Maitake Extracts and Their Therapeutic Potential — A Review

Alternative Medicine Review, Feb, 2001 by Mark Mayell

Conclusion

Maitake is among the most promising natural sources of immunotherapeutic products. Standardized beta-glucan extracts such as the D- and MD-fraction show particular potential as carcinostatic agents that can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments to treat cancer. The fraction extracts have an important ease-of-use advantage over similar anticancer mushroom derivatives, such as Lentinan and Shizophyllan, by being better absorbed when administered orally. Extracts, whole maitake powder, or a combination of both (such as is offered in most of the commercially available maitake fraction supplements) have also been shown effective in studies on HIV, diabetes, hypertension, liver ailments, and weight control. Beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia have been inconsistent.

Most of the published studies to date have been animal studies; additional human studies and clinical trials in particular are needed. Although it may be difficult to investigate structure-activity correlations because of the structural complexity of polysaccharides and variations in the protein and amino acid composition,[2] further studies are needed to identify the unique contributory effects and mechanisms of action of fractions and other maitake constituents. Although the betaglucans have been identified as the likely active constituents responsible for beneficial effects on cancer, immunity, and HIV, it is less clear which constituents may promote effects on blood sugar and blood lipids.

References

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