Maitake Mushroom
Monograph: Maitake Mushroom
Botanical Scientific Name: Grifola Frondosa
Common Names: Maitake (Dancing Mushroom), King of Mushrooms, Kumotake (Cloud Mushroom), Hen of the Woods, The Dancing Butterfly Mushroom, Signorina Mushroom, Gray Free Flower, Laubporling (Ram’s Head)
Chinese Names: Wu Rong, Hui Shu Hua
Japanese Names: Maitake, Kumotake
In ancient times the Maitake mushroom was considered a high-quality edible mushroom, tasty, rare and in great demand by the nobility in Japan. In the period of Feudal Japan, Japanese tribes that were trusted to collect the mushroom, would keep their stock secretly hidden. When it was possible to bring a nobleman a Maitake mushroom, this was thought to be a gesture showing respect and admiration. When a farmer or mushroom gatherer would find Maitake, he would dance with happiness, as the payment for it was the mushroom’s weight in silver. This is the origin of the name in Japanese “Wu Rong”, which means “Dancing mushroom”. According to an ancient Japanese legend, a group of Buddhist nuns and tree cutters met on a mountainous path where they discovered the fruiting body of the Maitake mushroom rising from the forest ground. They decided to taste the mushroom, and to demonstrate their great happiness on finding this delicious mushroom, they began to dance to celebrate their discovery.
Its Chinese name Hui Shu Hua, meaning flower of the lime tree, describes its origin as a parasitic mushroom that grows on this type of tree. In Italy and to all Italian Americans in North East America, the mushroom is known as “Seniorina”, or “unmarried woman”. Among English speakers the mushroom is called “Hen of the Woods”, as its flowers look like disintegrating feathers on a chicken.
The Maitake mushroom grows in forests where there are cold temperatures, primarily in the forests of North East America, Northern Japan, China, and Asia. The mushrooms can be found at the base of trees, especially at the base of oak and elm trees and sometimes on maple trees, along the coast on dead tree trunks. A mushroom can weigh as much as 45 kg, which is why it is also called “King of Mushrooms”.
Maitake grows wild in North East Japan and in North America. It is the principle edible mushroom in Japanese cuisine, (in addition to Shiitake, Shimeji and Enoki), with continual expanding popularity in western cuisine.
Studies have found that the mycelium of the maitake mushroom contains a wider variety of polysaccharides per lower molecular weight than any other mushroom. These molecules are known to have the ability to activate an immune response in our bodies and improve the capacity of type NK immune cells (natural killer cells) that fight cancer cells.
As this is a very important and desirable mushroom, at the end of the 1970s, the Maitake mushroom began to be grown commercially. Traditionally the mushroom is used for food and for healing and its qualities have extensively been researched over the years.
Parts of the mushroom for use:
All parts of the mushroom:
Mycelium
Fruiting Body
Route of Administration:
Oral
TCM Characteristics:
Temperature: Cool
Moisture: Neutral
Taste: sweet, bitter
Meridians: Heart, kidneys, liver
Bioactive Ingredients:
Polysaccharides:
grifon-D
grifolan
D-fraction
MD-fraction
MZ-fraction
X-Fraction
SX-Fraction
beta-D-glucose
Monosaccharides:
Arabinose
Arabitol
Fructose
Glucose
Galactose
Lactose
Mannitol
Mannose
Ribose
Fucose
Trehalose
Phenolic Compounds:
Malic acid
Acetic acid
Nucleotides:
Adenosine
Cytosine
Guanosine
Inosine
Uridine
xanthosine
Vitamins:
Vitamins from the B-complex family
Minerals:
Potassium
Barium
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Magnesium
Manganese
Iron
Strontium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Copper
Sodium
Fatty Acids:
Oleic acid
Linoleic acid
Palmitic acid
Palmitoleic acid
Stearic acid
Myristic acid
Phospholipids:
osphatedylinositol
Phosphatedylcholine
phosphatedylethanolamine
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatic acid
Amino Acids:
Alanine
Arginine
Aspartic acid
Cysteic acid
γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Glutamic acid
Glycine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Proline
Serine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
Unique Proteins:
Lys-N
Ergothioneine
Organic Acids:
Octadecanoic acid
Octadecadienoic acid
Studied Activities:
Adaptogenic, immunomodulatory (immune system balance), anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive (balances blood pressure), and hepatoprotective (protection of the liver).
