Maitake Mushrooms: Cancer Cure Or Myth?

Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) are edible fungi that grow in forests in Asia, Europe, and North America. They have been used in traditional medicine in China, Japan, and North America for thousands of years. Maitake mushrooms are thought to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, regulating blood sugar, and fighting cancer. While there is some evidence that maitake mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties, most of the research is outdated and not human-based. More clinical research is needed to determine whether maitake mushrooms can be used as a cancer treatment.

Maitake mushroom's antitumor potential

Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) are edible and medicinal fungi that grow wild in Japan, China, and North America. Maitake has been used in traditional Asian medicine for numerous health-promoting purposes. The mushroom contains chemicals that might help fight tumors, stimulate the immune system, and lower blood sugar levels.

Maitake D-fraction is the bioactive extract that has been widely studied as an adjuvant therapy for cancer. It acts as a biologic response modifier, providing T-cell-dependent immune enhancement and activation that enhances antitumor effects. In a small case series, tumor regression or significant improvements in symptoms were observed in some subjects who took maitake extract. In small trials, oral maitake extract appeared to have immunomodulatory effects in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and enhanced neutrophil and monocyte function in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

The β-glucan D-fraction of Maitake exerts profound effects on the immune system. It is reported that the Maitake D-Fraction joins Dectin-1 receptors present in the outer membrane of macrophages and other white blood cells, including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells. Mechanistic studies to date indicate that maitake's effects are due to the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells, T cells, as well as interleukin-1 and superoxide anions. The D-fraction has shown antitumor activity by upregulating the expression of a proapoptotic gene, BAK-1, prevented breast carcinogenesis, blocked tumor invasiveness, reduced angiogenesis, and increased overall survival in a murine model.

Maitake polysaccharides induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway in human breast cancer cells. The beta glucan GFPBW1 activated macrophages via the Dectin-1/Syk/NF-κB signaling pathway, and oral alpha-glucan activated dendritic cells and macrophages in small intestine lymphoid tissue, inducing a systemic antitumor T-cell response. In preclinical studies, orally administered extracts promoted the maturation of hematopoietic cells to functionally active myeloid cells, enhanced peripheral blood leukocyte recovery following chemotoxic bone marrow injury, and protected against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression.

While maitake mushrooms have shown promising antitumor potential, most studies are older and not human-based. More clinical research on people living with cancer is needed to understand whether maitake mushrooms could be used as part of any type of cancer treatment.

Maitake's influence on the immune system

Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) are edible and medicinal fungi that grow wild in Japan, China, and North America. Maitake has been used in traditional Asian medicine for numerous health-promoting purposes. The mushroom contains chemicals that might help fight tumors, stimulate the immune system, and lower blood sugar levels.

The maitake D-fraction is the bioactive extract that has been widely studied as an adjuvant therapy. It acts as a biologic response modifier, providing T-cell-dependent immune enhancement and activation that enhances antitumor effects. The β-glucan D-fraction of Maitake exerts profound effects on the immune system. It is reported that the Maitake D-Fraction binds to Dectin-1 receptors present in the outer membrane of macrophages and other white blood cells, including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells.

In an exploratory study involving 36 patients with advanced cancer (liver, breast, and lung) who discontinued chemotherapy, cancer regression or improvement in symptoms was observed in 23 participants after taking oral tablets containing MD-fraction and whole maitake powder. However, the authors did not report the dosage or duration of the treatment. The study also presented a case series in which maitake combined with chemotherapy potentiated immune function compared to chemotherapy alone. The daily dosage ranged between 100 mg and 150 mg MD-fraction plus 4 g to 6 g of whole maitake powder over a variable duration.

Maitake mushroom extracts are marketed as dietary supplements in the form of liquid extracts, tablets, and capsules to enhance immune function and treat AIDS and cancer. The polysaccharides include alpha and beta glucans, with the D- and further purified MD-fractions exhibiting strong immunomodulating and antitumor effects. Limited clinical data suggest that maitake has immunomodulatory effects and may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Maitake as an adjuvant therapy

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is an edible and medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine in Asia for numerous health-promoting purposes. Maitake contains chemicals that may help fight tumors, stimulate the immune system, and lower blood sugar levels.

Maitake D-fraction, a bioactive extract of the mushroom, has been widely studied as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment. It acts as a biological response modifier, providing T-cell-dependent immune enhancement and activation, leading to enhanced antitumor effects.

In a small case series, tumor regression or significant improvements in symptoms were observed in some subjects who took maitake extract. In small trials, oral maitake extract showed immunomodulatory effects in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and enhanced neutrophil and monocyte function in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Maitake polysaccharides have been found to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in human breast cancer cells via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. The antitumor effects of beta-glucan GFPBW1, a type of beta-glucan found in maitake, are believed to occur through the Dectin-1/Syk/NF-kB signaling pathway. Orally administered maitake alpha-glucan has also been shown to activate dendritic cells and macrophages in the small intestine, triggering a systemic antitumor T-cell response.

Additionally, maitake has been found to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. When maitake D-fraction was given to patients receiving chemotherapy for various cancers, response rates increased from 12% to 28%, and chemotherapy side effects were reduced. However, it is important to note that clinical evidence of maitake's anticancer effects is limited, and more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Maitake's effect on blood sugar levels

Maitake mushrooms, also known as "dancing mushrooms", are edible fungi that grow in Japan, China, and North America. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes and hypertension. They are also commercially available as dietary supplements that claim to "enhance immune function" and treat AIDS and cancer.

Maitake mushrooms have been found to regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with diabetes. Several studies have shown that consuming maitake mushrooms can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. In one study, a water-soluble extract of maitake mushroom, called Fraction X (FXM), significantly lowered circulating glucose concentrations in insulin-resistant mice. Another study found that administering maitake mushrooms to diabetic rats improved glucose tolerance and blood glucose levels.

Maitake mushrooms may also be beneficial for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A 2010 study found that maitake extract induced ovulation in 77% of participants with PCOS. Additionally, maitake mushrooms have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

However, it is important to note that most of the studies on maitake mushrooms are older and not human-based. More recent research on human subjects is needed to verify the effectiveness of maitake mushrooms in regulating blood sugar levels and treating other health conditions. While maitake mushrooms may offer potential health benefits, they should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement or dietary change, especially for those already taking insulin.

Maitake's side effects and interactions

Maitake mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years, particularly in Japan and China. However, there is limited data on its effects on humans, and more research is needed to verify its safety and efficacy.

Side Effects

Maitake mushrooms are possibly safe for most people when taken by mouth, but there is limited information on potential side effects. Some people have reported nausea after consuming maitake mushrooms. There is insufficient information to determine whether it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is recommended to avoid consumption during these periods.

Interactions

Maitake mushrooms may affect blood sugar levels, which can interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop consuming maitake mushrooms at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

The mushrooms may also increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Healthcare providers may need to monitor patients more frequently and adjust the warfarin dosage if taken with maitake mushrooms.

Additionally, maitake mushrooms might lower blood pressure. Consuming them with blood pressure-lowering medications may cause blood pressure to drop too low, so close monitoring is advised.

Maitake mushrooms may also increase the effects of hypoglycaemic medications, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low.

It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating maitake mushrooms or any other dietary supplement into your routine, especially if you are taking any medications or have any health conditions.

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