Brief Introduction

Synonyms---Grifola frondosa, Chinese:辉树花, Maitake(Japanese means: Dancing Mushroom)

Beta-Glucan

Chemical Name: Beta-Glucan, Beta-D-Glucan, Beta-(1,3)-D-Glucan
Molecular Formula: C18H30O14X2

Mol. Wt.: 470.42

Molecular Structure::

Maitake mushroom(Grifola frondosa) is a polypore mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees, particularly oaks. The mushroom is commonly known among English speakers as Hen of the Woods, Ram's Head and Sheep's Head. In the United States' supplement market, as well as in Asian grocery stores, the mushroom is known by its Japanese name "Maitake", which means "dancing mushroom". G. frondosa should not be confused with Laetiporus sulphureus, another edible bracket fungus that is commonly called chicken of the woods or "sulphur shelf". The fungus is native to the northeastern part of Japan and North America, and is prized in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbology as a medicinal mushroom, an aid to balance out altered body systems to a normal level. Most Japanese people find its taste and texture enormously appealing, though the mushroom has been alleged to cause allergic reactions in rare cases.

The Maitake Mushroom Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the whole mushroom (the fruiting bodies of Grifola frondosa fungi).

Benefits

Maitake mushroom is a popular culinary mushroom used in cuisine throughout the world. It contains a high concentration of Polysaccharides (as beta-glucan) isolated from the Maitake mushroom fruiting bodies. The underground tubers, from which hen of the woods arises have been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to enhance the immune system. Researchers have also indicated that whole maitake has the ability to regulate blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and both serum and liver lipids, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids, and may also be useful for weight loss.

Research has demonstrated the Maitake mushroom:

• Stimulate the immune system of breast cancer patients

• Stimulate the immune system cells, like NK cells

•Anti-cancer (a portion known as “Maitake D-fraction”, induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines, inhibit the growth of various types of cence cells,

•Anti-metastatic properties

•Hypoglycemic effect

•Beneficial effect on the management of diabetes ( lowers blood sugar due to the fact the mushroom naturally contains a alpha glucosidase inhibitor)

•Beneficial effect on Lowering Blood Pressure

• Beneficial effect on Lowering Blood Sugar

• Beneficial effect on Lowering Blood Insulin

• Beneficial effect on Lowering both serum and liver lipids (Cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids)

• Beneficial effect on weight loss

•Antioxidants

Mechanism

Maitake is rich in minerals (such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium), various vitamins (B2, D2 and Niacin), fibers and amino acids. One active constituent in Maitake for enhancing the immune activity was identified in the late 1980s as a protein-bound beta-glucan compound.

Beta-glucan and the immune system

Beta-glucans are known as "biological response modifiers" because of their ability to activate the immune system. Immunologists at the University of Louisville, discovered that a receptor on the surface of innate immune cells called Complement Receptor 3 (CR3 or CD11b/CD18) is responsible for binding to beta-glucans, allowing the immune cells to recognize them as "non-self." However, it should be noted that the activity of beta-glucans is different from some pharmaceutical drugs which have the ability to over-stimulate the immune system. Pharmaceutical drugs have the potential to push the immune system to over-stimulation, and hence are contraindicated in individuals with autoimmune diseases, allergies, or yeast infections. Beta-glucans seem to make the immune system work better without becoming overactive. In addition to enhancing the activity of the immune system, beta-glucans also reportedly lower elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, aid in wound healing, help prevent infections, and have potential as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer.

Safety

Maitake Mushroom Extract is safe. No side and harmful effect have been found.

Dosage

• The typical dose is 500-1500mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Maitake Mushroom Extract Features and Benefits:

Maitake Mushroom Extract is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Grifola frondosaMushroom

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High purity: over 35% Polysaccharides ( as Beta-glucan)

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Crystal yellow-Brown in appearance

•  High solubility in water

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life