Maitake Mushroom
Species Name: Grifola frondosa
Also known as: Beta-glucan, cloud mushroom, dancing mushroom, grifolan, king of mushroom
Though data on the maitake mushroom is limited in human studies, it has been used extensively in Japan for centuries, both as a food and medicinal purposes.
The maitake mushroom is characterized by a large body and overlapping caps.
The polysacchairide component of these mushrooms have been identified as beneficial in animal studies, especially immune modulation, which has led medical researchers to hypothesize a link toward anti-tumor effects.
What is Maitake Mushroom: The Maitake Mushroom is an edible fungus that grows in warm, dark environments.
Home remedies using Maitake Mushroom:
Benefits of Maitake Mushroom:
Antifungal, anti-infective, antitumorigenic, antiviral, arthritis, bacterial infection, diagnostic agent, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, HIV, liver inflammation (hepatitis), weight loss.
Cancer: studies in the laboratory as well as in humans suggest that beta-glucan extracts from maitake may increase the body's ability to fight cancer. However, these studies have not been well designed, and better research is needed before the use of maitake for cancer can be recommended.
In animal studies, maitake extracts are reported to lower blood sugar levels, positing the hypothesis that maitake mushrooms could help fight cancer in humans. However, little is known about the effect of maitake on blood sugar or cancer in humans.
Animal and laboratory studies suggest that beta-glucan extracts from maitake may alter the immune system. However, no reliable studies in humans are available.
Uses of Maitake Mushroom:
Cancer, anti-fungal medications, diabetes, antibiotic properties, lowers blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and immune enhancements.
Capsules, tablets, or liquid extract: Doses of beta-glucan from maitake range from 0.5 to 1 milligram per kilogram daily, taken in divided doses.
Raw mushroom: It is not known what doses are safe or effective
Side Effects of Maitake Mushroom:
Few studies in humans are available, and it is not known what doses may be safe or effective. The strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary.
You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Little information is available about the safety of maitake in children. Therefore, its use cannot be recommended.
The effects of Maitake mushrooms haven’t been thoroughly studied in humans, but it has been used historically as a food, it is thought that low doses may be safe.
Little is known about the safety of maitake in pregnancy, breast feeding, or in young children, and therefore its use as a supplement can’t be recommended.
Since the use of Maitake Mushrooms is known to have caused drops in blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure, in animal testing, caution is advised for diabetics taking oral medications or insulin, or anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure) medications, and the use of Maitake mushrooms should be monitored closely by their health care providers.
