What is Maitake (Mushroom)?

Maitake (Grifola frondosa, also called "hen of the woods") is a Japanese culinary and medicinal mushroom containing the D-fraction beta-glucan, which has been studied for immune modulation, blood glucose regulation, and as an adjuvant in cancer care. Popular in Japan as a functional food.

How many studies on Maitake (Mushroom) are available?

NutriVouch references 86 human studies on Maitake (Mushroom), all peer-reviewed and indexed on PubMed.

Is Maitake (Mushroom) effective for Immune Support?

For Immune Support, Maitake (Mushroom) has an effectiveness score of 4/10 — weak or limited clinical evidence. Based on 31 relevant studies.

Is Maitake (Mushroom) effective for Blood Sugar Balance?

For Blood Sugar Balance, Maitake (Mushroom) has an effectiveness score of 3/10 — weak or limited clinical evidence. Based on 14 relevant studies.

Is Maitake (Mushroom) effective for Anti-Inflammation?

For Anti-Inflammation, Maitake (Mushroom) has an effectiveness score of 3/10 — weak or limited clinical evidence. Based on 17 relevant studies.

Is Maitake (Mushroom) effective for Antioxidant Protection?

For Antioxidant Protection, Maitake (Mushroom) has an effectiveness score of 3/10 — weak or limited clinical evidence. Based on 52 relevant studies.

Is Maitake (Mushroom) effective for Cholesterol Management?

For Cholesterol Management, Maitake (Mushroom) has an effectiveness score of 3/10 — weak or limited clinical evidence. Based on 5 relevant studies.

Confidence level

Emerging evidence

86 studies

Maitake (Mushroom)

Last reviewed: 4/11/2026

How to take Maitake (Mushroom)

✦Standardized D-fraction extract is the most clinically studied form. Take with food. Beta-glucans require hot water extraction to be bioavailable.

Maitake (Mushroom) dosage

⚖

Common dose: 50-100mg D-fraction extract or 1-3g dried mushroom

RDA: No established RDA

Upper limit: No established upper limit; doses up to 200mg D-fraction used in trials

Best form: D-fraction or MD-fraction standardized extract

Timing: With meals, divided into 2-3 doses

May lower blood sugar — diabetics on medication should monitor glucose levels.

What Maitake (Mushroom) is used for

🛡 Immune Support

4.031 studies›

📊 Blood Sugar Balance

3.014 studies›

🌡 Anti-Inflammation

3.017 studies›

🍇 Antioxidant Protection

3.052 studies›

📉 Cholesterol Management

3.05 studies›

Food Sources

Fresh maitake mushrooms~30mg D-fraction per 100g