Maitake - "The King of Mushrooms" Anthony J. Cichoke, MA, DC, DACBN |
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For over 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has enjoyed an illustrious history. Today, TCM and Western medicine function side-by-side in Japan, as can be witnessed by the frequent use of maitake mushrooms to deal with conditions which, in the U.S., are usually treated with drugs. In Japan, maitake (pronounced mytah-keh) mushrooms are highly prized both as food and medicine. People with serious degenerative illnesses travel long distances in search of the maitake mushrooms. However, until recently, Western medicine has never viewed mushrooms as a treatment option for illness or Disease. But the maitake mushroom has recently received increased clinical and research attention. In the Orient, several types of mushrooms have been used for centuries to maintain health, preserve youth, and increase longevity. The healing aspects of mushrooms have been passed down through folklore and only recently (within the last 20 years) has the scientific study of mushrooms and their healing properties been initiated. The maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is native to northeast Japan and has been prized in Japanese herbology for hundreds of years to strengthen the body and improve overall health. Recent research indicates that it is the most potent immunostimulant of all mushrooms. The compounds contained in maitake have the capacity to not only stimulate immune function, but also to inhibit tumor growth. These compounds include polysaccharides (such as beta glucan) and high-molecular weight sugar polymers.<1> Cancer FighterMost research on maitake has been conducted relative to cancer regression. In one study, the polysaccharide 'D-fraction' of maitake was used to treat both allogenic and syngeneic tumors in mice. A Winn assay revealed complete tumor inhibition. The amazing thing about this study is that the extract was administered orally, and not by injection as are most mushroom extracts.<2> Many researchers believe that maitake's anti-tumor activity is due to the effect its polysaccharide fraction has on the immune system. Another study on mice found that maitake had an anti tumor effect against syngeneic tumors. The researchers stated that not only did it activate various effector cells (such as macrophages and natural killer cells) to attack the tumor cells, but it also potentiates the activities of various mediators, including lymphokines and interleukin-1, as well as interieukin-2.' According to the researchers (Drs. Adachi, Nanba, and Kuroda), maitake, therefore, acts to potentiate cellular functions and at the same time to prevent a decrease of immune functions of the tumor-bearing host."3 Research is presently being conducted at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, headed by Dr. Denis Miller, MD, to evaluate the anti-cancer and immuno-stimulatory activities of maitake mushroom extract using a double-blind, randomized study. The study, designed to last 6 months, involves patients with stage IV (metastatic) colorectal cancer. The researchers hypothesize that the polysacchadde Beta glucans (derived from the fruitbody of the maitake mushroom) has antitumor and immuno regulatory activities. HIV/AIDSMaitake may even help prevent the destruction of T-helper cells by HIV. At a conference March 29, 1992, in Fukuoka, Japan, Dr. Hiroaki Nanba announced his findings that a maitake extract was able to prevent HIV destruction of T-helper lymphocytes by as much as 97% in vitro. This is important because measuring a patient's T helper cell count is one way to trace the progression of HIV to fullblown AIDS .<4> In a recent interview, Joan Pricotley.M.D.(a world- renowned AIDS specialist), stated the following:
Lowers Blood PressureIn one study, the powdered fruit body of maitake was given orally to hypertensive rats. In contrast to the control group (in which the blood pressure increased with aging), the maitake group experienced a reduction in blood pressure."<6> When the maitake group was returned to its normal feed ration, blood pressure increased. However reduction in blood pressure occurred when the animals were once again placed on the maitake-containing feed. Maitake appears to have a superior ability to lower blood pressure. DiabetesIn a recent study by Dr. Hiroaki Nanha mice were placed on a diet containing dried maitake powder. After eight weeks, levels of blood glucose, blood serum insulin and blood serum triglycerides in the maitake group all remained significantly lower than the control group (those not receiving maitake). Especieilly significant was the fact that the maitake group had glucose levels of 200 mg/dI, while the control group had levels of 400 mg/di. This result suggests that maitake inhibits the escalation of blood glucose levels, thus indicating anti-diabetic activity (according to Dr. Nanba). Dr. Nanba considers maitake's effect not to be dependent on the change of body weight in the progress of diabetes, but is directly related to metabolism, since bio chemical changes occurred prior to changes in body weight.