Home/Ingredients/Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Immune · blood sugar

Moderate evidenceVegan9 studies on PubMedRead the research
Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 30 May 2026
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026

Maitake: Immune · blood sugar. A culinary-medicinal mushroom whose D-fraction beta-glucans support immune surveillance and healthy glucose metabolism. Standard dose 2,000 mg extract, taken in the morning, about $26/month. Evidence rating: moderate evidence.

Where to buy

Solgar Reishi Shiitake & Maitake Extract
Recommended
Real Mushrooms, Maitake
2,000 mg extract · Morning · ~$26/month

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All product options

Solgar Reishi Shiitake & Maitake ExtractBestseller
Reishi Shiitake & Maitake Extract
Solgar
50 veg capsules · $17 · ★ 4.7
Buy on iHerb →
Real Mushrooms Maitake ExtractBestseller
Maitake Extract
Real Mushrooms
120 capsules · $30 · ★ 4.7
Buy on iHerb →
Host Defense MaitakePremium
Maitake
Host Defense
120 capsules · $40 · ★ 4.7
Buy on iHerb →
NOW Foods MaitakeBest Value
Maitake
NOW Foods
60 veg caps · $18 · ★ 4.6
Buy on iHerb →
Nutricost Maitake MushroomPremium
Maitake Mushroom
Nutricost
180 capsules · $22 · ★ 4.6
Buy on iHerb →

What is Maitake?

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), hen of the woods, is both a prized edible and a medicinal mushroom. Its signature compound, the beta-glucan D-fraction, has been studied for activating immune cells and for supporting healthy blood-sugar and lipid metabolism, with small human trials showing modest improvements in insulin sensitivity. As with other functional mushrooms, a hot-water or dual extract standardized to beta-glucans is far more potent than mycelium grown on grain. Typical intake is 1-3 g of extract daily. It is well tolerated and a reasonable choice for general immune and metabolic support.

A culinary-medicinal mushroom whose D-fraction beta-glucans support immune surveillance and healthy glucose metabolism.

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Common questions

What is Maitake?
Maitake (Grifola frondosa), hen of the woods, is both a prized edible and a medicinal mushroom. Its signature compound, the beta-glucan D-fraction, has been studied for activating immune cells and for supporting healthy blood-sugar and lipid metabolism, with small human trials showing modest improvements in insulin sensitivity. As with other functional mushrooms, a hot-water or dual extract standardized to beta-glucans is far more potent than mycelium grown on grain. Typical intake is 1-3 g of extract daily. It is well tolerated and a reasonable choice for general immune and metabolic support.
What is Maitake used for?
Immune · blood sugar. A culinary-medicinal mushroom whose D-fraction beta-glucans support immune surveillance and healthy glucose metabolism.
What is the standard dose of Maitake?
2,000 mg extract, typically taken in the morning. Approximate cost is $26 per month.
How strong is the evidence for Maitake?
Moderate evidence for its primary uses. See the full study list on the research page.

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