| Maitake is used medicinally for any and all diseases involving depressed immune function, including cancer, AIDS, environmental allergies, Candida infections and frequent flu and colds.
Historically, maitake has
been used as a tonic and adaptogen. Along with other "medicinal" mushrooms, such as shiitake and
reishi, maitake was used as a food to help promote wellness and vitality. Traditionally, consumption of the mushroom was thought to prevent high blood pressure and cancertwo applications that have been the focal point of modern research.
Active constituents: A common denominator among mushroom and herbal adaptogens is the presence
of complex polysaccharides in their structure. These active components have the ability to act as
immuno-modulators and, as such, are researched for their potential role in cancer and AIDS treatment.
The polysaccharides present in maitake have a unique structure and are among the most powerful
studied to date. The primary polysaccharide, beta-D-glucan, is well absorbed when taken orally and is currently under review for the prevention and treatment of cancer and as a supportive tool for HIV
infection. Animal studies suggest maitake may lower fat levels in the blood and lower blood pressure.
Grifolia frondosa
A mushroom much revered in China and Japan; grows wild in the Ozarks. Modern research
has brought to light many wonderful properties. Used to build immune reserves. Has been
shown to have a number of anti-cancer and anti-tumor compounds. Immune system
imbalance in auto-immune conditions. Allergies in general. Shown to have liver protectant
properties.
Maitake is the Japanese name for Grifolia Frondosa, a large mushroom that grows in the
eastern U.S., Europe and Asia. In the Ozarks it is found growing as a usually large mass of
overlapping, scalloped fruiting bodies around the base of old stumps. Sometimes one
mushroom can weigh 10 pounds or more; and is found freshest in the spring/early summer
and sometimes again later in the fall. Maitake is an edible mushroom that in the Orient is
cooked in soups, and in the West is prepared in various ways.
Maitake is one of several mushrooms that have been valued in the Orient for "building
the body's defenses". In traditional Oriental medicine the body's defensive immune system
was recognized before it was ever known to exist in Western medicine. Out of all the
mushrooms that have been studied for their effects on the immune system, the Maitake seems
to be one of the strongest; and while various extracts. such as Fraction D, have been isolated
from Maitake, it appears that its many benefits can be obatained from oral doses of the
whole mushroom.
In numerous studies, Maitake and its extracts have been shown to significantly boost the
immune system and build immune reserves. It also contains a number of anti-tumor and
tumor-inhibiting compounds. Other tests point to potent liver-protectant properties; as well
as lowering blood pressure and lowering blood glucose levels.
Personal research has led me to collect anecdotal evidence on the use of Maitake for
auto-immune and allergic-type conditions that would suggest it is of value in balancing the
immune system.
To sum up, Maitake may be of benefit in cancer, as well as AIDS and other conditions
with low immune reserves. For those undergoing chemotherapy where the immune system
needs to be re-vitalized. For liver disease and as a preventative in impaired liver due to toxic
exposures. For hypertension, and as an adjunct in diabetes. It may be of benefit in
auto-immune and over-reactive immune conditions as well. |
