Maitake: Medicinal Benefits
Maitake mushroom wild-foraged in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Maitake is one of the most beneficial mushrooms on the planet. Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese [2] because of the pattern of overlapping caps that look like bird plumage. Because of its remarkable therapeutic capabilities, the fungus is thought to have gained its name after people danced with joy when they discovered the taste, look, and medicinal benefits [1] of this unique mushroom in the wild forests. It is known as “hui-shu-hua” in Chinese [5] and the “hen-of-the-woods” in Japan, Europe, and North America because of its bird-like appearances [1].
It is native to Japan, China, and North America, and the mushroom is cultivated and found in the wild of these regions. It is found growing near the base of Oak, Elm, and Maple trees. It can be cultivated and even grown at home, though it seems to do better in the wild. It is most likely to be found in autumn [2]. Because of its capacity to grow in excess of 100 pounds, it has also been called “King of the Mushrooms”. Its first documented discovery was by a group of Buddhist nuns and woodcutters in Japan about 2,000 years ago [1]. The maitake mushroom is a type of fungus that is edible. The mushroom can be cooked or fried whole [3].
Maitake growing wild
Maitake and its medicinal value
“Grifola frondosa” is the scientific name for maitake mushrooms. [3]. Because of its medicinal and regenerative properties, Maitake became an important part of Chinese and Japanese herbology after its discovery. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a medicinal mushroom to promote spleen and stomach health, as well as to help calm nerves. It is also considered an edible mushroom in Asia [3] and is commonly consumed and used in traditional medicine. Maitake is one of the most widely used mushrooms in the world, thanks to Japanese mycologists who developed indoor and outdoor production techniques in 1979 [1].
Although maitake mushrooms have been utilized in Japan and China for thousands of years, they have just recently become popular in the United States [2]. This fungus is being lauded for its promises of health, vigor, and life. HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hepatitis, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight loss or control, and infertility owing to the polycystic ovarian syndrome are among conditions for which it is used [4].
Antitumor effects
In vitro, maitake showed antitumor effects [3], increased bone marrow colony formation, decreased doxorubicin toxicity, and prevented tumor metastasis. Orally given extracts boosted hematopoietic cell maturation to functionally active myeloid cells and improved peripheral blood leukocyte recovery following chemotoxic bone marrow injury in animal models, and protected against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression.
Maitake also improved interferon activity against bladder cancer cells and reduced inflammatory bowel disease inflammation [3]. Researchers believe that this mushroom can prevent cancerous cells from growing and reproducing.
Tumor regression or significant improvements in symptoms were reported in half of the participants who received maitake extract in small non-controlled research. Oral administration of a maitake extract was shown to have immunomodulatory effects and to improve neutrophil and monocyte activation in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome in a trial of postmenopausal breast cancer patients [3].
Maitake mushroom in diabetes
Maitake, Grifola frondosa, contains bioactivite compounds that help people with diabeties improve their glycemic responses [4]. It is used to treat diabetes and hypertension in traditional medicine. A 2015 study states, maitake mushrooms can help people with type 2 diabetes. Consumption of maitake mushrooms had a favorable influence on the glucose levels of those who were tested during the trial. This suggests that the mushroom has the potential to effectively treat type 2 diabetes [2]. It is concluded in the research that, the Grifola frondosa mushroom has a wide range of bioactive compounds that could be useful in nutraceutical and medicinal applications for treating diabetic patients [5].
Maitake Health-Supportive Properties
As a functional food, maitake mushrooms are nutrient-dense and very helpful. Amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals including copper, zinc, and phosphorus contribute to their nutritional worth. Maitake mushrooms, as functional mushrooms, contain a significant quantity of alpha- and beta-glucan polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other bioactive compounds that have been linked to a variety of health benefits [1].
Maitake is one of only a few functional and medical mushrooms that can help with adaptogenic issues. Adaptogens are chemicals that help people adapt to and recover from stressful situations. Maitake, as a helpful adaptogen, aids in the body's natural balance and healthy stress response.
What to expect?
Maitake mushrooms have the ability to boost your immune system as maitake mushrooms are a high-fiber, low-calorie meal that can be used to supplement a healthy diet. One cup of diced maitake mushrooms is rich in minerals and nutrients and has 22 calories, with 0.1g fat, 4.9g carbs, and 1.4g protein [1]. It is available in the shape of powders and can be used in smoothies, juice, coffee, oats, etc. in your routine diet.
www.ommushrooms.com
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms
5 Bioactive Ingredients and Medicinal Values of Grifola frondosa (Maitake)
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov