Maitake Mushroom has been proven to activate the immune system
Maitake Mushrooms
Updated Mar. 03rd, 2022
Maitake means "dancing mushroom'' in Japanese. It got its name because it was so valued in ancient times that people danced when they found a colony in the wild. The maitake‘s shape also looks like a bunch of butterflies that are in a wild dance. Maitake mushroom has become popular because scientific studies show that an extract of the mushroom can inhibit the growth of tumours and stimulate the immune system of cancerous mice.
These effects are believed to be due to various polysaccharides that are rich in maitake. Polysaccharide compounds are also source of medicinal effect in herbs that have immune system action, like Echinacea. Human clinical studies of cancer patients are currently underway. The “anticancer effect” of maitake may be useful for breast, colorectal, lung, stomach or liver cancers or leukemia. Maitake extracts may also help fight symptoms of AIDS, like Kaposi’s sarcoma, a cancer that manifests with skin lesions.
Maitake can be found in gourmet restaurants, dried and packaged in gourmet grocery stores, and supplemental forms either in capsules or a liquid extract. It may be a part of formulas for immune system support. The maitake mushroom is now cultivated, in Japan, for medicinal use. This alleviates concerns about ecological harvesting and extinction of the maitake.
Little information has been collected concerning the toxicity of maitake, although some cases of allergic reaction have been reported. Individuals whose condition is dependent on immune system depression should not use maitake. Individuals with cancer, AIDS or other serious health concerns should consult with their health professional before using maitake.
