Asian cultures have long treasured the healing powers of mushrooms, and these fungi are currently gaining rapid popularity in the United States. Maitake mushroom is a polypore or bracket fungus that is found on the stumps of trees or grows around them. Traditionally, the Chinese and Japanese have used the mushroom to enhance immune function, improve liver function, and help support healthy blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. In the United States, the National Cancer Institute has allocated millions of dollars to study the active ingredients in maitake mushrooms.
Recent research appears to confirm maitake s ability to stimulate immunity and inhibit tumor growth.
In addition, maitake has been shown to be beneficial for AIDS patients and may also help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is believed that the most active ingredients in maitake are polysaccharides called beta-glucans. In the body, receptors for beta-glucans are found on macrophages, large white blood cells that destroy harmful microorganisms and tumor cells. Most research on maitake has focused on its relationship to fighting cancer. In addition, maitake may make chemotherapeutic drugs more effective and thus reduce the need for high dosages of medication.