Maitake is increasingly being recognized as a potent source of polysaccharide compounds with dramatic health-promoting potential.1

Maitake's main active constituent is the polysaccharide ß-(1,6)-glucan. D-fraction is a derivative of the high molecular weight polysaccharides of Maitake (1,000K Da m.w.) that is acid-insoluble, alkali-soluble and hot-water extractable. Both terms can be used interchangeably. 2

D-fraction is composed of ß-(1,3) glucan branched with ß-(1,6) glucosides 3 which is believed to be responsible for many health benefits of Maitake.4

Traditional Use

Although the Chinese and Japanese have used maitake in cooking and healing for many centuries, it is only in the last 20 years that studies have been conducted concerning its medical functions.

Pharmacological and Clinical Research

Research shows that D-fraction activates immuno-competent cells, induced cytokine production, and consequently enhanced the bactericidal activities of the splenic T cells, suggesting the clinical benefit of D-fraction in the case of anti-bacterial treatment for patients with high risks. 5

A 1995 study at Japan's Kobe Pharmaceutical University investigated the effects of maitake's D-fraction on cancer in mice. Results showed 73.3-45.5% reduction in breast, lung, liver and prostrate cancer growth, 25% reduction in leukemia, 33.3% reduction in stomach cancer and 0-16% in bone cancer.

These benefits increased 4-13% when combined with traditional chemotherapy treatment, as well as reducing chemotherapy's side effects and making it work better in treating cancer. 6