Maitake Research
35 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8/10
Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Ingredients as Natural Resources for Development of Innovative Skin Care Formulations and Products
Janardhanan KK et al. • International journal of medicinal mushrooms (2026)
This review outlines the importance of mushrooms and their bioactive ingredients for development of skin care formulations and products in the multibillion-dollar cosmetic industry.
- Mushroom based cosmetic products have substantial world market especially in USA, China, UK, Korea and Japan.
- Mushroom cosmetic market presents promising opportunities for expansion because of the growing demands of aging solutions.
- Global demand is predicted to reach nearly 3.9 billion USD by 2032.
Critical Review on the Anti-Tumor Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms over the Last Five Years
Górska-Jakubowska S et al. • Nutrients (2025)
In this review, we aim to analyze the anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushrooms, including Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Laetiporus sulphureus, Boletus edulis, and Phellinus igniarius, as well as their potential anti-cancer mechanisms, providing strong theoretical support for the further development of edible/medicinal mushroom anti-cancer products.
- In recent years, the incidence rate of cancer has been on the rise all over the world, and the age of cancer patients has shown a younger trend, which seriously endangers patients' health.
- Although the anti-cancer potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms has been widely studied in the past, this review focuses on the most recent literature from the last five years, providing an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of the current findings.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The Role of Medicinal Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment: Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Potential
Sevindik M et al. • International journal of medicinal mushrooms (2025)
However, most of the available data are at the preclinical level, and more comprehensive toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to ensure clinical applicability.
- These findings indicate that mushroom-derived natural products should be evaluated not only as adjunctive therapies, but also as potential pharmaceutical agents.
- However, most of the available data are at the preclinical level, and more comprehensive toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to ensure clinical applicability.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Fungal Polysaccharides as Modulators of Molecular Pathways in Liver Health
Szelenberger R et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
Presented evidence indicates that fungal polysaccharides possess considerable potential as multifunctional hepatoprotective agents, highlighting the need for further mechanistic insight and clinical validation.
- Fungal polysaccharides were also shown to improve hepatic function by lowering serum biomarkers of liver injury and ameliorating histopathological damage.
- Presented evidence indicates that fungal polysaccharides possess considerable potential as multifunctional hepatoprotective agents, highlighting the need for further mechanistic insight and clinical validation.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Fungi as a source of bioactive molecules for the development of longevity medicines
Shevchuk Y et al. • Ageing research reviews (2023)
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- Maitake or hen-of-the-woods), the genus Pleurotus (e.g. oyster mushrooms), and Agaricus subrufescens (i.e. the almond mushroom).
- We propose that further research on fungal extracts will provide a greater picture of the role fungi-derived bioactive molecules can have in developing longevity and neuroprotective medicines for humans.Copyright © 2023 The Authors.
- Published by Elsevier B.V.
Anti-Cancer Potential of Edible/Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer
Gariboldi MB et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
- In this article, we reviewed mushrooms showing antineoplastic activity again breast cancer cells, especially focusing on the possible bioactive compounds involved and their mechanisms of action.
- In particular, the following mushrooms have been considered: Agaricus bisporus, Antrodia cinnamomea, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus.
- We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
Grifola frondosa polysaccharides: A review on structure/activity, biosynthesis and engineering strategies
Cui FJ et al. • International journal of biological macromolecules (2024)
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- The regulation strategies including strain improvement, process optimization and genetic engineering were also summarized for maximum production of G. frondosa polysaccharides.
- Some remaining unanswered questions in describing the fine synthesis machinery were also pointed out to open up new avenues for answering the structure-activity relationship and improving polysaccharide biosynthesis in G. frondosa.
- The review hopefully presents a reasonable full picture of activities, biosynthesis, and production regulation of polysaccharide in G. frondosa.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Therapeutic applications of mushrooms and their biomolecules along with a glimpse of in silico approach in neurodegenerative diseases
Rai SN et al. • Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2021)
Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.
- In silico approaches provide an alternative method with low cost that has been successfully implemented to cure ND disorders in recent days.
- We also describe the applications of computational procedures such as molecular docking, virtual high-throughput screening, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, quantum-mechanical methods for drug design.
- They were reported against various targets in NDs.Copyright © 2021.
Current Advancements in Antitumor Properties and Mechanisms of Medicinal Components in Edible Mushrooms
Xu J et al. • Nutrients (2022)
In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.
- Our review summarizes the research progress on the anticancer properties of edible and medicinal fungi and the underlying molecular mechanism, which may offer a better understanding of this field.
- Additionally, few studies have reported the safety and efficacy of extracts from edible and medicinal fungi, which may limit their clinical application.
- In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.
Herbal therapy as a promising approach for regulation on lipid profiles: A review of molecular aspects
Roghani-Shahraki H et al. • Journal of cellular physiology (2021)
Using herbal products, such as teas and mushrooms, or their derivatives, Rosmarinus officinalis Linn, Curcuma longa, Green tea, Lippia triphylla, Lippia citriodora, Plantago asiatica L, Vine tea, and Grifola frondosa have been proved to exert several therapeutic impacts on lipid profile and its related disorders, and we would provide a brief review on them in this literature.© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Therefore, finding a suitable approach for the prevention and treatment of lipid profile-related disorders is in the spotlight.
- Recently, herbal therapy has been considered a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of hyperlipidemia or its related disorders due to its safety and efficacy.
- Hereby, we address the potential benefits of some of these herbal compounds on different aspects of lipid profile and its abnormalities with a special focus on their underlying mechanisms.
