Maitake extract 20:1 | Grifola frondosa

Maitake extract 20:1 | Grifola frondosa

Properties: It has been known for a long time that the inhabitants of the Far East have extraordinary, interesting culinary tastes. In their cuisine they use various types of plants and other natural ingredients that not only taste good, but are also valuable for the body. Grifola frondosa, also known as Maitake, is one of the most popular mushrooms in Japan and China. Its popularity comes from the fact that it tastes great and has a characteristic, pleasant aroma.

However, this is just the beginning of Maitake’s advantages. It has been used in natural medicine for a long time as an effective support for the body. The active substances, especially polysaccharides that have a beneficial effect on the body, are responsible for the health-promoting effect of this mushroom species.

Moreover, Grifola frondosa supports the functioning of the immune system. Thanks to its unique properties, Maitake stimulates immune response to an infection. There is a large group of specialized cells that fight the pathogenic microorganisms attacking our body. The active substances contained in Grifola frondosa stimulate the formation of white blood cells and macrophages that pursue and destroy unwanted, pathogenic cells. Studies on the use of Maitake as an adjuvant in cancer treatment are in progress. 

It is also important that Grifola frondosa has a positive impact on the cardiovascular system. It helps to limit the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which makes it effective in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. It also facilitates breakdown of fatty acids in the liver, so this vital organ can function more efficiently. Interestingly, there are studies proving that Grifola frondosa can stabilize and slightly decrease blood pressure.

It is worth mentioning that Maitake is a good solution in mass reduction for people who want to lose a few unnecessary pounds. Of course, it’s going to be pretty hard without exercises! Exercises, however, will be ineffective if they are not supported by a properly balanced diet. The active substances found in Maitake will help you to lose weight and have your dream body. Therefore, it is worth introducing these Far-East precious mushrooms straight to your diet.

Occurrence: Maitake is an edible mushroom that belongs to the family Grifola (Polyporaceae). The natural habitat of Grifola are deciduous forests in Asia, North America, and rarely in Europe. It usually grows on the roots and at the base of old, dying oaks, less often maples. Grifola is a saprophyte and is sometimes considered a weak parasite. Maitake has distinctive spatula caps growing from a common trunk. They can have various colors (from white to dark gray), depending on the availability of light.

Maitake was discovered in the British Isles by the Scottish botanist James Dickson in 1785. However, in the Far East it is one of the best known edible mushrooms. In Japan, it has been artificially grown on sterilized sawdust substrate since 1981, which ensures its mass cultivation. It is considered by the Chinese and Japanese not only as a delicacy, but also as a medicine. In traditional medicine of the Far East, Grifola frondosa has been used for centuries in order to preserve youth and vitality. Currently, this species is used in nutritional medicine, where it is referred to as the “therapeutic agent of the future”.

Biochemistry: The substances responsible for the properties of Grifola frondosa are mainly polysaccharides, particularly a compound called the D-fraction. Chemically, it belongs to the β-glucans. Due to the unique polysaccharide structure, maitake has much greater pharmacological properties than other medical mushrooms. Maitake also contains: amino acids, proteins, micro and macro elements (especially magnesium, calcium and potassium) and vitamins (from group B, but also C and D).

Fun fact: Sulfur shelf is a fungus that belongs to the same Polyporaceae family of fungi as Maitake. It is bioluminescent, which means it can glow in the dark. Just like Grifola frondosa, sulfur shelf is a perennial mushroom that often grows in the same place for many years.