[#2001-09] A Possible Hypoglycemic Effect of Maitake Mushroom on Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Sensuke Konno et al.

A Possible Hypoglycemic Effect of Maitake Mushroom on Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Konno S, Tortorelis G, Fullerton SA, Samadi AA, Hettiarachchi J, Tazaki H

Department of Urology, New York Medical College

Two patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes had significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels even with administration of glibenclamide, a commonly-prescribed diabetes drug. Both patients were given Maitake mushroom caplets (500 mg) in daily doses, along with their glibenclamide, and experienced a sharp drop in blood glucose levels to within the normal range. Glibenclamide dosage was subsequently reduced, in one case, and completely withdrawn in the other case, with maintenance of normal FBG levels. Small or moderate weight loss was also seen in both cases. It is postulated that the Maitake mushroom acts by increasing insulin receptor activity or sensitivity.