Introduction
Maitake is a mushroom that grows in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It has been used to help the body fight illness and improve the health of the ovaries. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or dehydrated. Maitake can also be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.
Dosages
1 gram 2 to 3 times daily
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Polycystic ovary syndrome —may help ovulation occur A1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It may be safe to take maitake for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Only take mushrooms that have been identified by a professional. B2
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:
References
REFA Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
REFA1 Chen TJ, Tominaga K, et al. Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(12):1295-1299.
REFB Safety
REFB1 Konno S, Tortorelis DG, et al. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med. 2001 Dec;18(12):1010.
REFB2 Gonmori K, Yokoyama K. [Acute encephalopathy caused by cyanogenic fungi in 2004, and magic mushroom regulation in Japan]. Chudoku Kenkyu. 2009 Mar;22(1):61-69. Japanese.
REFB3 Izzo AA. Interactions between herbs and conventional drugs: overview of the clinical data. Med Princ Pract. 2012;21(5):404-428.