Description
Suggested Use:
Take 1/2 tsp, 1-2x daily for best results.
Maitake (Grifola Frondosa)
The Maitake mushroom, also known as Hen-of-the-Woods, is a polypore mushroom native to Japan, Europe, and North America and grows at the base of oak and maple trees. This mushroom has been celebrated for it’s medicinal purposes for centuries. The mushrooms enhance immune function, regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, and protect the liver. They can also help alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and help as an complementary supplement in the treatment of cancer.
Beta Glucan Benefits
The key component in Maitake mushrooms responsible for its many health benefits is beta-glucan, a type of polysaccharide. Beta-glucans increase host immune defense by activating the complement system, enhancing macrophages and natural killer cell function. Another important compound in Maitake mushrooms is called D-fraction and has been proven to support the immune system.[1] The beta-glucan in Maitake is responsible for reducing LDL cholesterol in the body, which helps maintain cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. They also help to regulate blood sugar levels, acting similarly to insulin. Maitake also increased the ability of insulin to bind to liver cells and improved pancreatic function.[2]
Early research shows that taking maitake mushroom extract can improve ovulation in women whose periods have stopped due to PCOS. However, Maitake mushrooms do not appear to be as effective as clomiphene for PCOS. Still, combining these two agents seems to be more effective than either agent alone for improving ovulation.[3]
The D-fraction in Maitake may inhibit cancer development and spread and also make chemotherapy drugs more effective.[4]
Possible Interactions
– Antidiabetic drugs- Maitake mushrooms might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar closely, if taking both. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202470/
[2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11520942/
[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21034160/
[4]https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109662003772519949
