Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Also known as: Grifola frondosa, hen of the woods, hen-of-the-woods, D-fraction, MD-fraction, maitake mushroom
Maitake is a clustered, edible polypore whose proprietary beta-glucan extract, D-fraction, has been studied in small oncology and immunology trials, including a phase II study in myelodysplastic syndromes. A 2026 randomized trial in healthy older Japanese adults examined cognitive outcomes with maitake supplementation. Supplements use a hot-water extract of the fruiting body standardized to beta-glucans, and maitake is a frequent component of immune and blood-sugar-support mushroom blends. Its beta-glucans are highly branched, which is often cited as the reason it is favored for immune formulas.
Research summary
Highly branched beta-1,6/1,3-glucans (D-fraction) are studied for macrophage and natural killer cell activation; other fractions are studied for effects on glucose metabolism.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | 500–2,000 mg | — | — |
Take 0.5–2 g of extract daily with food. D-fraction studies dosed by beta-glucan content rather than crude extract, so match doses by standardized beta-glucan when substituting between suppliers. Users on blood-sugar-lowering medication should be cautioned.
Standardization: ≥20% beta-glucans
Source material: fruiting body
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Mild, earthy taste; blends well in mushroom complexes.
Formulation notes
Studied for effects on glucose; may add to blood-sugar-lowering drugs.
Sources
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