Maitake Powder

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), or 'hen of the woods', is a Japanese medicinal mushroom whose name literally means 'dancing mushroom' — according to legend, people would dance for joy upon finding it in forests. It is particularly rich in beta-glucans (D-fraction and MD-fraction), polysaccharides whose immunomodulatory and anti-tumour properties are among the best documented of all medicinal mushrooms. Maitake's D-Fraction has been the subject of clinical trials in oncology in Japan.

Yes, with serious clinical studies — Maitake is one of the best-documented medicinal mushrooms in immuno-oncology. The D-Fraction (patented Maitake beta-glucan extract) obtained FDA approval in the USA for clinical trials as adjunctive therapy in oncology. Japanese studies have shown that the D-fraction stimulated NK (Natural Killer) and tumour macrophage cell activity. These data remain preliminary — Maitake is by no means an anti-cancer treatment but a potential immune support.

Check the certified beta-glucan level (minimum 20 to 30% in a quality extract) on the Kiki Health packaging. Top-quality mushroom powders indicate the percentage of beta-glucans on the label — this is the potency indicator. Products that do not indicate this level may be dried ground mushroom powders with a low concentration of actives.

Maitake powder can be added to coffee, tea, a broth or a soup. Maitake is also delicious culinarily — the fresh mushroom is highly appreciated in Japanese and Italian cuisine. The powder can be incorporated into sauces, risottos or hot dishes. For functional supplementation, mix into your morning drink (1 to 2 g of standardised extract) or with your daily adaptogenic mushroom blend.

Preliminary studies on Maitake show interesting hypoglycaemic effects. Research published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice showed that Maitake polysaccharides improved insulin sensitivity in experimental models. Preliminary human studies suggest an effect on postprandial blood sugar. These results need to be confirmed by larger controlled trials.

General contraindications of medicinal mushrooms: people on immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus after transplant); anticoagulants (Maitake can potentiate their effect); before surgery (stop 2 weeks before). Diabetic people on treatment (potential additive effect on blood sugar) — monitor your blood sugar when introducing it. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult your doctor.

Kiki Health is committed to responsible sourcing practices. Medicinal mushrooms ideally come from certified organic cultivation (without synthetic pesticides or fungicides) or wild harvesting from unpolluted zones. Check for the mention of organic certification (Soil Association) or the geographical origin of the mushrooms on the Kiki Health packaging.

SuperKure is the official distributor of Kiki Health in France. Order at superkure.fr with 24–48h delivery from our French warehouse. No customs fees, free delivery from €60. Also find the Maitake Capsules and the Kiki Health Multi-Mushroom Blend for all the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms in one dose at superkure.fr.