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Bioactive Ingredients and Medicinal Values of Grifola frondosa (Maitake)

Summary

This research examines the health benefits of Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), a medicinal fungus that has been used traditionally in Asian medicine. The study reveals that Maitake contains various beneficial compounds that can support health through multiple mechanisms, particularly by enhancing immune function and providing antioxidant effects. Impact on everyday life: • Can be consumed as a healthy food supplement to support immune system function • May help in managing blood sugar levels and blood pressure when used as part of a healthy diet • Shows promise as a complementary treatment alongside conventional cancer therapies • Provides natural antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage • Can be incorporated into daily diet as both a nutritious food and potential therapeutic agent

Background

Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa), commonly known as hen-of-the-woods or maitake in Japanese and hui-shu-hua in Chinese, is an edible mushroom with both nutritional and medicinal properties. It grows around stumps of broadleaf trees in temperate forests of eastern North America, Europe and Asia. Japan was one of the first countries to start artificial cultivation in the mid-1980s using methods like bottle culture, bag culture and outdoor bed culture.

Objective

This review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of research findings on G. frondosa’s bioactive constituents, potential health benefits and major structural characteristics. It covers both the nutritional composition and medicinal properties, involving major bioactive molecules, their structural characteristics and bioactivities.

Results

The review found that G. frondosa contains diverse bioactive compounds including polysaccharides (particularly β-glucans), proteins, glycoproteins, and small organic molecules like sterols and phenolic compounds. These components demonstrate multiple therapeutic effects including antitumor, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant and other activities. The D-fraction and other polysaccharides showed significant antitumor and immune-enhancing properties. Recent studies also revealed the mushroom’s ability to regulate gut microbiota, which may contribute to its various health benefits.

Conclusion

G. frondosa provides a diverse array of bioactive molecules that are potentially valuable for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. While some constituents are widely used in health foods and supplements, more investigation is needed to establish structure-bioactivity relationships and elucidate mechanisms of action. Further research and development of this fungal species is warranted, particularly for its immunomodulatory and health-promoting functions.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/foods10010095
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