Last verified: 17 days ago
Maitake Mushroom
Also known as: Grifola frondosa, Hen of the Woods, D-fraction, SX-fraction, MSX, beta-glucan mushroom
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Edible mushroom with early evidence for immune support, cognitive function, and blood sugar regulation.
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What it does
Maitake is an edible mushroom (Grifola frondosa) rich in beta-glucans, a type of fiber-like compound that interacts with the immune system. Early clinical trials suggest it may modestly improve...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose for humans across all uses; study doses ranged from 3 mg/kg/day (extract) to 50g whole mushroom
What the Science Says
Maitake is an edible mushroom (Grifola frondosa) rich in beta-glucans, a type of fiber-like compound that interacts with the immune system. Early clinical trials suggest it may modestly improve immune cell activity in people with blood disorders and support cognitive function in older adults when consumed regularly. Some research also points to potential benefits for blood sugar regulation and ovulation in women with PCOS, though most evidence is preliminary.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a proven cancer treatment — lab studies on cancer cells don't translate to human cures. Won't reliably lower cholesterol in humans — the lipid data comes only from rats. No proof it detoxifies the body or 'boosts' immunity in healthy people in a meaningful way. Not a replacement for standard diabetes or PCOS medications.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Improves neutrophil and monocyte immune activity in people with myelodysplastic syndromes.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 3 mg/kg twice daily (extract) for 12 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
One maitake strain improved cognitive test scores in healthy adults over 60 after 18 weeks.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 50g whole mushroom daily for 18 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Maitake extract induced ovulation in some women with PCOS and helped those who failed standard treatment.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: SX-fraction (MSX), dose not fully specified, up to 12–16 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — oral bioavailability of active beta-glucan compounds in humans is not well characterized in the provided studies. One breast cancer trial noted complex, non-monotonic immune responses at different doses, suggesting absorption and effects are unpredictable.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Immune effects are complex and dose-dependent — one clinical trial found maitake extract can both stimulate AND suppress immune function depending on dose, which is a concern for cancer patients or those on immunosuppressants.
- Asymptomatic eosinophilia (elevated white blood cells) was observed in 4 of 18 MDS patients — a potential safety signal worth monitoring.
- Most mechanistic data (lipid effects, blood sugar, mercury clearance) comes from animal or cell studies only — human evidence is very limited.
- Cognitive benefit was only seen with one specific mushroom strain (Y10M) — not all maitake products are equivalent, and strain identity is rarely disclosed on supplement labels.
- Over 1,000 registered supplement products exist, but clinical evidence is based on only a handful of small trials — marketing claims far outpace the science.
Products Containing Maitake Mushroom
See how Maitake Mushroom is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Maitake Mushroom do?
Edible mushroom with early evidence for immune support, cognitive function, and blood sugar regulation.
What is the effective dose of Maitake Mushroom?
No established dose for humans across all uses; study doses ranged from 3 mg/kg/day (extract) to 50g whole mushroom
Is Maitake Mushroom safe?
Immune effects are complex and dose-dependent — one clinical trial found maitake extract can both stimulate AND suppress immune function depending on dose, which is a concern for cancer patients or those on immunosuppressants.
What doesn't Maitake Mushroom do?
Not a proven cancer treatment — lab studies on cancer cells don't translate to human cures.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25