Antitumor activities of Grifola frondosa (Maitake) polysaccharide: A meta-analysis based on preclinical evidence and quality assessment
Zhao F et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2021)
GFP is a potential candidate for tumor treatment and clinical trials.
- GFP is a potential candidate for tumor treatment and clinical trials.
- Published in Journal of ethnopharmacology (2021)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Can medicinal mushrooms have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against COVID-19 and its pneumonic superinfection and complicating inflammation?
Hetland G et al. • Scandinavian journal of immunology (2021)
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Scandinavian Foundation for Immunology.
- An AbM-based mushroom extract (Andosan™), also containing HE and GF, has been shown to significantly reduce bacteraemia and increase survival in mice with pneumococcal sepsis, and to improve symptoms and quality of life in IBD patients via an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Hence, such mushroom extracts could have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against the pneumonic superinfection and severe lung inflammation that often complicates COVID-19 infection.
- Here, we review antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of AbM, HE and GF mushrooms, which could be used for the battle against COVID-19.© 2020 The Authors.
Mycomedicine: A Unique Class of Natural Products with Potent Anti-tumour Bioactivities
Dai R et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2021)
In this review, we not only list the structures and functions of pharmaceutically active components isolated from mycomedicine, but also summarise the mechanisms underlying the potent bioactivities of several representative mushrooms in the Kingdom Fungi against various types of tumour.
- Since the discovery of the famous fungal extract, penicillin, by Alexander Fleming in the late 19th century, researchers have realised the significant antibiotic and other medicinal values of fungal extracts.
- Although some studies have highlighted the anti-cancer properties of a single, specific mushroom, only limited reviews have summarised diverse medicinal fungi as mycomedicine.
- In this review, we not only list the structures and functions of pharmaceutically active components isolated from mycomedicine, but also summarise the mechanisms underlying the potent bioactivities of several representative mushrooms in the Kingdom Fungi against various types of tumour.
Medicinal Mushroom Supplements in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies
Narayanan S et al. • Current oncology reports (2023)
More trials are needed to explore mushroom use during and after cancer treatment.
- Systematic review examining Cordyceps efficacy
- Published in Current oncology reports (2023)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Antitumor, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiallergic Effects of Agaricus blazei Mushroom Extract and the Related Medicinal Basidiomycetes Mushrooms, Hericium erinaceus and Grifola frondosa: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Hetland G et al. • Nutrients (2020)
This article reviews preclinical and clinical findings with these mushrooms and the mechanisms behind them.
- Since a predominant Th2 milieu is also found in cancer, which quite often is caused by a local chronic inflammation, the three conditions-tumor, inflammation and allergy-seem to be linked.
- Further mechanisms for HE were increased nerve and beneficial gut microbiota growth, and oxidative stress regulation.
- The medicinal mushrooms AbM, HE and GF appear to be safe, and can, in fact, increase longevity in animal models, possibly due to reduced tumorigenesis and oxidation.
Mushroom extracts and compounds with suppressive action on breast cancer: evidence from studies using cultured cancer cells, tumor-bearing animals, and clinical trials
Wong JH et al. • Applied microbiology and biotechnology (2020)
Antineoplastic effectiveness in human clinical trials and mechanism of anticancer action have been reported for Antrodia camphorata, Cordyceps sinensis, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and Lentinula edodes.
- This article reviews mushrooms with anti-breast cancer activity.
- Antineoplastic effectiveness in human clinical trials and mechanism of anticancer action have been reported for Antrodia camphorata, Cordyceps sinensis, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and Lentinula edodes.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The biological activities of the antitumor drug Grifola frondosa polysaccharide
He Y et al. • Progress in molecular biology and translational science (2019)
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- In this article, based on the search results of Chinese VIP, CNKI, Wanfang database and PubMed database, 108 independent studies were summarized.
- The chemical structure, the antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, and antiviral activity and molecular mechanisms of GFP are reviewed and discussed.
- Our goal is to provide a molecular picture that would allow in-depth evaluation of Grifola frondosa polysaccharide as an adjunctive drug for cancer therapy.© 2019 Elsevier Inc.
Preparation and activities of selenium polysaccharide from plant such as Grifola frondosa
Huang S et al. • Carbohydrate polymers (2020)
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- At present, there are few kinds of selenium polysaccharide, but its structure is very complex.
- The chemical structure and mechanism of selenium polysaccharide in vivo are not completely clear and need further study.
- Herein, the preparation and biological activities of selenium polysaccharides were introduced systematically, which provided theoretical basis for further research and application of selenium polysaccharides.Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd.
Grifola frondosa polysaccharide: a review of antitumor and other biological activity studies in China
He Y et al. • Discovery medicine (2018)
The chemical structure, the antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, and antiviral activities and molecular mechanisms of GFP are reviewed and discussed.
- The β-glucan is the major biologically active component in G. frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) or D-fraction, which has been studied extensively for nearly 30 years.
- GFP was approved as an adjunctive therapeutic drug in China for treating cancers in 2010.
- In this article, based on the search results of Chinese VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, 105 independent animal studies were summarized.
Polysaccharides in Grifola frondosa mushroom and their health promoting properties: A review
He X et al. • International journal of biological macromolecules (2017)
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- Modern people mainly use it to assist in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and various cancers.
- Over the past three decades, G. frondosa polysaccharides were shown to possess various promising bioactivities, mainly including antitumor and immunomodulation, anti-oxidation, anti-hyperglycemia, and meanwhile can effectively act on the skin and hematopoietic stem cells.
- All rights reserved.