Uses supported by clinical research:
Immune weakness, cancer, AIDS, viral infections, candida, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), type II diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia (excess blood lipids), high blood pressure, and liver injury.
Traditional uses that have yet to be supported by clinical evidence:
Hot flashes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods (Oligomenorrhea), absence of menstruation (Amenorrhea), period pain (Dysmenorrhea), diabetes during pregnancy, and obesity.
Effects according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Strengthens and nourishes the Qi in the blood and the heart, fortifies and stimulates the blood, cultivates Yin of the kidneys and maintains the essence (Jing), and boosts the protective Qi (Wei Qi).
Strengthens the Qi of the heart, nourishes and boosts the blood, and assists in cases of anemia.
Nourishes the Yin of the kidneys and maintains the essence (Jing).
Calms the Shen.
Manners of use and recommended dosage according to the literature:
Liquid extract (tincture): at a concentration of 1:3, 45% alcohol, 5-15 ml per day.
Dry extract: standardized extract at a concentration of 30% polysaccharides, 200-1,000 mg per day.
Decoction: 3-10 grams per day.
As part of a formula: 20-30%
Safety, Toxicity, Interactions, and Side Effects:
The Maitake mushroom is safe to use.
People allergic to mushrooms should avoid eating the mushroom or consuming the mushroom as a food supplement.
Due to its immunostimulant activity, transplant patients should not use the mushroom.
Due to its hypoglycemic activity, it is recommended to insulin users to monitor their sugar levels while consuming the mushroom.
There is lack of data to support the safety of use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy occurs.
References:
Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms, 3rd ed. Loveland (CO): Interweave Press; 1996.
He X, Wang X, Fang J, Chang Y, Ning N, Guo H, Huang L, Huang X, Zhao Z. Polysaccharides in Grifola frondosa mushroom and their health promoting properties: A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2017 Aug;101:910-921. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.03.177. Epub 2017 Mar 31. Review.
Adachi K, Nanba H, Kuroda H. Potentiation of host-mediated antitumor activity in mice by beta glucan obtained from Grifola frondosa (maitake). Chem Pharm Bull 1987;35:262-70.
Huang SJ, Tsai SY, Lin SY, Liang CH, Mau JL. Nonvolatile taste components of culinary-medicinal maitake mushroom, Grifola frondosa (Dicks.:Fr.) S.F. Gray. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(3):265-72.
Kubo K, Aoki H. Nanba H. Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake). Biol Pharm Bull 1994;17:1106-10.
Horio H, Ohtsuru M. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) improve glucose tolerance of experimental diabetic rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 2001;47:57-63.
Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can Maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Altern Med Rev 2002;7:236-9.
Miura NN. Blood clearance of (1—>3)-beta-D-glucan in MRL lpr/lpr mice. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 1996;13:51-7.
Ohno N, et al. Characterization of the antitumor glucan obtained from liquid-cultured Grifola frondosa. Chem Pharm Bull 1986;34:1709-1715.
Nanba H, Kubo K. Maitake D-fraction: Healing and preventive potential for cancer. J Orthomolecular Med 1997;12:43-9.
Konno S, et al. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 2001 Dec;18(12):1010
Yamada Y, et al. Antitumor effect of orally administered extracts from fruit body of Grifola frondosa (maitake). Chemotherapy 1990;38:790-6.
Lin H, et al. Maitake beta-glucan MD-fraction enhances bone marrow colony formation and reduces doxorubicin toxicity in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2004 Jan;4(1):91-9.
Hong L, Xun M, Wutong W. Anti-diabetic effect of an alpha-glucan from fruit body of maitake (Grifola frondosa) on KK-Ay mice. Pharm Pharmacol. 2007 Apr;59(4):575-82.
Masuda Y, Murata Y, Hayashi M, Nanba H. Inhibitory effect of MD-Fraction on tumor metastasis: involvement of NK cell activation and suppression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in lung vascular endothelial cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2008 Jun;31(6):1104-8.
Deng G, Lin H, Seidman A, et al. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2009 Sep;135(9):1215-21
Harada N, Kodama N, Nanba H. Relationship between dendritic cells and the D-fraction-induced Th-1 dominant response in BALB/c tumor-bearing mice. Cancer Lett.2003;192(2):181-7.
