The Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is an edible and medicinal fungus that grows wild in Japan, China, and North America under oak, elm, or maple trees.
The mushroom has only gained popularity in the United States over the last 20 years. People praise it for its promises of health, vitality, and longevity. Read on to learn what evidence research has found to support these claims.
Maitake (sometimes called maitako) means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese, as people would dance with joy upon finding it. It’s considered an adaptogen, helping the body fight against physical and mental difficulties.
Maitake mushroom can be cultivated and even grown at home, though it typically won’t grow as well as it does in the wild. You can usually find the mushroom during the autumn months.
While this mushroom can be used in cooking, it’s considered a medicinal mushroom. That’s likely because
- antioxidants
- beta-glucans
- vitamins B and C
- copper
- potassium
- fiber
- minerals
- amino acids
The
- fat-free
- low sodium
- low calorie
- cholesterol-free
According to
Researchers have also found that using extracts like D-fraction has some promise in reducing tumor size and improving outcomes for different cancers. Other compounds contained in the mushroom have also been found to display similar properties.
That said, many of the studies conducted on maitake mushrooms are outdated. In addition, the conclusion that the mushroom has these properties can’t be used to suggest that eating the mushroom can actually cure cancer.
More clinical research on people living with cancer is needed to understand whether the mushroom could be used as part of any type of cancer treatment.
Various studies have shown that maitake mushrooms
Generally, polysaccharide extracts from different mushrooms, including maitake,
That said, more human studies are needed to understand whether maitake mushrooms can be directly used to treat or prevent infection of any kind.
Components in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, pyrrole alkaloids, ergosterols, and unsaturated fatty acids,
That said, these older studies were conducted on animals. Newer research on human subjects is needed.
For instance, research on rats found that the mushrooms helped lower triglyceride, cholesterol, and phospholipid levels in their blood.
Other animal research also found that mushrooms may help support the liver’s ability to metabolize cholesterol and may lower systolic blood pressure.
However, like other potential benefits, these findings came from primarily older animal studies and need to be confirmed in newer research based on human subjects.
Maitake mushrooms contain beta-glucan. Among its benefits, this compound may have some properties that help it hydrate skin, promote collagen production, heal
For example, recent
In addition, these mushrooms also contain antioxidants like fatty acids and polyphenols that may help improve skin health.
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While these findings suggest that maitake mushrooms may be beneficial to skin, more research in humans is needed before the mushroom can be used as a skin remedy.
There’s little information about side effects or risks related to consuming maitake mushrooms. Just in case, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor before incorporating any mushrooms into your diet.
A general problem with mushrooms is that it can also be difficult to tell which mushrooms are safe because they can look similar.
Make sure you know what kind of mushroom you’re using, especially if you got it by foraging and not from the grocery store. Even in species considered safe to ingest, an allergic reaction is
You can add maitake mushrooms to any food in which you would normally add mushrooms.
If you’re buying maitake fresh, buy it whole to increase its shelf life. Store it in a paper bag in the refrigerator. You may be able to find it dried at some grocery stores. It freezes well, so you can keep it in stock if you can find it fresh. You can also freeze it raw.
Maitake may also be taken as a liquid concentrate or in dry form in capsules. If you decide to take it as a supplement, look for maitake D-Fraction, which is an extract of the mushroom.
That said, know that the
Always check with your doctor before trying any kind of supplement. As much as possible, choose a supplement made of 100% extract. Also, do your research and only buy from a company that provides you with sufficient information about the product.
If you begin experiencing any unusual symptoms or discomfort, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Research shows that the Maitake mushroom has the potential for healing, but more studies in humans are needed to understand its effects.
Be sure to talk with your doctor if you wish to add this to your diet or take it as a supplement. They can discuss the potential risks and benefits and help advise you on the best option for you.