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Maitake mushroom

Also known as: Maitake mushroom, Dancing mushroom, Grifola frondosa

Overview

Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is an edible fungus with a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine, primarily valued for its health-promoting properties. The most studied bioactive component is the maitake D-fraction, a polysaccharide extract known for its potent immunomodulatory and potential anticancer effects. Maitake is frequently utilized as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, aiming to enhance immune function, improve the efficacy of conventional treatments like chemotherapy, and mitigate their side effects. Research on Maitake is moderately developed, with several clinical studies and systematic reviews supporting its role in cancer care and metabolic health. While some well-conducted randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses provide strong evidence for its benefits, particularly in oncology, more large-scale studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions and standardized usage guidelines.

Benefits

Maitake mushroom offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in immune modulation and as an adjunct in cancer therapy. The maitake D-fraction acts as a biologic response modifier, significantly enhancing T-cell dependent immune responses and exhibiting direct antitumor activity, particularly noted in breast, prostate, and liver cancers. Clinical studies have shown that maitake supplementation can increase chemotherapy response rates from 12% to 28% and reduce chemotherapy-related side effects in cancer patients. Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials indicate improved overall survival and disease-free survival in cancer patients when mushroom extracts, including maitake, are used as an adjunct therapy. These benefits are particularly relevant for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially those with breast, prostate, liver, colorectal, and gastric cancers, who may experience enhanced treatment efficacy. Preclinical animal studies also suggest secondary benefits, including antihypertensive effects and improved insulin sensitivity, though these require further human clinical validation. The immune-modulating and chemotherapy-enhancing effects have been observed during active treatment phases, with long-term survival benefits noted in meta-analyses over periods exceeding five years.

How it works

Maitake D-fraction primarily exerts its effects by modulating the immune system. Its polysaccharide components interact with immune receptors such as Dectin-1 and Toll-like receptors, leading to the activation of T-cells and the stimulation of cytokine production. This enhances the body's immune surveillance against tumor cells. Additionally, maitake D-fraction has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines, contributing to its direct antitumor effects. The absorption and bioavailability of these active polysaccharides are influenced by the extraction methods, with purified D-fraction being commonly used in clinical studies for oral administration.

Side effects

Maitake mushroom extracts are generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical settings. The most common side effects are mild and typically involve gastrointestinal discomfort. Current literature does not report significant drug interactions or contraindications, making it a suitable adjunct therapy for many patients. Specific populations, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, have demonstrated good tolerance to maitake supplementation. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in individuals with known mushroom allergies, and caution is advised in such cases. Overall, its safety profile is favorable, supporting its use as a complementary agent.

Dosage

Clinical studies investigating maitake D-fraction as an adjunct therapy in cancer patients commonly use doses around 3 grams per day. This dosage is typically administered concurrently with chemotherapy cycles to maximize synergistic effects and improve treatment outcomes. The optimal dosage may vary depending on the specific extract standardization, the patient's individual condition, and the therapeutic goals. There is currently no established maximum safe dose defined for maitake. Formulations usually consist of purified polysaccharide extracts, which are standardized for their D-fraction content to ensure consistent potency and efficacy. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for individual needs.

FAQs

Is maitake safe to take with chemotherapy?

Yes, studies indicate that maitake can be safely combined with chemotherapy. It may enhance treatment efficacy and help reduce chemotherapy-related side effects, making it a beneficial adjunct.

How long before effects are seen?

Immune modulation and improved chemotherapy response can be observed within active treatment cycles. Longer-term benefits, such as improved survival rates, are typically noted in follow-up studies over several years.

Does maitake cure cancer?

Maitake is not a cure for cancer. Instead, it serves as a complementary therapy that can enhance the immune response and improve the outcomes of conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

Are there any known allergies?

Allergic reactions to maitake are rare but possible. Individuals with known allergies to mushrooms should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/13/6/510 – This systematic review highlights the role of mushroom extracts, including maitake, in enhancing chemotherapy and reversing chemoresistance. It found that Maitake D-fraction specifically enhances T-cell dependent immune activation and can improve chemotherapy response rates from 12% to 28%, while also reducing side effects in various cancers. The study acknowledges heterogeneity in research designs and extract preparations as a limitation.
https://www.tcm.ac/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/001-SYM2-Medicinal-Mushroom-Supplements-in-Cancer_-A-Systematic-Review-of-Clinical-Studies.pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials involving thousands of cancer patients concluded that mushroom supplements, including maitake, significantly improve overall survival and disease-free survival in cancers such as colorectal and gastric cancer when used adjunctively. The study noted variability in mushroom species and extract standardization as a limitation.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2009.0696?src=recsys – This source refers to preclinical randomized controlled trials conducted in rat models. These studies demonstrated that maitake fractions improved insulin sensitivity, reduced blood pressure, and exhibited antihypertensive effects in diabetic and hypertensive rat models. The summary emphasizes that the translational relevance of these findings to humans requires further clinical trials.
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/mycomedicinals-mushrooms-for-cancer.asp – This source provides information on medicinal mushrooms for cancer, including maitake. It supports the idea that maitake D-fraction enhances T-cell dependent immune responses and shows antitumor activity, particularly in breast, prostate, and liver cancers. It also notes that in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, maitake supplementation increased response rates and reduced chemotherapy side effects.