<7> Weight LossThe purpose of several recent studies have been to measure maitake's effect on obesity. Because maitake is high in vitamins, minerals, protein and other beneficial nutrients, yet low in calories, it is hypothesized that maitake could be of benefit in the baffle of the bulge. TOWNSEND LETTER for DOCTORS - MAY 1994 In one study, rats were divided into three groups to measure maitake's effect on body weight. The control group (the first group) was fed regular meals. The feed of the second group included an additional 1 0% of dried maitake powder, while the third group's feed contained an additional 20% of dried maitake powder. The rats used in this experiment would normally be expected to gain 130g to 24og in one month on continuous feeding. However, after one month it was clear that the maitake-fed groups (especially the 20% group) exhibited an inhibition of weight gain. In fact, the maitake group increased by only 20g-30g during the month as opposed to the control group who gained 130g-240g.<8> In a study on humans by Dr. Masanori Yokota of the Koseikai Clinic in Tokyo, Japan, thirty patients were given a powdered maitake food supplement (20 tablets daily of 500 mg each) for a period of two months, with no change in their regular diets.<9> Dr. Yokota reports that all of the patients successfully lost weight (between 3kg to 12kg) with an average loss of 5-6 kg per person. He computed that to be about 40%, on average. What is amazing is that the patients obtained these results after only 2 months on the maitake supplement. Dr. Yokota anticipated-the patients would lose even more weight if they continued on the programme Dr. Ber's Clinical Applications Abram Ber, M.D., a homeopathic physician who practices orthomolecular medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, has been using maitake mushroom tablets for two years to treat a number of conditions. Using independent ultrasound results as a measure of progress, Dr. Ber gave six patients with uterine fibroids maitake mushroom tablets and found substantial reduction of the fibroids six months to one year after beginning maitake treatment. The patients'conditions had improved to a point where surgery was not indicated. In general, Dr. Bees treatment program is two tablets three times a day (3 grams) with a range of 4-8 grams, depending on the size of the individual patient. According to Dr. Ber, at least 12 patients with prostatic cancer have been treated with maitake mushroom tablets, resulting in amelioration of symptoms. Especially, there was improved urinary flow, as well as decrease of other symptoms of prostatic problems (including decreased frequency of urination). Using maitake mushrooms with HIV/AIDS patients, Dr. Ber related that he was able to maintain T -lymphocyte cell counts and the number of associated infections did not increase. The mushrooms appear to improve immune system function, according to the doctor. "if the CD-4 cell count was 1 00, the count did not decrease over the period of treatment (one year or longer)," says Dr. Ber. Finally, Dr. Ber seemed most excited when discussing treatment of hypertension. He has treated over 30 patients with maitake mushrooms in the last two to three months f.or this condition. "When on medication the blood pressure is all over the place, but with maitake mushrooms there is a gradual decrease in blood pressure toward normalcy. Further, there are absolutely no side effects," says Dr. Ber. Dr. Bees hypertension therapy program is as follows:
In conclusion In applying Oriental medicine to Western culture, it appears that maitake mushrooms are a viable alternative to high-cost drugs and surgery, with their frenuent aid severe side effects. As can be seen by our review on the literature, maitake can stimulate it. imunt: Turictiol 1 and inhibit tumor growth. Maitake mushrooms not only taste good, but seem to be effective against a variety of conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. The 'King of Mushrooms," maitake brings its healing powers from the Orient to you. References
SUGGESTED DOSAGE Grifron( Maitake Mushroom can be taken one to four caplets each time with water at each meal. People suggested to take large doses may also take additional few caplets before going to bed. People on large doses are also suggested to start-off with fewer caplets to avoid possible upset digestion. Dr. Fukumi Morishige, M.D., Ph.D., a renowned Japanese surgeon and a member of the Linus Pauhng Institute of Science and Medicine, explained that vitamin C reduces the high molecular weight of mushroom polysaccharides and that, as the vitamin C breaks up these sugars, their viscosity or stickiness drops and bio availability increases, thus rendering more accessibility to immune system cells, such as macrophages and N-killer cers. Therefore, it is suggested that vitamin C will be taken together with Grifron especially for the people suggested to take large doses of Grifron. (Note) The information above is for guidance only. Persons with serious illness should consult with a doctor for a specific direction. |
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