We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more
Mk8.0
Maitake Research
Mostly mechanism / observationalHigh safety
31 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Mostly mechanism / observational
Most Maitake studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2006–2026 with a typical study size of 34 participants.
Based on 31 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 4 RCTs · 290 total participants
14 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2021
200620162026
1Anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushroomsSystematic ReviewCited 1×2025
In this review, we aim to analyze the anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushrooms, including Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Laetiporus sulphureus, Boletus edulis, and Phellinus igniarius, as well as their potential anti-cancer mechanisms, providing strong theoretical support for the further development of edible/medicinal mushroom anti-cancer products.
Górska-Jakubowska S et al. · Nutrients (2025)
In recent years, the incidence rate of cancer has been on the rise all over the world, and the age of cancer patients has shown a younger trend, which seriously endangers patients' health.
Although the anti-cancer potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms has been widely studied in the past, this review focuses on the most recent literature from the last five years, providing an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of the current findings.
2Cancer treatment potential of medicinal mushroomsSystematic ReviewCited 6×2025
However, most of the available data are at the preclinical level, and more comprehensive toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to ensure clinical applicability.
Sevindik M et al. · International journal of medicinal mushrooms (2025)
These findings indicate that mushroom-derived natural products should be evaluated not only as adjunctive therapies, but also as potential pharmaceutical agents.
However, most of the available data are at the preclinical level, and more comprehensive toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to ensure clinical applicability.
3Hepatoprotective effects of fungal polysaccharidesSystematic Review2025
Presented evidence indicates that fungal polysaccharides possess considerable potential as multifunctional hepatoprotective agents, highlighting the need for further mechanistic insight and clinical validation.
Szelenberger R et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
Fungal polysaccharides were also shown to improve hepatic function by lowering serum biomarkers of liver injury and ameliorating histopathological damage.
Presented evidence indicates that fungal polysaccharides possess considerable potential as multifunctional hepatoprotective agents, highlighting the need for further mechanistic insight and clinical validation.
Maitake or hen-of-the-woods), the genus Pleurotus (e.g. oyster mushrooms), and Agaricus subrufescens (i.e. the almond mushroom).
Shevchuk Y et al. · Ageing research reviews (2023)
Maitake or hen-of-the-woods), the genus Pleurotus (e.g. oyster mushrooms), and Agaricus subrufescens (i.e. the almond mushroom).
We propose that further research on fungal extracts will provide a greater picture of the role fungi-derived bioactive molecules can have in developing longevity and neuroprotective medicines for humans.
5Antineoplastic activity against breast cancer cellsSystematic ReviewCited 29×2023
We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
Gariboldi MB et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
In this article, we reviewed mushrooms showing antineoplastic activity again breast cancer cells, especially focusing on the possible bioactive compounds involved and their mechanisms of action.
In particular, the following mushrooms have been considered: Agaricus bisporus, Antrodia cinnamomea, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus.
We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
6Anticancer properties of edible and medicinal fungiSystematic ReviewCited 23×2022
In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.
Xu J et al. · Nutrients (2022)
Our review summarizes the research progress on the anticancer properties of edible and medicinal fungi and the underlying molecular mechanism, which may offer a better understanding of this field.
Additionally, few studies have reported the safety and efficacy of extracts from edible and medicinal fungi, which may limit their clinical application.
In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.
7Therapeutic impacts on lipid profileSystematic ReviewCited 7×2021
Using herbal products, such as teas and mushrooms, or their derivatives, Rosmarinus officinalis Linn, Curcuma longa, Green tea, Lippia triphylla, Lippia citriodora, Plantago asiatica L, Vine tea, and Grifola frondosa have been proved to exert several therapeutic impacts on lipid profile and its related disorders, and we would provide a brief review on them in this literature.
Roghani-Shahraki H et al. · Journal of cellular physiology (2021)
Therefore, finding a suitable approach for the prevention and treatment of lipid profile-related disorders is in the spotlight.
Recently, herbal therapy has been considered a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of hyperlipidemia or its related disorders due to its safety and efficacy.
Hereby, we address the potential benefits of some of these herbal compounds on different aspects of lipid profile and its abnormalities with a special focus on their underlying mechanisms.
9Prophylactic or therapeutic effect against COVID-19 pneumonic superinfectionSystematic ReviewCited 29×2021
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
Hetland G et al. · Scandinavian journal of immunology (2021)
An AbM-based mushroom extract (Andosan™), also containing HE and GF, has been shown to significantly reduce bacteraemia and increase survival in mice with pneumococcal sepsis, and to improve symptoms and quality of life in IBD patients via an anti-inflammatory effect.
Hence, such mushroom extracts could have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against the pneumonic superinfection and severe lung inflammation that often complicates COVID-19 infection.
Here, we review antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of AbM, HE and GF mushrooms, which could be used for the battle against COVID-19.
10Therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseasesSystematic ReviewCited 61×2021
In silico approaches provide an alternative method with low cost that has been successfully implemented to cure ND disorders in recent days.
Rai SN et al. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2021)
In silico approaches provide an alternative method with low cost that has been successfully implemented to cure ND disorders in recent days.
We also describe the applications of computational procedures such as molecular docking, virtual high-throughput screening, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, quantum-mechanical methods for drug design.
They were reported against various targets in NDs.
