D-fraction on mice and on cancer patients. Mice given D-fraction either orally or by injection showed increased immune system response. Testing also revealed that maitake is non-toxic even at very high doses. In another experiment involving mice, it was demonstrated that maitake may help prevent metastasis. A clinical study involving 165 stage III-IV cancer patients showed that maitake is effective against certain cancers, including breast, lung, and liver, and can improve response to chemotherapy. 90% of patients reported fewer unpleasant side effects to chemotherapy while on a maitake regimen. In patients with bone cancer, stomach cancer, or leukemia, maitake was not as effective.
4. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients?
Kodama, N., et al. Alternative Medicine Review. 2002. 7 (3), 236-239.
Researchers examined the effects of a combination of maitake mushroom powder and MD-fraction on cancer patients. Patients ranged in age from 22 to 57, and had stages II through IV cancers. Between 58 and 69% of liver, breast, and lung cancer patients experienced regression of their cancers and/or improved symptoms. It was also discovered that maitake enhanced the effects of chemotherapy by boosting immune activity. Patients suffering from leukemia, stomach cancer and brain cancer showed significantly less improvement (10 to 20%).
5. Effect of maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients
Kodama, N., et al. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2003. 6 (4), 371-377.
In this study, researchers evaluated the effects of maitake D-fraction on NK (natural killer) cell activity in cancer patients who were not using anti-cancer drugs. Through a variety of tests, they determined that maitake D-fraction inhibited metastasis and increased natural killer cell activity. Cancer patients taking maitake D-fraction also showed less expression of tumor markers.
6. Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (maitake). I.
Kubo, K., et al. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 1994. 17 (8), 1106-1110.
In this in vivo study involving mice, researchers looked at the effects of maitake mushroom on blood sugar levels. One group of mice was given powdered maitake; a control group was not. The mice receiving maitake had reduced blood sugar levels compared to the control group. The maitake mice also showed beneficial changes in insulin and triglyceride levels.
7. Anti-diabetic effect of an alpha-glucan from fruit body of maitake (Grifola frondosa) on KK-Ay mice
Hong, L., et al. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2007. 59 (4), 575-582.
In this in vivo study, researchers investigated the effects of a compound (alpha glucan) from maitake mushroom on diabetic mice. Administration of this compound to the mice had numerous beneficial effects. Body weight, fasting blood sugar levels, insulin levels, triglycerides, and other markers significantly decreased. The compound also stimulated superoxide dismutase antioxidant activity and increased glutathione levels (also an antioxidant). Disease markers detected in the pancreas improved as well.
8. Anticancer and hypoglycemic effects of polysaccharides in edible and medicinal maitake mushroom [Grifola frondosa (Dicks.: Fr.) S. F. Gray]
Konno, S., et al. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2002. 4 (3).
Researchers examined the effects of maitake mushroom compounds on cancer and diabetes. In vitro experiments revealed that D-fraction maitake was effective against prostate cancer cells, killing over 95% in 24 hours. Equally effective was a dose of D-fraction one-eighth the size combined with vitamin C. Another experiment revealed that when D-fraction was combined with the drug carmustine, toxicity to cancer cells increased from 50% to 90%. In clinical trials, the SX-fraction of maitake was given to diabetes patients. All patients achieved varying degrees of improvement in blood sugar levels.
9. Anti-hyperliposis effect of maitake fruit body (Grifola frondosa). I.
Kubo, K., and Nanba, H. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 1997. 20 (7), 781-785.
In this in vivo experiment involving rats, researchers demonstrated that maitake mushroom improves metabolism of fats. Rats were divided into two groups; one group was given a high-cholesterol diet with maitake mixed in while the control group was given a regular diet. Researchers tested various cholesterol markers and discovered that the maitake-consuming rats had near-normal cholesterol markers despite the high cholesterol diet. The rats consuming maitake also had lower blood and liver levels of fat; they also excreted more cholesterol.
10. Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on blood pressure and plasma lipids of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Kabir, Y., et al. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 1987. 33 (5), 341-346.
In this 9-week experiment, researchers fed shiitake and maitake mushroom powders to hypertensive rats to determine their effects. In additional to a 5% mushroom diet, the rats were given a salt water solution to drink instead of regular water (salt can contribute to hypertension). The mushrooms had varying effects, but overall the results were beneficial. Blood pressure and cholesterol were lowered. Researchers conclude that the mushroom powders were responsible for lowering blood pressure.
11. Dietary mushrooms reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)
Kabir, Y. and Kimura, S. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 1989. 35 (1), 91-94.
In this in vivo experiment, researchers looked at the effects of maitake mushroom on blood pressure. Hypertensive rats were divided into two groups. One group was given maitake mushroom for 8 weeks; the control group was not. By the end of the test period, the maitake-fed rats had significantly lowered blood pressure.
12. Biological activities of the polysaccharides produced from submerged culture of the edible basidiomyceta Grifola frondosa
Lee, B.C., et al. Enzyme and Microbial Technology. 2003. 32 (5), 574-581.
Researchers extracted various polysaccharides from maitake mushroom and examined their characteristics. Various tests revealed that most of them demonstrated antioxidant function. Two in particular, designated P-1 and P-3, stimulated a 25% increase in the number of fibroblasts (connective tissue cells). P-3 also induced collagen formation in fibroblasts by 80%. Two other polysaccharides, designated G-2 and G-3, also produced a rapid increase in fibroblasts.
