Grifola frondosa (known as "Maitake" in Japan) is a polypore mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees, particularly oaks. The fungus is native to the northeastern part of Japan and North America, and is prized in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbology as an adaptogen, an aid to balance out altered body systems to a normal level. Most Japanese people find its taste and texture enormously appealing, though the mushroom has been alleged to cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
High in nutrients including Vitamins B-2, C, D, niacin, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and amino acids, Maitake mushrooms contain the polysaccharide compound beta-1.6-glucan which naturally stimulates the immune system and lowers blood pressure. Beneficial for obesity and diabetic patients, the Maitake mushroom may be best known for its cancer fighting ability. Tests in mice prove that it blocks tumor formation and boosts the immune system.
G. frondosa grows from an underground tuber-like structure, about the size of a potato. The fruiting body, occurring as large as 60 cm, is a cluster consisting of multiple grayish-brown caps which are often curled or spoon-shaped, with wavy margins and 2-7 cm broad. The undersurface of each cap bears approximately one to three pores per millimeter, with the tubes rarely deeper than 3 mm. The milky-white stipe (stalk) has a branchy structure and becomes tough as the mushroom matures.
In Japan, the Maitake can grow to more than 50 pounds (20 kilograms), earning this giant mushroom the title "King of Mushrooms." Maitake is one of the major culinary mushrooms used in Japan, the others being shiitake, shimeji and enoki. They are used in a wide variety of dishes, often being a key ingredient in nabe or cooked in foil with butter.
The underground tubers from which hen of the woods arises has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to enhance the immune system. Researchers have also indicated that whole maitake has the ability to regulate blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and both serum and liver lipids, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids, and may also be useful for weight loss.
Maitake is rich in minerals (such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium), various vitamins (B2, D2 and Niacin), fibers and amino acids. The active constituent in maitake for enhancing the immune activity has been identified in the late 1980s to be the protein-bound polysaccharide compound, beta-glucan, an ingredient found especially in the family of polyporaceae.
Cancer prevention is one of the purported uses of Maitake mushroom extract. Maitake is thought to exert its effects through its ability to activate various effector cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, T cells, interleukin-1 and superoxide anions, all of which have anti-cancer activity.
In 2009, a phase I/II human trial showed Maitake could stimulate the immune system of breast cancer patients. Small experiments with human cancer patients revealed Maitake stimulated the patients' NK cells. In vitro research has also shown Maitake can stimulate the activity of NK cells.
Experiments on cells have shown Maitake can induce apoptosis and inhibit metastasis. Apoptosis was induced in prostate cancer cells, and researchers have speculated the mushroom might be beneficial for people with this condition.
In vitro experiments have revealed Maitake can inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells. Small studies of human cancer patients revealed Maitake's in vitro anti-cancer activity may be relevant for people.
An in vivo experiment showed that Maitake could stimulate the innate immune system and adaptive immune system of normal mice.
Experiments have demonstrated Maitake can reduce blood sugar levels, and scientists speculate the mushroom may be beneficial for people with diabetes
Info from:
http://www.tbyil.com/mushrooms.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitake
