ProveIt Supplements

Independent, evidence-based supplement analysis.

✓ Not Sponsored

✓ No Paid Reviews

✓ Science-Based

Company

  • About Us
  • Our Methodology
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Authors

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Resources

  • All Categories
  • Ingredient Database
  • Browse Supplements
  • FAQ

© 2025 ProveIt Supplements. All rights reserved.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.

Prove It
Browse SupplementsBlogAuthorsAboutMethodologyFAQ
Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz
Menu
HomeBrowse SupplementsBlogAuthorsAboutMethodologyFAQ
Back

Maitake Mushroom Fruit Extract

Also known as: Maitake, Sheep’s head, Ram's head, Hen of the woods, Signorina, Grifola frondosa

Overview

Maitake mushroom, scientifically known as *Grifola frondosa*, is a medicinal fungus found primarily in Japan, China, and North America. Valued for its culinary and health-promoting properties, this mushroom possesses potential immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects, predominantly attributed to its bioactive component, D-fraction, a proteoglucan complex. While traditional use spans centuries, scientific investigations are mostly limited to preclinical and small-scale clinical trials, yielding low-quality evidence. Thus, while maitake has garnered attention for its proposed health benefits, further rigorous and large-scale studies are required to substantiate these claims.

Benefits

The primary benefit attributed to maitake is its ability to enhance immune function, particularly through increased activity of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which may help inhibit cancer progression. Some studies suggest it can alleviate chemotherapy side effects and enhance quality of life for cancer patients. Special populations, like postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer, might see immune modulation effects, although the clinical significance remains ambiguous. Effect sizes have been described as generally small and inconsistently significant, with variability in outcomes across studies complicating the understanding of the time course for potential benefits.

How it works

Maitake's D-fraction is known to modulate the immune system by amplifying T cell activation and cytokine production, particularly interleukins such as IL-2 and IL-12. This action influences various immune pathways, potentially promoting apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. While specific data on absorption and bioavailability are limited, its effectiveness through the modulation of immune response underscores its significance in complementary health approaches.

Side effects

Generally considered safe, maitake may still present some adverse effects, particularly nausea and joint pain at lower doses and allergic reactions at higher doses. Documented side effects are uncommon and rarely severe. Caution is warranted for individuals on immunosuppressive treatments due to possible interaction. Contraindications include patients with cancer or compromised immune systems, alongside pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, who should seek medical guidance due to insufficient safety data. Regular monitoring for side effects is advised, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Dosage

The optimal dosage for maitake mushroom extracts is not firmly established, but intermediate doses between 5 to 7 mg/kg per day are commonly suggested based on limited evidence, with maximum doses potentially reaching 10 mg/kg per day, beyond which adverse effects may increase. There are currently no recommendations regarding specific timing for intake or dosage adjustments for variations in absorption, and the effective dose may depend on the formulation used, such as the D-fraction.

FAQs

Is maitake safe to use for cancer patients?

While generally safe, individuals with cancer should use maitake under medical supervision to monitor for potential interactions and side effects.

Can I take maitake with other medications?

Caution is recommended as maitake may interact with immunosuppressive drugs; consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.

What results can I expect from using maitake?

Expected benefits vary widely, as clinical evidence is inconsistent; maitake is not a proven cure for cancer.

How should maitake be administered?

There are no specific timing recommendations; it is suggested that usage aligns with medical advice for best outcomes.

Is there a risk of side effects?

Possible side effects include nausea and joint pain at lower doses, with allergic reactions at higher doses; monitoring is essential.

Research Sources

  • https://examine.com/supplements/maitake/ – This source provides an overview of the effects and purported benefits of Maitake mushroom, highlighting available evidence and dosage considerations. It outlines the mechanisms of action and indicates the need for further research.
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19476741/ – The study focuses on the impact of Maitake mushroom on immune response, reporting increased cytokine production in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, albeit with limitations such as small sample size.
  • https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/mycomedicinals-mushrooms-for-cancer.asp – This article discusses various medicinal mushrooms, including maitake, and their proposed benefits for cancer therapies, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance when integrating them into treatment regimens.
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/maitake-mushroom – Healthline's article covers the nutritional aspects, health benefits, and potential drawbacks of maitake mushrooms, providing a balanced view on their usage and safety.
  • https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26248013_Maitake_mushroom_Grifola_frondosa_Systematic_review_by_the_natural_standard_research_collaboration – This systematic review discusses the efficacy and safety of Maitake mushroom, highlighting gaps in high-quality research and calling for more comprehensive clinical studies to establish clearer conclusions.

Supplements Containing Maitake Mushroom Fruit Extract

Mushroom Complex by Purely Optimal
75

Mushroom Complex

Purely Optimal

Score: 75/100
Mushroom 10x by We Like Vitamins
58

Mushroom 10x

We Like Vitamins

Score: 58/100
SHROOM by Primal Pharm
70

SHROOM

Primal Pharm

Score: 70/100
Mushroom Max by InfoWars M.D
55

Mushroom Max

InfoWars M.D

Score: 55/100
Happy Brain Mushroom Complex by hellohealth
65

Happy Brain Mushroom Complex

hellohealth

Score: 65/100
10 Shrooms by Oweli
83

10 Shrooms

Oweli

Score: 83/100
Shroom by High Level
68

Shroom

High Level

Score: 68/100
Mushroom Complex by Natural Cell Supplements
73

Mushroom Complex

Natural Cell Supplements

Score: 73/100
20 Veggies & Mushrooms by PureMax Labs YummyVite
75

20 Veggies & Mushrooms

PureMax Labs YummyVite

Score: 75/100
Mushroom 10X Complex by Aceworkz
65

Mushroom 10X Complex

Aceworkz

Score: 65/100
Elite 10 Mushroom Blend by SMNutrition
73

Elite 10 Mushroom Blend

SMNutrition

Score: 73/100
Mega Mushroom by Procera
70

Mega Mushroom

Procera

Score: 70/100

Recommended Articles

Best Ingredients for Healthy Hair Growth

Best Ingredients for Healthy Hair Growth

Vitamins D, iron, zinc, and natural oils like rosemary are crucial for healthy hair growth.

Mushroom Supplement Extraction: Enhancing Potency

Mushroom Supplement Extraction: Enhancing Potency

Extraction is essential to unlock the full potency of certain mushroom supplements like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane.

Vitamin D2 vs D3: Optimal Doses & Benefits

Vitamin D2 vs D3: Optimal Doses & Benefits

Vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 in raising vitamin D blood levels, with recommended doses varying based on individual needs.

Top Adaptogens for Stress Relief: A Scientific Guide

Top Adaptogens for Stress Relief: A Scientific Guide

Adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Holy Basil are effective for stress relief, supported by clinical evidence.