Shomori K, Yamamoto M, Arifuku I, Teramachi K, Ito H. Antitumor effects of a water-soluble extract from Maitake (Grifola frondosa) on human gastric cancer cell lines. Oncol Rep.2009 Sep;22(3):615-20.
Lin H, de Stanchina E, Zhou XK, et al. Maitake beta-glucan promotes recovery of leukocytes and myeloid cell function in peripheral blood from paclitaxel hematotoxicity.Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2010 Jun;59(6):885-97.
Louie B, Rajamahanty S, Won J, Choudhury M, Konno S. Synergistic potentiation of interferon activity with maitake mushroom d-fraction on bladder cancer cells. BJU Int.2010 Apr;105(7):1011-5.
Lee JS, Park SY, Thapa D, et al. Grifola frondosa water extract alleviates intestinal inflammation by suppressing TNF-alpha production and its signaling. Exp Mol Med. 2010 Feb 28;42(2):143-54.
Masuda Y, Ito K, Konishi M, Nanba H. A polysaccharide extracted from Grifola frondosaenhances the anti-tumor activity of bone marrow-derived dendritic cell-based immunotherapy against murine colon cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2010 Oct;59(10):1531-41.
Hanselin MR, Vande Griend JP, Linnebur SA. INR elevation with maitake extract in combination with warfarin. Ann Pharmacother. 2010 Jan;44(1):223-4.
Chen JT, Tominaga K, Sato Y, Anzai H, Matsuoka R. Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Dec;16(12):1295-9.
Soares R, Meireles M, Rocha A, et al. Maitake (D fraction) mushroom extract induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells by BAK-1 gene activation.J Med Food. 2011 Jun;14(6):563-72.
Fang J, Wang Y, Lv X, et al. Structure of a β-glucan from Grifola frondosa and its antitumor effect by activating Dectin-1/Syk/NF-κB signaling. Glycoconj J. 2012 Aug;29(5-6):365-77.
Wesa KM, Cunningham-Rundles S, Klimek VM, et al. Maitake mushroom extract in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study. Cancer Immunol Immunother. (2015) 64:237–247 DOI 10.1007/s00262-014-1628-6
Roldan-Deamicis A, Alonso E, Brie B, Braico DA, Balogh GA. Maitake Pro4X has anti-cancer activity and prevents oncogenesis in BALBc mice. Cancer Med. 2016 Sep;5(9):2427-41.
Zhang Y, Sun D, Meng Q, Guo W, Chen Q, Zhang Y. Grifola frondosa polysaccharides induce breast cancer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. Int J Mol Med. 2017 Oct;40(4):1089-1095.
Masuda Y, Nakayama Y, Tanaka A, Naito K, Konishi M. Antitumor activity of orally administered maitake α-glucan by stimulating antitumor immune response in murine tumor. PLoS One. 2017 Mar 9;12(3):e0173621.
Bao H, Ran P, Sun L et al. Griflola frondosa (GF) produces significant antidepressant effects involving AMPA receptor activation in mice. Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):299-305.
Mao G, Li Q, Deng C, et al. The synergism and attenuation effect of Selenium (Se)-enriched Grifola frondosa (Se)-polysaccharide on 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) in Heps-bearing mice. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018 Feb;107(Pt B):2211-2216.
Zhao F, Zhao J, Song L, Zhang YQ, Guo Z, Yang KH. The induction of apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells by combined treatment with vitamin C and polysaccharides extracted from Grifola frondosa. Apoptosis. 2017 Nov;22(11):1461-1472.
Sultana SS, Ghosh J, Chakraborty S, et al. Selective in vitro inhibition of Leishmania donovani by a semi-purified fraction of wild mushroom Grifola frondosa. Exp Parasitol. 2018 Sep;192:73-84.
Nanba H, Kodama N, Schar D, Turner D. Effects of maitake (Grifola frondosa) glucan in HIV-infected patients. Mycoscience 2000;41: 293–5.
Nanba H, Hamaguchi A, Kuroda H. The chemical structure of an antitumor polysaccharide in fruit bodies of Grifola frondosa (maitake). Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1987;35:1162–8.
Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Altern Med Rev 2002;7:236–9.
Konno S, Aynehchi S, Dolin DJ, Schwartz AM, Choudhury MS, Tazakin HN. Anticancer and hypoglycemic effects of polysaccharides in edible and medicinal Maitake mushroom [Grifola frondosa (Dicks.:Fr.) S.F.Gray]. Int J Med Mushrooms 2002;4:185–95.
