Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, RN, EdD

The maitake mushroom could be a powerful addition to your holistic health resources. This article tells you all about this edible fungi, maitake.

Not only is the maitake mushroom a true culinary delight, it also inhibits tumor formation from environmental toxins and primes the body to release immune enhancer such as beta glucans, helper T cells and natural killer cells. Research shows that the maitake inhibits the spread of cancer (metastasis) and kills cancer cells (apoptosis), creating long-term cancer suppression. Laboratory studies provide evidence that the maitake works by promoting mobilization of the bone marrow cells.

Case studies with cancer patients provide evidence there is significant symptom improvement when maitake is taken in addition to chemotherapy. Immune competence increases even more as compare to chemotherapy alone.

The maitake is an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body maintain equilibrium, and can also help maintain healthy blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol and blood sugar (glucose) levels as. It also shows promise in assisting with weight reduction, and may be as powerful as the AIDS drug AZT.

You can buy the maitake mushroom itself or buy a powdered or tea version at your health food store. If you cook the mushroom, be sure to consume any cooking liquid since the immune portion is water soluble.

References

Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Alternative Medicine Review, June, 2002, pages 236-9.

Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients. Journal of Medicinal Food, Winter, 2003, pages 371-7.

Talpur N, Echard BW, Yasmin T, Bagchi D, Preuss HG. Effects of niacin-bound chromium, Maitake mushroom fraction SX and hydroxycitric acid on the metabolic syndrome in aged diabetic Zucker fatty rats. Molecular and Cell Biochemistry, October, 2003, pages 369-77.

Lin H, She YH, Cassileth BR, Sirotnak F, Cunningham RS. Maitake beta-glucan MD-fraction enhances bone marrow colony formation and reduces doxorubicin toxicity in vitro. International Immunopharmacology, January, 2004, pages 91-9.

Catch my e-books at Health Tips & Charts for Women

and A Perfect Body: A Holistic Plan

and Healing Vegetables

For more information, click on my other books below...they cover many topics and are listed in the following order: assertiveness, menopause, weight loss, self-care for 20 chronic conditions, integrating complementary procedures into traditional health care, encyclopedia of complementary health care practice, holistic nursing approaches to chronic conditions, group leadership, creating a climate for power learning, health & wellness promotion in communities, being a wellness practitioner