About
Grifola frondosa, commonly known as Maitake (meaning "Dancing Mushroom" in Japanese), is a large, clustered polypore fungus renowned for both its culinary appeal and medicinal properties. Native to temperate forests in Asia, Europe, and North America, Maitake grows at the base of hardwood trees, especially oaks. It features a soft, feathery structure with gray-brown fronds and is revered in traditional medicine for immune support, blood sugar regulation, and anti-tumor activity.
History
In Japanese and Chinese herbal traditions, Maitake has been used for centuries to strengthen immunity and promote longevity. The name "Maitake" is rooted in legend—people were said to dance with joy upon finding this rare and valuable mushroom in the wild.
Its medicinal relevance increased in the 20th century with the isolation of the D-fraction, a powerful beta-glucan polysaccharide studied for its immune-modulating and anti-cancer potential. Today, Maitake is cultivated worldwide and used both in gourmet cooking and as an adaptogenic supplement.
Overview
Maitake grows in large, overlapping clusters that can weigh several kilograms. Each frond is fan- or spoon-shaped with wavy edges, and the mushroom has a firm, juicy texture. It appears in late summer to early fall, often recurring annually in the same spot.
Rich in polysaccharides, B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants, Maitake offers a meaty, umami-rich flavor. It can be grilled, roasted, added to soups, or sautéed as a meat substitute. Medicinally, it is used to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Flavors
Umami
Rich, savory flavor similar to meat
Textures
Chewy
A unique chewy texture when cooked
Fragrances
Earthy
A rich, earthy aroma
Physical Characteristics
Caps:
Large, fan-shaped cluster with overlapping grayish-brown to brown caps
Gills:
N/A
Helps With
Immune System
Boosts the immune system and enhances overall health
Inflammation
Helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
Cardiovascular Support
Supports heart health and promotes healthy circulation
Digestion
Aids in digestion and supports a healthy gut
Diabetes
May help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes
Obesity
May help regulate regulate obesity
Fertility
Maitake mushrooms can help support hormone balance and can be used as a natural support for healthy ovulation and fertility.
Medicinal Chemistry
Similar Species
Species: Polyporus squamosus
Edibility: Edible when young
Key Differences: Polyporus squamosus has a more uniform, fan-like shape compared to the multi-layered, frond-like shape of Grifola frondosa.
Species: Polyporus squamosus
Edibility: Edible when young
Nutrition Facts
Mushroom Ratings
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References
Exploring the Phytochemical Compositions, Antioxidant Activity, and Nutritional Potentials of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms
Unveiling the full spectrum of maitake mushrooms: A comprehensive review of their medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential
Grifola frondosa may play an anti-obesity role by affecting intestinal microbiota to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids
First Report of Yellow Rot Caused by Physarum galbeum in Grifola frondosa in China
Probiotics-Fermented Grifola frondosa Total Active Components: Better Antioxidation and Microflora Regulation for Alleviating Alcoholic Liver Damage in Mice
Maitake Medicinal Mushroom, Grifola frondosa (Agaricomycetes), and Its Neurotrophic Properties: A Mini-Review
Enhancement of Wheat Grain Antioxidant Activity by Solid State Fermentation with Grifola spp.
Grifola frondosa water extract alleviates intestinal inflammation by suppressing tnf-alpha production and its signaling
This review provides a bibliometric analysis of the recent literature on biological activities, highlights trends in the field, and highlights the countries and journals with the highest contribution. It also discusses the nutritional value of the total content of phenolic and other phytochemicals in some species of mushrooms.
2024
This literature review provides an up-to-date exploration of the multifaceted attributes of maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa), elucidating their bioactive phytochemicals and diverse health advantages, including their substantial role in supporting human health and potential incorporation into the medicinal industry.
2024
This study suggests that Grifola frondosa may have potential anti-obesity effects by altering the intestinal microbiota to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids.
2023
This report identifies a new disease in Grifola frondosa, caused by the slime mold Physarum galbeum, which can lead to significant yield reduction.
2023
This study suggests that probiotic fermentation product of Grifola frondosa total active components can potentially alleviate alcoholic liver damage by restoring intestinal barrier and regulating microflora.
2023
This mini-review emphasizes the neuroprotective effects and chemical composition of Grifola frondosa. Various studies have described that it can protect and proliferate neuronal cells through neurogenesis, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-β-amyloid activities.
2023
Grifola frondosa, Grifola gargal, and Grifola sordulenta are edible and medicinal mushrooms with antioxidant properties. To obtain wheat flour (Wf ) with a higher antioxidant activity than the one exhibited by regular Wf, solid state fermentation (SSF) of wheat grains with mycelia of those Grifola spp. was used to obtain biotransformed wheat grain (BWG) flour. The methanolic extract of control Wf and BWG flour of G. gargal, G. sordulenta, and G. frondosa (GfWG, GgWG, and GsWG, respectively) were studied for their radical scavenging (RS) activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydracyl (DPPH) and their Fe(III) reducing power (RP).
2014
TNF-alpha is a major cytokine involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, water extract of Grifola frondosa (GFW) was evaluated for its protective effects against colon inflammation through the modulation of TNF-alpha action. In coculture of HT-29 human colon cancer cells with U937 human monocytic cells, TNF-alpha-induced monocyte adhesion to HT-29 cells was significantly suppressed by GFW (10, 50, 100 micg/ml). The reduced adhesion by GFW correlated with the suppressed expression of MCP-1 and IL-8, the major IBD-associated chemokines.
2010