Maitake – A Medicinal Gourmet Mushroom

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).

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]

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]

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]

Apart from research conducted specifically on Maitake extract, there’s also a sea of research done on the active compounds themselves, most importantly the beta-glucans. For example, there is a patent application on “Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent.” More specifically, the patent “relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity,” [93] which is probably why NASA gives beta glucans to astronauts, for the prevention of radiation poisoning and the degradation of the immune system.

Additional therapeutic properties of Maitake extract as indicated by scientific research include: anti-bacterial, anti-Candida, moderating blood pressure, respiratory conditions, nerve tonic, and stress reducer. [25]

In his book “Mycelium Running,” medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists Maitake extract to have a beneficial effect on leukemia, according to research. [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.