Maitake

The Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is a source of immune-enhancing compounds called beta-glucans that offer significant health benefits. In the 1980s it was shown in Japan by Dr. Nanba that Maitake extract has a greater antitumour activity then any other mushroom extract, with the added benefit of being effective when taken orally (some well-known mushroom extracts such as Shitake are only fully active if injected directly into the bloodstream).

The first crude active principal in Maitake was called Maitake D-fraction and showed a high activity in stimulate macrophages (white blood cells responsible for engulfing foreign particles such as cancer cells). This fraction consists of beta-glucans, which are made up of highly complex, branching sugars bound to a protein.

Researchers have discovered four mechanisms by which Maitake helps the body to fight cancer:

• By preventing normal cells from becoming cancerous.

• By increasing the efficiency of the immune system in finding and destroying cancer cells.

• By helping cancer cells regain control of cell division and triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis).

• By reducing the spread of cancer around the body (metastasis).

Maitake has also been shown to boost the activity of other essential white blood cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T-cells. These immune cells are also essential in marking and destroying cancer cells in the body. Thus Maitake increases the efficiency of the immune system by activating the key cells within it. Maitake also stimulates the stem cells in bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. This leads to more immune cells to find and fight cancer, and also better protection against infection. This benefit is particularly useful in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which often destroy white blood cells.

Maitake fractions have been shown to be useful against many cancers, including colon, lungs, stomach, ovaries, breast, prostate, cervix and brain, as well as inhibiting leukaemias. Due to its mode of action, it is envisaged that Maitake will be useful against all cancer types.

The dosage of Maitake extract needed, depends on the quality of the extract and its strength. Generally it is found that 0.5-1 mg of Maitake is needed for every kilogram of body weight per day (approximately 35-70 mg/day). It should be taken 20-30 minutes before meals or on an empty stomach for best results.