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 A very
large mushroom, maitake can be found growing in the mountains of
northeastern Japan and in a few regions of North American and
Europe. Maitake is best known for its unique taste and medicinal
benefits.
The maitake mushroom is a plant that is very
sensitive to environmental changes making it a very difficult plant
to cultivate outside of it natural surrounding. However, Japanese
farmers have discovered new ways to cultivate the plant in captivity
making it easier for both Japan and U.S. to cultivate
maitake.
As is the case among a select variety of mushrooms
and herbs, maitake contains complex polysaccharides. These
polysaccharides help support immune function in the body and
consequently are sometimes referred to as "immunomodulators". The
complex polysaccharides found in maitake are among the most potent
polysaccharides found in any other mushroom or herb. Beta-D-glucan,
the primary polysaccharide in maitake, is well absorbed when taken
orally and is being researched for it ability to prevent or treat
cancer and as a treatment for HIV infection.
Dosage
and Administration
Maitake can be consumed in the
diet or can be taken in tea, capsule or tablet form. The fruit body
of the maitake mushroom is much higher in polysaccharide content
than the mycelium. Consequently, using the fruit body is recommended
for consumption or supplementation. Recommended doses for pure
maitake are 3 to 7 grams per day.
Liquid forms of maitake are
also available for supplementation and should be taken as directed
by the manufacturer.
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