A registered dietitian nutritionist discusses the benefits of this medicinal mushroom.
Maitake(Grifola frondosa) is an edible medicinal mushroom and a member of theGrifolaceaefamily andPolyporalesorder.
It is native to northeastern Japan and parts of Asia but also grows in North America and Europe.
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They’ve been studied for their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects.
This article covers the uses and benefits of maitake mushroom and its nutrition and safety.
What Is Maitake Mushroom?
Maitake mushroom is considered a major medicinal mushroom due to its many potential health benefits.
Maitake mushroom has traditionally been used in Asia for health promotion andlongevity.
Maitake mushrooms also have culinary uses.
Some people describe the flavor of maitake mushrooms as sweet and unique.
Recent research has found potential uses of maitake mushrooms incancer, inflammation, and immunity.
These and otherhealth benefitsare thought to be due to bioactive ingredients likepolysaccharidesandpolyphenolspresent in maitake mushrooms.
However, research is in the early stages for many of these uses.
Maitake mushrooms are also a source of various phytochemicals, which are plant-based bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.
Beta-glucans(types of polysaccharides) are widely present in maitake mushrooms.
In laboratory research, beta-glucans have shown antitumor properties.
Flavonoidsand other types of polyphenols are also present in maitake mushrooms.
These act as antioxidants, which may be necessary for disease prevention.
Another class of phytonutrients found in maitake mushrooms are glycoproteins.
The glycoproteins in maitake mushrooms comprise both carbohydrates and proteins.
In lab research, they have been found to have blood-pressure-lowering, blood-sugar-lowering, and antitumor effects.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Scientific research shows that the maitake mushroom may possess certain health-promoting benefits.
Additional bioactive substances in maitake mushrooms are thought to provide anti-inflammatory effects and other effects.
It’s worth noting that much of the research on maitake mushrooms is in its beginning stages.
Many studies have been performed in lab controls or on animals rather than humans.
Overall, more research on the potential health benefits of maitake mushrooms is necessary.
However, there is still valuable information in the available data.
The following sections outline some of the science behind common uses of maitake mushrooms.
May Reduce Inflammation
Extracts from maitake mushrooms have shown anti-inflammatory capabilities in laboratory research.
Human studies are still necessary to prove the anti-inflammatory effects of maitake mushrooms.
Beta-glucans extracted from maitake mushrooms have shown antitumor effects in animals and humans.
Specifictumor markersalso decreased as a result of maitake mushroom supplementation.
In mice, beta-glucans from maitake mushrooms have been found to enhance the effects of cisplatin, a standardchemotherapydrug.
The potential anticancer effects of maitake mushrooms are thought to be due to their immunomodulatory actions.
However, some studies show that maitake mushrooms may act directly on specificcancer cells.
May Lower Lipid Levels
Some animal research suggests that maitake mushrooms may help lower cholesterol.
In one study, rats fed a high-cholesterol diet were given maitake mushrooms for five weeks.
Other animal studies have found lipid-lowering effects of maitake mushrooms via cholesterol excretion through the feces.
Because these effects have only been seen in animals, more research is necessary and should include human trials.
May Help Treat pop in 2 Diabetes
Thepolysaccharidesfound in maitake mushrooms may help treattype 2 diabetes.
These polysaccharides have been found to decrease fasting blood sugar in mice with diabetes.
In rats with induced diabetes, maitake mushroom polysaccharides were linked to improvements ininsulin resistance.
According to one study, maitake mushrooms may help with diabetes by reducing inflammation and improving the gut microbiota.
May Protect Your Brain
Through laboratory studies, scientists have found potential neuroprotective properties in maitake mushrooms.
In one study, maitake mushroom extracts portrayed anti-aging and neuroprotective actions in yeast cells and fruit flies.
Beta-glucans are thought to be responsible for these effects.
According to a mini-review, maitake mushrooms' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help protect neuron cells.
These properties may also increaseneurogenesiswhen new neuron cells are made.
That means some supplement products may not contain what its label says.
If you’re thinking of trying maitake mushrooms, you may wonder how to use them.
One of the first things to decide is whether to use raw maitake mushrooms or a supplement.
Raw maitake mushrooms and supplements may be purchased online or in certain shops, like natural grocery stores.
Supplements are typically available in tablet, capsule, liquid extract, or powder form.
There are various ways to use raw maitake mushrooms, which are said to have an umami flavor.
Maitake mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on preferences for flavor and texture.
Just be sure to rinse them with water first.
Because they are somewhat delicate, maitake mushrooms may only require a few minutes of cooking time.
Ideas and recipes for maitake mushrooms are widely available online.
Popular recipes include noodles, pizza, soups, and stir-fries.
Cooked maitake mushrooms may also be seasoned and served as a side dish.
Safety Considerations and Potential Risks
Maitake mushrooms are generally regarded as safe to use.
However, some people may encounter side effects or other issues.
Importantly, maitake mushrooms should be avoided if you’re allergic to them.
Precautions
Certain precautions should be followed when using maitake mushrooms.
Maitake mushrooms aren’t thought to cause side effects.
However, raw maitake mushrooms may be difficult for some people to digest.
It’s best to cook maitake mushrooms if you have a digestive disorder.
People who arepregnantorbreastfeedingshould talk with a healthcare provider before using maitake mushrooms.
There is a lack of information regarding the safety of maitake mushrooms in these populations.
There are some reports that maitake mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding.
Interactions
Certain drugs and supplements may interact with maitake mushrooms.
Sometimes, an interaction may cause a drug or medication not to work correctly.
Maitake mushrooms may interact with medications used to treat diabetes.
More research is necessary to prove these interactions.
Summary
Maitake mushrooms are medicinal mushrooms with various potential health benefits.
However, more research on the effectiveness of maitake mushrooms for these purposes is necessary overall.
Maitake mushrooms may be consumed raw, cooked, or in supplement form.
As always, talk with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Published 2019 Nov 13. doi:10.1039/c9ra08245j
U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Mushrooms, maitake, raw.
Clinical Complementary Medicine and Pharmacology.
2023;25(2):11-22. doi:10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2022046849
