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Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa)

Grifola frondosa
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Maitake ('dancing mushroom' in Japanese) is a culinary and medicinal mushroom native to East Asia and North America. Its main studied compounds are D-fraction and MD-fraction beta-glucan polysaccharides. Human testing is limited: small studies have measured immune-cell markers (mostly in cancer patients), one small uncontrolled report described lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and a single trial in older adults reported a cognitive benefit. Most of the remaining evidence is from cell and animal work. MaitakeGold 404 and Maitake D-Fraction are branded extracts.

Studied Dose 1-3 mg D-fraction/kg body weight (50-300 mg D-fraction/day for typical adults); whole mushroom extracts 500-2,000 mg/day
Active Compound D-fraction beta-glucan (1,6-beta-glucan with 1,3-beta-glucan branches), MD-fraction, alpha-glucan

Benefits

Immune Activation (D-Fraction)

In laboratory and animal studies, maitake D-fraction activates immune cells (NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, T-cells) through the dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3) pathways. In people, the evidence is limited to raised NK-cell activity measured in small groups, including cancer patients. No trial has tested whether maitake reduces infections or illness in healthy adults.

Supported by Trial 2

Blood Sugar / Insulin Sensitivity

One brief report and one small uncontrolled (open-label) observation described lower fasting glucose in people with type 2 diabetes taking maitake; there is no placebo-controlled trial. The remaining glucose data come from mouse studies. This is a diabetic population, not a general reader.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Blood Pressure (Mostly Animal Data)

Most blood-pressure data are from animal models, with mild ACE-inhibiting activity shown in the laboratory. Human blood-pressure evidence is minimal, and any effect is small.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Cancer Patient Research (not a supplement use)

Maitake D-fraction and MD-fraction have been studied in cancer patients in Japan, mostly in small non-randomized case series. This research is in people already under medical care for cancer and is not something a general supplement buyer should act on. Maitake is not a treatment or preventive for any cancer.

Supported by Trial 2

Cholesterol (Animal Studies)

Improved cholesterol and lipid handling has been reported in mouse studies. Human cholesterol evidence is lacking.

Supported by Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

D-Fraction Beta-Glucan Immune Activation

D-fraction is a highly purified polysaccharide-protein complex with specific 1,6-beta-glucan backbone and 1,3-beta-glucan branches. Binds dectin-1 and CR3 receptors on immune cells, activating innate immunity. Considered one of the most potent natural immunomodulators.

2

GLUT4 Translocation (Blood Sugar)

Maitake compounds enhance GLUT4 glucose transporter translocation to cell membranes — improving glucose uptake into peripheral tissues. Mechanism similar to insulin and exercise.

3

ACE Inhibition (Modest)

Some maitake compounds modestly inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme — basis for BP-lowering effects. Effect smaller than prescription ACE inhibitors.

4

Apoptosis Induction in Cancer Cells

D-fraction activates cytotoxic immune responses against tumor cells while supporting host immunity. Adjunctive cancer immunology mechanism.

Clinical trials

1
Maitake for T2DM (small open-label, no placebo)
PubMed

Trial of maitake SX-fraction in 5 T2DM patients showing modest glycemic improvements.

T2DM patients (small open-label study).

Reduced fasting glucose was reported in a small uncontrolled study with no placebo group. No larger placebo-controlled trial has confirmed the effect.

2
Maitake D-Fraction in Cancer Patients (non-randomized case series)
PubMed

Trials of maitake D-fraction as cancer adjunct, especially in Japan. Multiple studies in breast, colorectal, lung cancer.

Cancer patients on chemotherapy.

Non-randomized case series reported higher immune-cell activity and symptom improvement in cancer patients, some taking maitake alongside chemotherapy. These are uncontrolled studies in patients under cancer care, not evidence a general reader can act on, and maitake is not a cancer treatment.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Hypoglycemia in sensitive individuals on diabetes medications.
Modest hypotension.
GI distress at high doses.
Allergic reactions to mushroom rare.
Theoretical immune activation concerns in autoimmune disease.

Important Drug interactions

Diabetes medications (insulin, sulfonylureas) — additive hypoglycemic effects; monitor blood glucose.
Antihypertensives — additive BP reduction; monitor.
Anticoagulants — theoretical bleeding risk at high doses; minor.
Immunosuppressants — maitake's immune activation could theoretically interfere with intentional immunosuppression; avoid in transplant patients without medical supervision.
Chemotherapy — used adjunctively in Japan; consult oncologist for specific regimens.
Pre-surgery — discontinue 1-2 weeks before.

