Maitake Mushroom
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 2,900 participants, researched for Immune Support, Blood Sugar Balance.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Immune Support
ModerateBlood Sugar Balance
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Immune Support
To evaluate immunological effects of Grifola frondosa extract in breast cancer patients.
Study Type
Phase I/II clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate immunological effects of Grifola frondosa extract in breast cancer patients.
Dose
Oral Maitake D-fraction extract
Participants
34 breast cancer patients
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Bidirectional immunomodulatory effects demonstrated: maitake modulated multiple immune measures. Supports potential for clinical immunomodulation in cancer context.
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine profiles
To assess whether maitake MD-fraction can aid cancer patients.
Study Type
Non-randomised case series
Purpose
To assess whether maitake MD-fraction can aid cancer patients.
Dose
MD-fraction 50-150mg + whole maitake powder 4-6g daily
Participants
35 cancer patients (liver, breast, lung, stomach, ovary)
Duration
Variable
Results
Tumor regression or symptom improvement in 58.3% of liver, 68.8% of breast, 62.5% of lung cancer cases. Enhanced NK cell and macrophage activity observed.
How They Measured It
Tumor regression, immune cell activity, symptom assessment
To evaluate effect of Maitake D-Fraction on NK cell activation in cancer patients.
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate effect of Maitake D-Fraction on NK cell activation in cancer patients.
Dose
Maitake D-fraction 20-35mg/kg body weight
Participants
36 cancer patients
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant NK cell activation in cancer patients. NK cell activity increased 1.2-1.7 fold. Combination with standard therapy showed synergistic immune benefits.
How They Measured It
NK cell cytotoxicity, T cell counts, immune activation markers
Blood Sugar Balance
To assess Maitake SX-fraction effect on blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes.
Study Type
Pilot clinical study
Purpose
To assess Maitake SX-fraction effect on blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes.
Dose
SX-fraction 5mg/kg twice daily
Participants
30 non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients
Duration
2 months
Results
Significant reduction in insulin resistance index. Improved fasting blood glucose. SX-fraction demonstrated meaningful insulin-sensitizing properties.
How They Measured It
Insulin resistance index, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maitake Mushroom research
There are currently 55 peer-reviewed studies on Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa), involving 2,900 total participants. Research covers Immune support, Blood sugar balance, Cancer support and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Maitake Mushroom has been researched for: Immune support, Blood sugar balance, Cancer support, Cholesterol management. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 55 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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