Maitake Extract Research Summary
A culinary delicacy as well as an important medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Maitake currently receives much attention from scientific circles. Specific focus is awarded to Maitake beta-glucans, which are major components in all Maitake extracts. [71, 72]
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]
Additional research has also been conducted on beta-glucan polysaccharides as isolated compounds. There is a pending patent on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent," which "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity," [93] In light of this, it should come as no surprise that NASA gives beta-glucans to its astronauts as protection against radiation poisoning and subsequent immune system degradation.
Many other effects of Maitake extract have been researched with promising results, including: blood pressure regulation, respiratory conditions, stress and nerve tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-Candida. [25]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, also lists Maitake extract as showing some positive effect on leukemia. [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. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references. - 17274
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]
Additional research has also been conducted on beta-glucan polysaccharides as isolated compounds. There is a pending patent on "Methods of using beta glucan as a radio-protective agent," which "relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity," [93] In light of this, it should come as no surprise that NASA gives beta-glucans to its astronauts as protection against radiation poisoning and subsequent immune system degradation.
Many other effects of Maitake extract have been researched with promising results, including: blood pressure regulation, respiratory conditions, stress and nerve tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-Candida. [25]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, also lists Maitake extract as showing some positive effect on leukemia. [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. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references. - 17274
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal fungi, including Maitake Extracts, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For the numbered references in this article, go to the Maitake Supplement page. To view a reference, click its corresponding number.
posted by X - Men at
12:15 AM
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