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Frequently asked questions about Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa)

What is maitake mushroom used for?

Maitake (hen of the woods) is a culinary and medicinal mushroom studied for immune support, healthy blood sugar, and cardiovascular health. Its beta-glucans, sometimes called the D-fraction, are the main active compounds.

What is maitake good for?

It is studied for immune modulation and for supporting healthy blood sugar and blood pressure. The maitake D-fraction (a specific beta-glucan) is a focus of immune research.

How much maitake should I take?

Supplement doses depend on the extract; follow product labeling, and look for standardized beta-glucan content. Maitake is also delicious as a food.

Is maitake safe?

Maitake is safe as a food and generally well tolerated as a supplement. Because it may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, those on related medications should monitor levels and check with a doctor.

What is Maitake Mushroom?

Maitake ('dancing mushroom' in Japanese) is a culinary and medicinal mushroom native to East Asia and North America. Its main studied compounds are D-fraction and MD-fraction beta-glucan polysaccharides.

What is the recommended dosage of Maitake Mushroom?

The clinically studied dose is 1-3 mg D-fraction/kg body weight (50-300 mg D-fraction/day for typical adults); whole mushroom extracts 500-2,000 mg/day Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Maitake Mushroom safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Maitake Mushroom is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Hypoglycemia in sensitive individuals on diabetes medications. It may also interact with some medications. Maitake Mushroom is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Maitake Mushroom interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diabetes medications (insulin, sulfonylureas) — additive hypoglycemic effects; monitor blood glucose. Antihypertensives — additive BP reduction; monitor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Maitake Mushroom?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Maitake Mushroom as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 7 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(7 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Jogi EM, Kato MC, Masuda Y, Konishi M, Kuwabara N, Sato S, Nakagawa S, Yamasaki K, Aoki R, Ohno M, Ohata S, Kato S, Hashimoto M. Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) Enhances Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Japanese: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2026;72(2):163-175. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.72.163.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 47 healthy Japanese adults aged 60 and over. Over 18 weeks, one of two maitake strains eaten as bread improved a cognitive-test (MoCA-J) score versus placebo, while the other strain did not. A single small trial funded by a maitake producer, measuring cognition rather than an immune or metabolic outcome.
  2. Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients. J Med Food. 2003;6(4):371-7. doi: 10.1089/109662003772519949.PubMedUsed to support: In 10 cancer patients given maitake D-fraction, natural-killer-cell activity rose. This measures an immune marker (a surrogate) in a disease population, not fewer infections or illness in healthy adults.
  3. Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J. Immune-enhancing effects of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extracts. Ann Transl Med. 2014;2(2):14. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2014.01.05.PubMedUsed to support: Experimental study (animal and in-vitro testing) reporting that oral maitake and shiitake glucans raised immune-cell markers such as phagocytosis, NK-cell activity and cytokines over 14 days. It measures laboratory markers, not a clinical health outcome in people.
  4. Zhao F, Guo Z, Ma ZR, Ma LL, Zhao J. Antitumor activities of Grifola frondosa (Maitake) polysaccharide: A meta-analysis based on preclinical evidence and quality assessment. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021;280:114395. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114395.PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis of the antitumor activity of Maitake polysaccharide, based on preclinical (animal and cell) studies. Mechanistic support only; not human-outcome evidence.
  5. Zhang R, Xiao C, Yong T, Huang L, Hu H, Xie Y, Wu Q. Grifola frondosa Polysaccharide F2 Ameliorates Disordered Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Prediabetic Mice by Modulating Bile Acids. Foods. 2025;14(6):. doi: 10.3390/foods14060955.PubMedUsed to support: Laboratory study showing a Maitake polysaccharide improved glucose and lipid metabolism in a prediabetic model. Preclinical support for the metabolic use, pending human trials.
  6. Konno S, Tortorelis DG, Fullerton SA, Samadi AA, Hettiarachchi J, Tazaki H. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med. 2001;18(12):1010. doi: 10.1046/j.1464-5491.2001.00532-5.x.PubMedUsed to support: Brief human report describing lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes who took maitake mushroom. A short uncontrolled report, not a placebo-controlled trial.
  7. Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(3):236-9..PubMedUsed to support: Non-randomized case series in cancer patients (stages II-IV) reporting symptom improvement or tumour regression in some patients taking maitake MD-fraction, with higher immune-cell activity when combined with chemotherapy. Uncontrolled research in cancer patients, not a use for a general reader, and not a cancer treatment.