13. Augmentation of sebaceous lipogenesis by an ethanol extract of Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in hamsters in vivo and in vitro
Nagao, M., et al. Experimental Dermatology. 2009. 18 (8), 730-733.
In this series of experiments, researchers looked at the ability of maitake mushroom to alleviate dry skin. They produced an ethanol extract of maitake and applied it to the skin of hamsters. They found that maitake enhanced formation of components of sebum, which protects skin and keeps it from drying out. Researchers conclude that maitake may be helpful in treating dry skin.
14. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) improve glucose tolerance of experimental diabetic rats
Horio, H., and Ohtsuru, M. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 2001. 47 (1), 57-63.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers looked at the effects of maitake mushroom on diabetes-related characteristics. Rats were divided into four groups: diabetic rats given maitake; diabetic rats given no maitake; non-diabetic rats given maitake; and non-diabetic rats given no maitake. Various measurements were taken during the duration of the study, including blood sugar levels, insulin levels, fructosamine levels, and more. Test results indicated that maitake mushroom improved all the diabetic signs and symptoms tested.
15. Antihypertensive and metabolic effects of whole maitake mushroom powder and its fractions in two rat strains
Talpur, N.A., et al. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2002. 237 (1-2), 129-136.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers compared the metabolic effects of powdered maitake mushroom and two maitake extracts. One group of rats was insulin resistant; the other group had high blood pressure. Four different diets were tested on each group of rats: a control diet, a diet containing maitake mushroom powder, a diet containing ether soluble extract, and a diet containing water soluble extract. Depending on the type of rats and the diet, researchers found that the powdered maitake and/or the extracts lowered blood pressure, blood sugar, and associated markers in varying amounts.
16. Cholesterol-lowering effects of maitake (Grifola frondosa) fiber, shiitake (Lentinus edodes) fiber, and enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) fiber in rats
Fukushima, M., et al. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001. 226 (8), 758-765.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers examined the effects of fiber from three varieties of mushrooms on cholesterol levels. Rats were divided into four diet groups. All received a cholesterol-free diet for four weeks, plus one of the following: cellulose powder, maitake fiber, shiitake fiber, or enokitake fiber. While the rats who received any of the three mushroom fibers excreted more cholesterol, only those who consumed the maitake and enokitake fiber exhibited lower total cholesterol levels.
17. Maitake beta-glucan enhances therapeutic effect and reduces myelosupression and nephrotoxicity of cisplatin in mice
Masuda, Y., et al. International Immunopharmacology. 2009. 9 (5), 620-626.
In this in vivo experiment, researchers examined the effects of a purified glucan from maitake, MD-fraction, on mice treated with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Cisplatin can cause serious side effects including damage to kidneys and bone marrow cells. The researchers found that MD-fraction boosted the anti-cancer activity of cisplatin, such as increasing natural killer cell activity. MD-fraction also helped protect bone marrow cells and kidneys from cisplatin-induced damage.
18. Induction of apoptosis in human prostatic cancer cells with beta-glucan (maitake mushroom polysaccharide)
Fullerton, S.A., et al. Molecular Urology. 2000. 4 (1), 7-13.
In this in vitro study, researchers looked at the effects of beta glucan from maitake mushroom on prostate cancer cells. The cancer cells were treated with varying doses of the maitake beta glucan and the results analyzed. After 24 hours, greater than 95% of cancer cells were dead. The effective dose of the beta glucan treatment was identified as 480 microg/ML. Researchers found that less was needed, just 30 to 60 microg/ML, when combined with 200 microM of vitamin C; that combination killed over 90% of the cancer cells. Researchers also tested the beta glucan in combination with several cancer drugs; the drug carmustine, when used with the maitake beta glucan, resulted in a 90% cancer cell death rate. Researchers believe that maitake beta glucan shows great potential for cancer treatment.
19. Genes related to suppression of malignant phenotype induced by maitake D-fraction in breast cancer cells
Alonso, E.N., et al. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2013. 16 (7), 602-617.
In this study, researchers sought to examine which genes are acted upon by maitake D-fraction in the inhibition of breast cancer cells. Varying concentrations of D-fraction were applied to human breast cancer cells for 24 hours. Tests revealed that the D-fraction stimulated expression of 2420 genes and suppressed expression of 1648 genes in the cancer cells. The effects were dose-dependent. Researchers found that D-fraction likely modified specific genes that promote apoptosis (cell death), suppress cell growth, inhibit the spread of cancer cells, and potentiate drug sensitivity. Researchers conclude that maitake shows great promise as a breast cancer treatment.
20. Induction of cell death in renal cell carcinoma with combination of D-fraction and vitamin C
Alexander, B., et al. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2013.
PMID: 23341484
Researchers examined the potential of combined D-fraction (from maitake mushroom) and vitamin C therapy for treatment of renal cell carcinoma. They looked at varying doses of D-fraction and vitamin C on cell death and found that either one, at high enough doses, significantly decreased cancer cell viability. Lesser amounts of either one were not effective, but when the lesser amounts of both D-fraction and vitamin C were combined, together they had an effective cancer cell kill rate of 90%. Further tests suggested that the mechanism of death was oxidative stress and G(1) cell cycle arrest. Researchers conclude that the combination of D-fraction and vitamin C show potential in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.