Botanical Scientific Name: Grifola Frondosa
Common Names: Maitake (Dancing Mushroom), King of Mushrooms, Kumotake (Cloud Mushroom), Hen of the Woods, The Dancing Butterfly Mushroom, Signorina Mushroom, Gray Free Flower, Laubporling (Ram’s Head)
Chinese Names: Wu Rong, Hui Shu Hua
Japanese Names: Maitake, Kumotake
In ancient times the Maitake mushroom was considered a high-quality edible mushroom, tasty, rare and in great demand by the nobility in Japan. In the period of Feudal Japan, Japanese tribes that were trusted to collect the mushroom, would keep their stock secretly hidden. When it was possible to bring a nobleman a Maitake mushroom, this was thought to be a gesture showing respect and admiration. When a farmer or mushroom gatherer would find Maitake, he would dance with happiness, as the payment for it was the mushroom’s weight in silver. This is the origin of the name in Japanese “Wu Rong”, which means “Dancing mushroom”. According to an ancient Japanese legend, a group of Buddhist nuns and tree cutters met on a mountainous path where they discovered the fruiting body of the Maitake mushroom rising from the forest ground. They decided to taste the mushroom, and to demonstrate their great happiness on finding this delicious mushroom, they began to dance to celebrate their discovery.
Its Chinese name Hui Shu Hua, meaning flower of the lime tree, describes its origin as a parasitic mushroom that grows on this type of tree. In Italy and to all Italian Americans in North East America, the mushroom is known as “Seniorina”, or “unmarried woman”. Among English speakers the mushroom is called “Hen of the Woods”, as its flowers look like disintegrating feathers on a chicken.
The Maitake mushroom grows in forests where there are cold temperatures, primarily in the forests of North East America, Northern Japan, China, and Asia. The mushrooms can be found at the base of trees, especially at the base of oak and elm trees and sometimes on maple trees, along the coast on dead tree trunks. A mushroom can weigh as much as 45 kg, which is why it is also called “King of Mushrooms”.
Maitake grows wild in North East Japan and in North America. It is the principle edible mushroom in Japanese cuisine, (in addition to Shiitake, Shimeji and Enoki), with continual expanding popularity in western cuisine.
Studies have found that the mycelium of the maitake mushroom contains a wider variety of polysaccharides per lower molecular weight than any other mushroom. These molecules are known to have the ability to activate an immune response in our bodies and improve the capacity of type NK immune cells (natural killer cells) that fight cancer cells.
As this is a very important and desirable mushroom, at the end of the 1970s, the Maitake mushroom began to be grown commercially. Traditionally the mushroom is used for food and for healing and its qualities have extensively been researched over the years.
Parts of the mushroom for use:
All parts of the mushroom:
Mycelium
Fruiting Body
Route of Administration:
Oral
TCM Characteristics:
Temperature: Cool
Moisture: Neutral
Taste: sweet, bitter
Meridians: Heart, kidneys, liver
Bioactive Ingredients:
Polysaccharides:
grifon-D
grifolan
D-fraction
MD-fraction
MZ-fraction
X-Fraction
SX-Fraction
beta-D-glucose
Monosaccharides:
Arabinose
Arabitol
Fructose
Glucose
Galactose
Lactose
Mannitol
Mannose
Ribose
Fucose
Trehalose
Phenolic Compounds:
Malic acid
Acetic acid
Nucleotides:
Adenosine
Cytosine
Guanosine
Inosine
Uridine
xanthosine
Vitamins:
Vitamins from the B-complex family
Minerals:
Potassium
Barium
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Magnesium
Manganese
Iron
Strontium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Copper
Sodium
Fatty Acids:
Oleic acid
Linoleic acid
Palmitic acid
Palmitoleic acid
Stearic acid
Myristic acid
Phospholipids:
osphatedylinositol
Phosphatedylcholine
phosphatedylethanolamine
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatic acid
Amino Acids:
Alanine
Arginine
Aspartic acid
Cysteic acid
γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Glutamic acid
Glycine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Proline
Serine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
Unique Proteins:
Lys-N
Ergothioneine
Organic Acids:
Octadecanoic acid
Octadecadienoic acid
Studied Activities:
Adaptogenic, immunomodulatory (immune system balance), anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive (balances blood pressure), and hepatoprotective (protection of the liver).
