Maitake, the common name in Japanese meaning “dancing mushroom.” We tell you about the benefits that maitake brings to your body.
It is believed that Maitake, the name of the dancing mushroom, comes from its unusual fruiting body, which makes it look like many butterflies flying or dancing nymphs.
In our store, we have selected all the products in which the Maitake mushroom is the main ingredient due to its medicinal properties and grouped them into a single category. Dehydrated and powdered Maitake, Grifola extract, or combined with other mushrooms. If you would like to buy maitake, you should visit it.
This text is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, it is recommended that you consult a qualified healthcare professional. Similarly, it is important to note that research on the potential benefits of medicinal mushrooms is limited and that further research is ongoing to fully understand their effects on the human body.
We recommend these extracts and products from Maitake, Grifola frondosa:
Common name in English: Hen of the Woods and Sheep’s Head
Scientific name: Grifola frondosa
Nutritional properties of the Maitake mushroom
This is a highly prized edible mushroom that frequently parasitizes chestnut trees. It is considered a valuable food in Japan and China, where it has also been used for its medicinal properties for at least 3,000 years. The Japanese distinguish it as the “king of mushrooms,” highly valued for its tonic and adaptogenic effect.
Nutritionally, it is notable for its high protein content, B vitamins, minerals, and ergosterol, a precursor to vitamin D.
Photographs of maitake, Grifola frondosa
Maitake is a mushroom that, in the wild, is valuable and, above all, very, very photogenic. Here are some images of Grifola frondosa to help you identify it
Growing maitake mushrooms
If you like growing your own mushrooms, in our mushroom cultivation section you will find granulated mycelium from different species of mushrooms. You can inoculate your own logs with this medicinal mushroom.
Properties of Maitake
Main active components of Grifola frondosa extract
Various polysaccharides, including grifolan and grifolin, lectins, and numerous enzymes (pectinases, laccases, amylases, cellulases, etc.)
Metalloproteins, ergosterol, a precursor of vitamin D that has demonstrated anti-angiogenic action
The mushroom contains the disaccharide trehalose, which is a slow-digesting sugar that promotes the development of Bifidobacteria breve and Lactobacillus brevis in the colon, improving intestinal flora.
Therapeutic action of Grifola frondosa according to traditional Chinese medicine
In TCM, this mushroom is used for cold syndromes and excess yin. It is particularly indicated for toning the spleen-pancreas meridian and its complementary stomach meridian.
Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, it is also used to calm the “shen,” particularly for what in the West is considered “anxiety.”
What are the proven therapeutic actions of Maitake?
Grifon D is a highly absorbable oral pharmacological compound resulting from a mixture of beta-glucans extracted from maitake and used in most clinical trials.
Immune system booster: activation and increased efficiency in NK cells and lymphocytes, with increased expression of interleukins IL-1, IL-2, and IL-12, increased production of nitric oxide and superoxide anions. Stimulation of CD4+ lymphocytes
Antitumor: the grifón D fraction adds its powerful anti-metastatic action to its tumor growth inhibitory effect. The cytotoxic action of the mushroom is related to the inhibition of glyoxalase, a detoxification enzyme that is fundamental for the cell.
In addition to this effect, griffon D has been shown to induce apoptosis in prostate carcinoma cells, with particular efficacy when ingested together with vitamin C.
Oral administration of this mushroom extract in conjunction with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy protocols has demonstrated: general improvement in patient homeostasis. Although it does not cure the disease, it reduces side effects (hair loss, nausea, etc.) and pain. An anti-angiogenic action has also been observed.
Immunoregulator: normalizes the immune system by increasing Th1 lymphocytes and interleukin IL-2, which allows the treatment of autoimmune diseases and allergies in general.
Antiviral. The National Institute of Health in Japan has identified an antiretroviral molecule in this mushroom with possible effects against HIV (AIDS).
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. The lipid fraction of the mushroom (palmitic-oleic-linoleic fatty acids) has been shown to inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 (aspirin-type NSAIDs) and to have analgesic effects.
Antifibrotic. Dr. A. Ver (Arizona, USA) uses a maitake concentrate to reduce uterine fibroids in treatments lasting six months to a year and monitored by ultrasound. The enzyme protease in the mushroom has significant antifibrinolytic and therefore antithrombotic activity.
Hypoglycemic. Tests on laboratory animals have shown that the “SX fraction” (a proteoglycan) of the mushroom increases glucose metabolism by reducing insulin resistance, which would improve patients with Type II diabetes (NIDDM). This effect promotes the entry of glucose into the cell, preventing its conversion into fat by the liver and adipocytes.
Hypotensive action, acting on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Anti-obesity. In a study with patients, 10 grams/day of maitake extract were administered for a period of 2 months without any change in their usual diets. All lost an average of 6 kilograms per person.
Anti-lipid action: reduction in total cholesterol and LDL. Recommended for fatty liver problems.
Special action on Metabolic Syndrome (hyperlipidemia + hyperglycemia + hypotension + obesity + insulin resistance)
In China, the mushroom is traditionally used for its adaptogenic properties.
What precautions should I take if I consume Maitake?
Do not consume if you are taking immunosuppressants.
Due to its antifibrinolytic protease content, it should not be administered to people undergoing antithrombotic treatment.
Administer in a controlled manner to people with low blood pressure.
Do not administer during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or to children under 6 years of age.
Do not administer if allergic to mushrooms.
Presentation of Maitake mushroom in tablets
There are several extracts of this mushroom available on the market, although it is recommended to use a pure, standardized extract from organic production contained in a vegetable capsule. This guarantees that it is a natural extract obtained through non-denaturing biotechnological processes. It is also recommended that the extract be enriched with vitamin C.
In which conditions is the consumption of Maitake recommended?
Immune deficiency
Viral infections
Hepatitis B
Viral hepatitis
Fatty liver disease
Allergies and autoimmune diseases
Uterine fibroids
High blood pressure
Tendency to form blood clots Cholesterol overload
Type II diabetes (NIDDM)
Obesity and overweight
Metabolic syndrome
Side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy Antitumor, with particular action on:
Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Gastric cancer
Liver cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Prostate cancer Melanoma
As you can see, this medicinal mushroom has numerous benefits for your body. What are you waiting for to start consuming it?
This text is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, it is recommended that you consult a qualified healthcare professional. It is also important to note that research on the potential benefits of medicinal mushrooms is limited, and further research is still ongoing to fully understand their effects on the human body.
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