In recent years, the spotlight has turned to food ingredients abundant in bioactive compounds as potential allies in preventing excess adiposity and addressing metabolic complications associated with obesity. Among these, mushrooms, particularly the Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), have garnered attention due to their rich polysaccharide content and other bioactive components boasting beneficial activities.
What is Maitake Mushroom?
Maitake (Grifola frondosa), also known as "dancing mushroom" in Japanese, "hen-of-the-woods," "sheep head," and "king of the mushrooms," is an edible and medicinal fungus. It has an earthy aroma and a wholesome taste. It grows wild in Japan, China, and North America under oak, elm, or maple trees. While traditionally consumed in Asia, it has gained popularity in the United States over the last 20 years. Considered an adaptogen, it is believed to aid the body in combating physical and mental stress.
Nutritional Profile and Bioactive Compounds
Maitake is rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, fiber, minerals, amino acids, and is low in calories, fat-free, low in sodium, and cholesterol-free. G. frondosa is considered a functional food with different health-promoting properties due to its high content in bioactive compounds with antitumoral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Most of the health-promoting activities are attributed to its content in functional polysaccharides such as β-glucans, which have been demonstrated to exert antidiabetic properties in both cellular and in vivo models. Maitake mushroom is rich in bioactive polysaccharides, especially D-fraction, MD-fraction, and SX-fraction. These protein polysaccharides have well-documented immune-protecting and antitumor properties.
Research on Maitake Mushroom and Obesity
C. elegans Model Studies
In a study using the C. elegans model, a Grifola frondosa extract (GE) was investigated for its potential activities and underlying mechanisms of action. The study revealed that GE represents an important source of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds with in vitro antioxidant activity. Treatment with the GE extract significantly reduced the fat content of C. elegans, decreased the production of intracellular ROS and aging-lipofuscin pigment, and increased the lifespan of nematodes. Gene expression and mutant analyses demonstrated that the in vivo anti-obesity and antioxidant activities of GE were mediated through the daf-2/daf-16 and skn-1/nrf-2 signalling pathways, respectively.
Potential Mechanisms of Action
The anti-obesity properties of G. frondosa and its extracts may involve several mechanisms:
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- Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects: Consumption of G. frondosa's body, as well as polysaccharides from this mushroom, exert hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects in high-fat diet (HFD)- and streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rodents.
- Antioxidant Activity: The GE extract is rich in phenolic compounds and exhibits antioxidant activity, which may contribute to its anti-obesity effects by reducing oxidative stress associated with obesity
- Modulation of Signaling Pathways: The GE extract's anti-obesity and antioxidant activities are mediated through the daf-2/daf-16 and skn-1/nrf-2 signalling pathways, which are involved in regulating metabolism, stress resistance, and lifespan.
Additional Health Benefits of Maitake Mushroom
Beyond its potential role in weight management, maitake mushroom offers a range of other health benefits:
Heart Health
Beta glucan in maitake can help reduce your cholesterol, improving artery functionality and overall cardiovascular health to lower your risk for heart disease. The polysaccharides in maitake can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting your triglyceride or HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Immune System Support
Along with supporting heart health, beta glucan can help improve your immune system. D-fraction in maitake mushroom has a strong effect on the immune system. It boosts production of lymphokines (protein mediators) and interleukins (secreted proteins) that improve your immune response.
Cancer Support
Beta glucan may be especially helpful in targeting and destroying cancerous cells. Several studies show its ability to attack tumors for different types of cancer. Other studies have shown enhanced abilities when D-fraction and MD-fraction are combined with vitamin C for cancer treatments. According to various studies, maitake mushrooms may help the body fight cancer cells through three pathways: protecting healthy cells, preventing tumor spread, and inhibiting growth.
Diabetes Management
Another beta glucan, SX-fraction, has been shown in clinical trials to lower blood glucose levels. It helps to activate insulin receptors, while reducing insulin resistance in diabetes management. Multiple studies have shown that extracts from maitake mushrooms may help reduce blood sugar in animals. This is relevant because high blood sugar is associated with developing diabetes.
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Skin Health
Maitake mushrooms contain beta-glucan. Among its benefits, this compound may have some properties that help it hydrate skin, promote collagen production, heal skin inflammation, wounds or burns, and reduce signs of aging. A 2022 research paper explored the potential use of mushroom extracts in cosmetics. The study tested three types of mushroom extracts - maitake, lion’s mane, and reishi - as potential ingredients in cleansing products. The results showed that maitake had the strongest antioxidant properties of the three.
Fighting Viral Infections
Various studies have shown that maitake mushrooms may help fight viral infections like hepatitis B, EV71, HSV-1, and HIV. Compounds from this mushroom may help improve recovery rates, inhibit infection, and support the immune system. Generally, polysaccharide extracts from different mushrooms, including maitake, have also been found to be helpful in fighting influenza (flu) in living organisms.
How to Incorporate Maitake Mushroom into Your Diet
You can add maitake mushrooms to any food in which you would normally add mushrooms. If you’re buying maitake fresh, buy it whole to increase its shelf life. Store it in a paper bag in the refrigerator. You may be able to find it dried at some grocery stores. It freezes well, so you can keep it in stock if you can find it fresh. You can also freeze it raw.
Maitake may also be taken as a liquid concentrate or in dry form in capsules. If you decide to take it as a supplement, look for maitake D-Fraction, which is an extract of the mushroom.
Potential Risks and Considerations
There’s little information about side effects or risks related to consuming maitake mushrooms. Just in case, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor before incorporating any mushrooms into your diet.
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A general problem with mushrooms is that it can also be difficult to tell which mushrooms are safe because they can look similar. Make sure you know what kind of mushroom you’re using, especially if you got it by foraging and not from the grocery store. Even in species considered safe to ingest, an allergic reaction is possible.
Since maitake may alter your blood sugar levels, it's important to speak with your doctor about any diabetes treatment you may follow.
Know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements, and it’s difficult to know what ingredients are in a supplement and whether they’re safe. Always check with your doctor before trying any kind of supplement. As much as possible, choose a supplement made of 100% extract. Also, do your research and only buy from a company that provides you with sufficient information about the product.
If you begin experiencing any unusual symptoms or discomfort, discontinue use and consult your doctor.