Meripilaceae
Maitake Mushroom
Grifola frondosa
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Northeast Japan, North America, Europe
Also known as: Hen of the Woods, Dancing Mushroom, King of Mushrooms, Shelf Fungus
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Fruiting body
Therapeutic Uses
Cancer adjunct (D-fraction — multiple Japanese clinical trials, reduces tumor size), type 2 diabetes (MD-fraction reduces blood sugar), hypertension, immune deficiency, HIV support. Most potent medicinal mushroom for immune activation.
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator (D-fraction — NK cell and macrophage activation), antitumor (adjunct), antidiabetic, antihypertensive, adaptogen
Active Constituents
Beta-glucans (D-fraction — primary, MD-fraction, SX-fraction), proteoglycan complexes, ergosterol, amino acids, minerals
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal TeaPowder
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 5–10g dried mushroom per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | D-fraction extract: 35–70mg 3x daily. Whole powder: 1–3g 3x daily. |
| Notes | D-fraction (standardized 30% beta-1,3/1,6-glucans) most studied. Must eat/take with vitamin C for enhanced D-fraction absorption. Culinary mushroom — delicious cooked. Fresh or dried equally effective when standardized. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with antidiabetics (additive blood sugar lowering). Caution with anticoagulants. Insufficient pregnancy data.
Side Effects: GI discomfort. Allergic reactions (rare). Blood sugar lowering. Generally very well tolerated.