Grifola frondosa
Maitake
舞茸
Key Benefit
Metabolic support
The "dancing mushroom" of Japan, prized for centuries in Japanese cuisine and medicine. Maitake’s D-fraction has been studied for its effects on blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.
日本の「舞うキノコ」、何世紀にもわたり日本の料理と医学で珍重されてきました。
Traditional Uses
- Named "Maitake" (dancing mushroom) because foragers reportedly danced with joy upon finding it in the wild
- Prized in feudal Japan — its location was kept secret and it was traded for its weight in silver
- Used in Japanese folk medicine to maintain blood pressure and support metabolic health
- Central to Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori) as both a culinary and medicinal ingredient
Research Highlights
Blood Sugar Regulation
Maitake D-fraction significantly improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood glucose levels in clinical studies
Konno et al., 2013 — Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Immune Enhancement
Maitake D-fraction enhanced macrophage and NK cell activity through activation of the innate immune response
Kodama et al., 2003 — Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Weight Management
Maitake supplementation reduced body weight and visceral fat accumulation in animal models without caloric restriction
Aoki et al., 2018 — Journal of Medicinal Food
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