Uses supported by clinical research:
Immune weakness, cancer, AIDS, viral infections, candida, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), type II diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia (excess blood lipids), high blood pressure, and liver injury.
Traditional uses that have yet to be supported by clinical evidence:
Hot flashes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods (Oligomenorrhea), absence of menstruation (Amenorrhea), period pain (Dysmenorrhea), diabetes during pregnancy, and obesity.
Effects according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Strengthens and nourishes the Qi in the blood and the heart, fortifies and stimulates the blood, cultivates Yin of the kidneys and maintains the essence (Jing), and boosts the protective Qi (Wei Qi).
Strengthens the Qi of the heart, nourishes and boosts the blood, and assists in cases of anemia.
Nourishes the Yin of the kidneys and maintains the essence (Jing).
Calms the Shen.
Manners of use and recommended dosage according to the literature:
Liquid extract (tincture): at a concentration of 1:3, 45% alcohol, 5-15 ml per day.
Dry extract: standardized extract at a concentration of 30% polysaccharides, 200-1,000 mg per day.
Decoction: 3-10 grams per day.
As part of a formula: 20-30%
Safety, Toxicity, Interactions, and Side Effects:
The Maitake mushroom is safe to use.
People allergic to mushrooms should avoid eating the mushroom or consuming the mushroom as a food supplement.
Due to its immunostimulant activity, transplant patients should not use the mushroom.
Due to its hypoglycemic activity, it is recommended to insulin users to monitor their sugar levels while consuming the mushroom.
There is lack of data to support the safety of use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy occurs.
References:
Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms, 3rd ed. Loveland (CO): Interweave Press; 1996.
He X, Wang X, Fang J, Chang Y, Ning N, Guo H, Huang L, Huang X, Zhao Z. Polysaccharides in Grifola frondosa mushroom and their health promoting properties: A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2017 Aug;101:910-921. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.03.177. Epub 2017 Mar 31. Review.
Adachi K, Nanba H, Kuroda H. Potentiation of host-mediated antitumor activity in mice by beta glucan obtained from Grifola frondosa (maitake). Chem Pharm Bull 1987;35:262-70.
Huang SJ, Tsai SY, Lin SY, Liang CH, Mau JL. Nonvolatile taste components of culinary-medicinal maitake mushroom, Grifola frondosa (Dicks.:Fr.) S.F. Gray. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(3):265-72.
Kubo K, Aoki H. Nanba H. Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake). Biol Pharm Bull 1994;17:1106-10.
Horio H, Ohtsuru M. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) improve glucose tolerance of experimental diabetic rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 2001;47:57-63.
Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can Maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Altern Med Rev 2002;7:236-9.
Miura NN. Blood clearance of (1—>3)-beta-D-glucan in MRL lpr/lpr mice. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 1996;13:51-7.
Ohno N, et al. Characterization of the antitumor glucan obtained from liquid-cultured Grifola frondosa. Chem Pharm Bull 1986;34:1709-1715.
Nanba H, Kubo K. Maitake D-fraction: Healing and preventive potential for cancer. J Orthomolecular Med 1997;12:43-9.
Konno S, et al. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 2001 Dec;18(12):1010
Yamada Y, et al. Antitumor effect of orally administered extracts from fruit body of Grifola frondosa (maitake). Chemotherapy 1990;38:790-6.
Lin H, et al. Maitake beta-glucan MD-fraction enhances bone marrow colony formation and reduces doxorubicin toxicity in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2004 Jan;4(1):91-9.
Hong L, Xun M, Wutong W. Anti-diabetic effect of an alpha-glucan from fruit body of maitake (Grifola frondosa) on KK-Ay mice. Pharm Pharmacol. 2007 Apr;59(4):575-82.
Masuda Y, Murata Y, Hayashi M, Nanba H. Inhibitory effect of MD-Fraction on tumor metastasis: involvement of NK cell activation and suppression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in lung vascular endothelial cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2008 Jun;31(6):1104-8.
Deng G, Lin H, Seidman A, et al. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2009 Sep;135(9):1215-21
Harada N, Kodama N, Nanba H. Relationship between dendritic cells and the D-fraction-induced Th-1 dominant response in BALB/c tumor-bearing mice. Cancer Lett.2003;192(2):181-7.
Shomori K, Yamamoto M, Arifuku I, Teramachi K, Ito H. Antitumor effects of a water-soluble extract from Maitake (Grifola frondosa) on human gastric cancer cell lines. Oncol Rep.2009 Sep;22(3):615-20.
