[#2011-02] Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Abstract and key points, Markus Horneber et al.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Abstract and key points

 Written by Markus Horneber and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.

Maitake is a mushroom indigenous to many Asian countries. Commercial preparations are available as preserved whole fruiting bodies, pulverized fruiting bodies and extracts from the mycelium. Like other species from this phylum, Maitake contains polysaccharides (alpha-/beta-homo- and heteroglycans), proteins, nucleic and amino acids, minerals and trace elements, ergosterin, several vitamins and provitamins, phenols and flavonoids. The suggested key components are beta-glucans which are found in the cell walls of the fruiting bodies and mycelia.

There is limited evidence that extracts from maitake can increase the functional capacity of monocytes, T-and NK-cells in human cancer patients. There is no evidence from clinical trials that maitake extracts have direct anticancer effects.

Maitake and its extracts are usually well tolerated; allergic reactions might, however, occur.