Description:
Maitake can stimulate immune system cells.An in vivo experimentshowed that Maitake could stimulate both the innate immune systemand adaptive immune system.
In vitro research has shown Maitake can induce apoptosis incancer cell lines (human prostatic cancer cells, Hep 3B cells,SGC-7901 cells, murine skin carcinoma cells) as well as inhibit thegrowth of various types of cancer cells (canine cancer cells,bladder cancer cells).Small studies with human cancer patients,revealed a portion of the Maitake mushroom, known as the "MaitakeD-fraction", possess anti-cancer activity.In vitro researchdemonstrated the mushroom has potential anti-metastatic properties.In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved anInvestigational New Drug Application for a portion of themushroom.
Research has shown Maitake has a hypoglycemic effect, and may bebeneficial for the management of diabetes. The reason Maitakelowers blood sugar is due to the fact the mushroom naturallycontains a alpha glucosidase inhibitor.
Maitake contains antioxidants and may partially inhibit theenzyme cyclooxygenase.An experiment showed that an extract ofMaitake inhibited angiogenesis via inhibition of the vascularendothelial growth factor (VEGF).