Lin H, de Stanchina E, Zhou XK, et al. Maitake beta-glucan promotes recovery of leukocytes and myeloid cell function in peripheral blood from paclitaxel hematotoxicity.Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2010 Jun;59(6):885-97.
Louie B, Rajamahanty S, Won J, Choudhury M, Konno S. Synergistic potentiation of interferon activity with maitake mushroom d-fraction on bladder cancer cells. BJU Int.2010 Apr;105(7):1011-5.
Lee JS, Park SY, Thapa D, et al. Grifola frondosa water extract alleviates intestinal inflammation by suppressing TNF-alpha production and its signaling. Exp Mol Med. 2010 Feb 28;42(2):143-54.
Masuda Y, Ito K, Konishi M, Nanba H. A polysaccharide extracted from Grifola frondosaenhances the anti-tumor activity of bone marrow-derived dendritic cell-based immunotherapy against murine colon cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2010 Oct;59(10):1531-41.
Hanselin MR, Vande Griend JP, Linnebur SA. INR elevation with maitake extract in combination with warfarin. Ann Pharmacother. 2010 Jan;44(1):223-4.
Chen JT, Tominaga K, Sato Y, Anzai H, Matsuoka R. Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Dec;16(12):1295-9.
Soares R, Meireles M, Rocha A, et al. Maitake (D fraction) mushroom extract induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells by BAK-1 gene activation.J Med Food. 2011 Jun;14(6):563-72.
Fang J, Wang Y, Lv X, et al. Structure of a β-glucan from Grifola frondosa and its antitumor effect by activating Dectin-1/Syk/NF-κB signaling. Glycoconj J. 2012 Aug;29(5-6):365-77.
Wesa KM, Cunningham-Rundles S, Klimek VM, et al. Maitake mushroom extract in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study. Cancer Immunol Immunother. (2015) 64:237–247 DOI 10.1007/s00262-014-1628-6
Roldan-Deamicis A, Alonso E, Brie B, Braico DA, Balogh GA. Maitake Pro4X has anti-cancer activity and prevents oncogenesis in BALBc mice. Cancer Med. 2016 Sep;5(9):2427-41.
Zhang Y, Sun D, Meng Q, Guo W, Chen Q, Zhang Y. Grifola frondosa polysaccharides induce breast cancer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. Int J Mol Med. 2017 Oct;40(4):1089-1095.
Masuda Y, Nakayama Y, Tanaka A, Naito K, Konishi M. Antitumor activity of orally administered maitake α-glucan by stimulating antitumor immune response in murine tumor. PLoS One. 2017 Mar 9;12(3):e0173621.
Bao H, Ran P, Sun L et al. Griflola frondosa (GF) produces significant antidepressant effects involving AMPA receptor activation in mice. Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):299-305.
Mao G, Li Q, Deng C, et al. The synergism and attenuation effect of Selenium (Se)-enriched Grifola frondosa (Se)-polysaccharide on 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) in Heps-bearing mice. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018 Feb;107(Pt B):2211-2216.
Zhao F, Zhao J, Song L, Zhang YQ, Guo Z, Yang KH. The induction of apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells by combined treatment with vitamin C and polysaccharides extracted from Grifola frondosa. Apoptosis. 2017 Nov;22(11):1461-1472.
Sultana SS, Ghosh J, Chakraborty S, et al. Selective in vitro inhibition of Leishmania donovani by a semi-purified fraction of wild mushroom Grifola frondosa. Exp Parasitol. 2018 Sep;192:73-84.
Nanba H, Kodama N, Schar D, Turner D. Effects of maitake (Grifola frondosa) glucan in HIV-infected patients. Mycoscience 2000;41: 293–5.
Nanba H, Hamaguchi A, Kuroda H. The chemical structure of an antitumor polysaccharide in fruit bodies of Grifola frondosa (maitake). Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1987;35:1162–8.
Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Altern Med Rev 2002;7:236–9.
Konno S, Aynehchi S, Dolin DJ, Schwartz AM, Choudhury MS, Tazakin HN. Anticancer and hypoglycemic effects of polysaccharides in edible and medicinal Maitake mushroom [Grifola frondosa (Dicks.:Fr.) S.F.Gray]. Int J Med Mushrooms 2002;4:185–95.
