title: Maitake extracts and their therapeutic potential.
abstract: Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is the Japanese name for an edible fungus with a large fruiting body characterized by overlapping caps. It is a premier culinary as well as medicinal mushroom. Maitake is increasingly being recognized as a potent source of polysaccharide compounds with dramatic health-promoting potential. The most recent development is the MD-fraction, a proprietary maitake extract its Japanese inventors consider to be a notable advance upon the preceding D-fraction. The D-fraction, the MD-fraction, and other extracts, often in combination with whole maitake powder, have shown particular promise as immunomodulating agents, and as an adjunct to cancer and HIV therapy. They may also provide some benefit in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hepatitis.
authors.affiliation: mmayell@mediaone.net
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mayell
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005936:Glucans / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011124:Polyporaceae; D047071:beta-Glucans
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D005936:Glucans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D047071:beta-Glucans; C048444:grifolan