Pharmacology Action: Maitake is a relative newcomer that is the subject of promising research in Japan and the United States. Protein-bound polysaccharides are the active compounds.

Scientific research in Japan has demonstrated that Maitake (Grifola frondosa) contains significant active polysaccharides. The active polysaccharides in Maitake have been identified as beta-D-glucans.

A common denominator among mushroom and herbal adaptogens is the presence of complex polysaccharides in their structure. These active components have the unique ability to act as immunomodulators and, as such, are researched for their potential role in cancer and AIDS treatment. The polysaccharides present in maitake have a unique structure and are among the most powerful to be studied to date. The primary polysaccharide, beta-D-glucan, is well absorbed when taken orally and is currently under review for the prevention and treatment of cancer, and as a supportive tool for HIV infection. Grifolin from maitake triggers the release of tumor necrosis factor, a defensive cytokine, from macrophages in culture. More recently, investigators reported that grifolin administered intravenously to mice activated liver macrophages to increase their production of nitric oxide and defensive cytokines.

Although a number of polysaccharide fractions have shown anti-tumor activity in laboratory animals when administered by injection, one fraction showed significant activity when administered orally. It is called MT-1, or simply the "D-fraction", an alkali-soluble, hot water extractable compound that contains approximately 30% protein, or a ratio of beta-glucan to protein of 70: 3. It occurs in a concentration of. 04 mg. Per gram of dried Maitake mushrooms.

The activity of the "D" fraction corresponds to other scientific evidence that would indicate the relatively higher oral activity of mushroom extract fractions when the polysaccharides are protein-bound. Like the other mushrooms, Maitake's action is that of an HDP ("Host Defense Potentiator"). Other activities that have been reported by scientists are the lowering of blood pressure, total cholesterol and blood sugar concent.