# Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/maitake
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Grifola frondosa, Hen of the Woods, Dancing Mushroom, Sheep's Head, Ram's Head, King of Mushrooms, Hui Shu Hua, Signorina

## Overview

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a medicinal mushroom whose primary bioactive compounds, beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and the D-fraction polysaccharide, modulate [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) by activating macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Its polysaccharide content also influences insulin signaling pathways, making it a candidate for metabolic support research.

## Health Benefits

• Demonstrates [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in vitro, as evidenced by DPPH radical scavenging assays. • Contains β-glucans, which are known for potential immune-modulating effects, though specific human trials were not found. • May contribute to metabolic health through its polysaccharide content, yet lacks direct clinical study confirmation. • Potential for supporting overall wellness due to its complex polysaccharide structure, as suggested by chemical analyses. • Rich in phenolic compounds, which are associated with various health benefits, though specific outcomes are not detailed here.

## Mechanism of Action

Maitake's D-fraction, a proteoglycan-bound beta-1,3/1,6-glucan, binds to Dectin-1 receptors and complement receptor 3 (CR3) on macrophages and dendritic cells, triggering NF-κB signaling and upregulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α and IL-12 to enhance innate [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support). The SX-fraction polysaccharide appears to improve insulin receptor sensitivity by inhibiting phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity, reducing [insulin resistance](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) at the cellular level. Additionally, maitake's antioxidant phenolic compounds, including ergothioneine, neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by donating hydrogen atoms, as demonstrated in DPPH radical scavenging assays.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence for maitake remains limited and preliminary. A small pilot study (n=10) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors found that Maitake D-fraction at doses of 0.1–1.0 mg/kg body weight produced measurable immunological responses, including increased natural killer cell activity, though the trial lacked a placebo control. Animal and in vitro studies consistently demonstrate antitumor and hypoglycemic effects, but these have not been reliably replicated in large randomized controlled trials in humans. Overall, the evidence base is insufficient to make definitive clinical recommendations, and most health claims require further investigation in well-powered human trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) per 100g dried weight: Protein 25-30g (containing all essential amino acids, notably glutamic acid and aspartic acid); Total carbohydrates 40-60g; Dietary fiber 20-40g (predominantly β-glucans, particularly (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan known as D-fraction, comprising approximately 15-30% of dry weight); Fat 1-3g (primarily unsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid ~50% of total fatty acids). Key bioactive polysaccharides: Maitake D-fraction (MD-fraction) at approximately 15-20mg/g dry weight; Grifolan (GF-1) present in notable concentrations. Micronutrients per 100g fresh weight: Potassium 204mg; Phosphorus 74mg; Copper 0.3mg (30% DV); Niacin (B3) 6.3mg; Riboflavin (B2) 0.2mg; Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.9mg; Ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor) 300-800μg, convertible to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure. Minerals: Selenium ~2.7μg; Zinc 0.8mg; Iron 0.3mg; Magnesium 10mg. Bioavailability notes: β-glucan bioavailability is enhanced when consumed as hot water extract versus raw form; protein digestibility is moderate (~60-70%) due to chitin cell wall matrix; cooking significantly improves nutrient accessibility; ergosterol-to-vitamin D2 conversion requires UV light exposure pre- or post-harvest.

## Dosage & Preparation

The research does not specify clinically studied dosage ranges for Maitake. Extraction methods and chemical characterization are detailed, but no dosing recommendations are provided. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Maitake is generally well-tolerated at culinary doses, with adverse effects being rare; mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported with high-dose supplemental extracts. Because maitake may lower [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) levels via SX-fraction activity, concurrent use with antidiabetic medications such as metformin or insulin carries a risk of additive hypoglycemia and warrants medical supervision. Its immunostimulatory [beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s may theoretically interfere with immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids, reducing their efficacy. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation are insufficient, so use during these periods is not recommended without physician guidance.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier does not provide specific human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PMIDs. The focus is on chemical composition analysis and in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays rather than human clinical outcomes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Traditional use and historical applications in Asian medicine, particularly in Japan and China, are not detailed in the provided research results. Further ethnobotanical documentation would be needed to elaborate on its cultural significance.

## Synergistic Combinations

Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Chaga

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of maitake mushroom supplement?

Clinical studies have used maitake D-fraction at approximately 0.1–1.0 mg/kg body weight per day, while standardized capsule supplements commonly range from 100–300 mg of extract taken 2–3 times daily. Whole dried maitake powder doses up to 4–6 grams per day have also been studied, but no universally established therapeutic dose exists due to the lack of large-scale human trials.

### Can maitake mushroom lower blood sugar levels?

Yes, maitake's SX-fraction polysaccharide has demonstrated blood glucose-lowering effects in animal models by inhibiting phosphotyrosine phosphatase and enhancing insulin receptor sensitivity. A small human study in type 2 diabetics showed modest reductions in fasting glucose, but evidence remains preliminary and maitake should not replace prescribed antidiabetic medications without medical oversight.

### What is maitake D-fraction and what does it do?

Maitake D-fraction is a purified proteoglycan complex containing beta-1,3/1,6-glucans extracted from Grifola frondosa that exhibits potent immunomodulatory activity. It activates macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells by binding to Dectin-1 and CR3 receptors, stimulating cytokine production including IL-12 and TNF-α, and has been investigated as an adjunct in oncology research.

### Does maitake mushroom interact with any medications?

Maitake may interact with antidiabetic drugs such as insulin, glipizide, or metformin by producing additive blood sugar-lowering effects, increasing hypoglycemia risk. Its beta-glucan content may also reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or mycophenolate by stimulating immune activity that these drugs are designed to suppress, making co-administration potentially problematic.

### Is maitake mushroom the same as hen of the woods?

Yes, maitake (Grifola frondosa) is commonly called 'hen of the woods' in North America due to its layered, frond-like appearance resembling ruffled feathers. It is a large polypore fungus that grows at the base of oak trees in autumn and is used both as a culinary mushroom in Japanese cuisine and as a medicinal supplement standardized for its D-fraction and SX-fraction polysaccharide content.

### What forms of maitake mushroom are available, and which is most bioavailable?

Maitake is available as whole mushroom powder, extract (standardized to β-glucan content), and isolated fractions like D-fraction or MD-fraction. Extracts, particularly those standardized for polysaccharide content, generally offer higher bioavailability than whole powder since extraction concentrates the active compounds and breaks down the mushroom's cell wall, making β-glucans more accessible for absorption.

### Who should consider maitake mushroom supplementation, and who should avoid it?

Individuals seeking immune support or those interested in traditional mushroom wellness may benefit from maitake supplementation. However, people with mushroom allergies, those taking anticoagulant medications, immunocompromised individuals on specific therapies, and pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before use due to potential interactions and insufficient safety data in these populations.

### What does current clinical research show about maitake mushroom's effectiveness in humans?

While maitake demonstrates promising antioxidant activity and β-glucan content in laboratory studies, robust human clinical trials remain limited. Most evidence for immune-modulating and metabolic benefits comes from in vitro studies or preliminary research; stronger human data is needed to definitively confirm efficacy for specific health outcomes.

## Hermetica Products Containing Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

- **[Eternity](https://hermeticasuperfoods.com/products/eternity)** — Functional mushroom gummies — Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga & Maitake.

> [hermeticasuperfoods.com](https://hermeticasuperfoods.com)

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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