Origin

The maitake mushroom, also called “rattle fungus”, is a popular edible mushroom and also grows in local forests on the roots and trunks of deciduous trees. Cultivation only began in the 1980s. Since then it has also enjoyed increasing popularity as a medicinal mushroom.

Benefits and mode of action

The maitake mushroom contains the polysaccharide Grifolan, which can increase the activity of phagocytes (macrophages) and thereby cause targeted immune activation.
Some studies also suggest a inhibiting effect on the formation and proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.

Many users report a blood pressure-lowering effect of Maitake, which could be attributed to an influence on the renin-angiotensin system.

Many people also use the mushroom to help them lose weight, which could be explained by a possible reduction in fat storage in the tissue caused by the maitake.

The ergosterol found in the cell membrane of the Maitake is a precursor of Vitamin D, into which it can be converted by UV radiation. Vitamin D, in turn, significantly improves the absorption rate of calcium and, as a kind of "installation aid", supports the integration of calcium into the bones.

Why are extracts better than mushroom powder?

Mushroom extracts contain in particular the highly effective and bioactive polysaccharides and glucans in high concentrations, which are relevant for the immune system.

The extraction not only causes the release of the active substances from the cell organelles, but also the enrichment of the fungal active substances through the separation of the insoluble accompanying substances.

Another advantage of extracts over powder is their ability to be standardized and reproducible. This means that the dosage and combination with other preparations can be carried out precisely and in a targeted manner.

 

Shellbroken procedure

The mushroom powder, which is then later extracted using hot water extract, is produced using the so-called “shellbroken process”; The fungus is ground so finely that the chitin cell wall of the fungus is broken down. This allows a polysaccharide content (depending on the manufacturer) of up to 30% and the ingredients can be optimally utilized by the organism.

In addition, make sure that only the fruiting body is used to produce the mushroom extracts. The phrase “from the whole mushroom” means that it can contain not only the fruiting body, but also the underground part (“mycelium”), which contains hardly any nutrients, as well as the substrate on which the mushroom is grown – and this substrate can contain many unwanted by-products, from wood to manure. Pay attention to this when choosing the product.

 

Legal consumer information

German and European case law wants to protect consumers from supposedly misleading claims about effectiveness. The statements made here refer to the original Ayurvedic and TCM texts. This ancient knowledge, which is thousands of years old, is based on experiences that are passed on from generation to generation. It is not intended to claim that the products described here have an effect in the sense of western medicine. All products are nutritional supplements; they are not medications and have no medical effect. If you are sick and need medical care, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.