11Anti-tumour bioactivities of mycomedicineSystematic ReviewCited 15×2021
In this review, we not only list the structures and functions of pharmaceutically active components isolated from mycomedicine, but also summarise the mechanisms underlying the potent bioactivities of several representative mushrooms in the Kingdom Fungi against various types of tumour.
Dai R et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2021)
Since the discovery of the famous fungal extract, penicillin, by Alexander Fleming in the late 19th century, researchers have realised the significant antibiotic and other medicinal values of fungal extracts.
Although some studies have highlighted the anti-cancer properties of a single, specific mushroom, only limited reviews have summarised diverse medicinal fungi as mycomedicine.
In this review, we not only list the structures and functions of pharmaceutically active components isolated from mycomedicine, but also summarise the mechanisms underlying the potent bioactivities of several representative mushrooms in the Kingdom Fungi against various types of tumour.
13Antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effectsSystematic ReviewCited 76×2020
This article reviews preclinical and clinical findings with these mushrooms and the mechanisms behind them.
Hetland G et al. · Nutrients (2020)
Since a predominant Th2 milieu is also found in cancer, which quite often is caused by a local chronic inflammation, the three conditions-tumor, inflammation and allergy-seem to be linked.
Further mechanisms for HE were increased nerve and beneficial gut microbiota growth, and oxidative stress regulation.
The medicinal mushrooms AbM, HE and GF appear to be safe, and can, in fact, increase longevity in animal models, possibly due to reduced tumorigenesis and oxidation.
14Suppressive action of mushroom extracts on breast cancerSystematic ReviewCited 52×2020
Antineoplastic effectiveness in human clinical trials and mechanism of anticancer action have been reported for Antrodia camphorata, Cordyceps sinensis, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and Lentinula edodes.
Wong JH et al. · Applied microbiology and biotechnology (2020)
This article reviews mushrooms with anti-breast cancer activity.
Antineoplastic effectiveness in human clinical trials and mechanism of anticancer action have been reported for Antrodia camphorata, Cordyceps sinensis, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and Lentinula edodes.
15Antitumor activity of Grifola frondosa polysaccharideSystematic ReviewCited 25×2019
In this article, based on the search results of Chinese VIP, CNKI, Wanfang database and PubMed database, 108 independent studies were summarized.
He Y et al. · Progress in molecular biology and translational science (2019)
In this article, based on the search results of Chinese VIP, CNKI, Wanfang database and PubMed database, 108 independent studies were summarized.
The chemical structure, the antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, and antiviral activity and molecular mechanisms of GFP are reviewed and discussed.
Our goal is to provide a molecular picture that would allow in-depth evaluation of Grifola frondosa polysaccharide as an adjunctive drug for cancer therapy.
The chemical structure, the antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, and antiviral activities and molecular mechanisms of GFP are reviewed and discussed.
He Y et al. · Discovery medicine (2018)
The β-glucan is the major biologically active component in G. frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) or D-fraction, which has been studied extensively for nearly 30 years.
GFP was approved as an adjunctive therapeutic drug in China for treating cancers in 2010.
In this article, based on the search results of Chinese VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, 105 independent animal studies were summarized.
17Bioactivities of polysaccharidesSystematic ReviewCited 77×2017
Modern people mainly use it to assist in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and various cancers.
He X et al. · International journal of biological macromolecules (2017)
Modern people mainly use it to assist in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and various cancers.
Over the past three decades, G. frondosa polysaccharides were shown to possess various promising bioactivities, mainly including antitumor and immunomodulation, anti-oxidation, anti-hyperglycemia, and meanwhile can effectively act on the skin and hematopoietic stem cells.
However, this review focuses on in vitro evidence and clinical trials with humans are needed.
Phan CW et al. · Critical reviews in biotechnology (2015)
The mushrooms (either extracts from basidiocarps/mycelia or isolated compounds) reduced beta amyloid-induced neurotoxicity and had anti-acetylcholinesterase, neurite outgrowth stimulation, nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-(neuro)inflammatory effects.
The in vitro and in vivo studies on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the bioactive effects of mushrooms are also discussed.
Mushrooms can be considered as useful therapeutic agents in the management and/or treatment of neurodegeneration diseases.
Moreover, metabolites of basidiomycetes increased antiviral immunity.
Avtonomova AV et al. · Antibiotiki i khimioterapiia = Antibiotics and chemoterapy [sic] (2014)
The data on the antiviral action of the Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinus edodes, Grifola frondosa, Agaricus brasiliensis and other basidiomycetes metabolites are summurized.
The metabolites of these species of basidiomycetes exhibit a direct antiviral effect on herpes simplex virus types I and II, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and others.
Moreover, metabolites of basidiomycetes increased antiviral immunity.
20Cancer care supplement integrationSystematic ReviewCited 41×2013
The information was constructed to provide an up-to-date base of knowledge, so that physicians and other health care providers would be aware of the supplements and be able to discuss realistic expectations and potential benefits and risks.
Frenkel M et al. · Integrative cancer therapies (2013)
A list of leading supplements that have the best suggestions of benefit was constructed by leading researchers and clinicians who have experience in using these supplements.
This list includes curcumin, glutamine, vitamin D, Maitake mushrooms, fish oil, green tea, milk thistle, Astragalus, melatonin, and probiotics.
The list includes basic information on each supplement, such as evidence on effectiveness and clinical trials, adverse effects, and interactions with medications.