Maitake mushrooms

Posted by vernezze @vernezze, 3 days ago

I just came acorss a study demonstrating the effectivenes of a maitake GD-fraction supplement with vitamin C. Searching for this in the chat come up empty. Has anyone heard of this treatment and/or had experience with it. I am coming up on my first three month scan after TURBT for a low grade non-invasive tumor. Thank you

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 2 days ago

There is some evidence that some mushrooms, like the maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) has nutritional and health benefits..

One of my preferred websites for finding evidence-based information about herbs and supplements is Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) complementary therapies database:
– Search About Herbs (cancer specific) https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs/search

Here's the evidence about maitake mushrooms https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/maitake
"Maitake is used to:
- Manage diabetes
- Lower high cholesterol levels
- Reduce high blood pressure
- Boost the immune system
Maitake has other uses, but doctors haven’t studied them to see if they work. It’s generally safe to eat maitake in food. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking maitake supplements. Herbal supplements are stronger than the herbs you would use in cooking.
Supplements can also interact with some medications and affect how they work."

Here's a helpful article from Mayo Clinic:
- Natural vs. safe: Why the two aren't the same https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complementary-alternative-medicine/in-depth/natural-vs-safe-health-remedies/art-20587690

You want to make sure there are no unwanted interactions with any cancer treatment you may be on. Just because something is natural, doesn't mean it is safe. I highly recommend talking to your cancer team about any supplements you wish to take to help your recovery and for your wellbeing.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | 2 days ago

Hello @vernezze. Colleen gave you a lot of information above. I also use the MSK website for good information on herbs and other "natural" products. Until there are thorough studies to substantiate definitive results the medical community cannot comment on the effectiveness and safety of these products.
I also delved into medicinal mushroom information after reading a book titled The Rebel's Apothecary by Jennifer Sansouci. I do use a mixed mushroom powder daily for immune support as was suggested by the Immune Augmentation Therapy clinic I attended in the Bahamas. The beta glucans have been well studied for their immune system support. But there are potential side effects with any supplement such as the mushrooms that affect blood clotting. When my Mayo oncologist submitted my list of supplements to a pharmacist there, I was advised to be careful with mushrooms. And I am, especially with the potential for clotting issues. So I respect all the information Colleen provided as these "natural" supplements require a lot more research to be considered safe and effective.