Orthomolecular - Mycotherapy - Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Question 1

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Answer 1

Maitake is often found among chestnut trees. It is crowned by the Japanese as the ‘king of mushrooms’ and is valued for its effect as a tonic and an adaptogen.
* Maitake grows mostly in Japan. The mushroom has a porous structure and is made up of brown and grey clusters of overlapping caps.
* Important constituents include beta-glucans, metalloproteins, lectins, enzymes and ergosterol.

Question 2

Immune-regulatory

Answer 2

Therapeutic uses:
* The beta-glucans regulate the immune system —causing an increase in Th1 lymphocytes. They stimulate macrophages and NK cells.
* The fatty acids in maitake inhibit the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways, subsequently reducing inflammation

Question 3

Cancer

Answer 3

Therapeutic uses:
* The immune-boosting effects of beta-glucans provide an anti-cancer benefit.
* Alleviates side effects of chemotherapy including loss of appetite, vomiting, hair loss and leukopenia.
* Anti-metastatic action and inhibits tumour growth.

Question 4

Cardiovascular disease

Answer 4

Therapeutic uses:
* Contains a protease which prevents clot formation.
* Reduces LDL cholesterol and regulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (normalising blood pressure).

Question 5

Metabolic diseases

Answer 5

Therapeutic uses:
* Contains a proteoglycan that improves insulin sensitivity. Useful in cases of insulin resistance —especially Type 2 diabetes. It can also help to induce ovulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
* Recommended for fatty liver issues due to its hypolipidemic effects.

Question 6

Dosage

Answer 6

• Maitake dosage range: 3–7g / day.

Question 7

Interactions

Answer 7

• Potential additive effect when combined with blood glucose lowering medications or supplements. Monitor blood glucose to prevent hypoglycaemia.
• Vitamin C improves the absorption of beta glucans.