Maitake

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a large polypore mushroom that grows at the base of oak, elm, and maple trees in temperate forests of Japan, North America, and Europe. Its Japanese name translates to 'dancing mushroom,' reportedly because foragers would dance upon finding it due to its rarity and value. The primary bioactive compound, Maitake D-fraction (MD-fraction), is a purified beta-glucan extract containing a unique protein-bound beta-1,6-glucan with beta-1,3 branches. MD-fraction has demonstrated significant immunostimulatory effects by activating macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells in both preclinical and clinical studies. Maitake also contains SX-fraction, a water-soluble glycoprotein that has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes models. Clinical trials suggest maitake extract can enhance the efficacy of conventional immunotherapy and reduce certain chemotherapy side effects. As a culinary mushroom, maitake is rich in B vitamins, potassium, copper, and dietary fibre, and is increasingly available in specialty grocery stores and farmers' markets.