maitake
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maitake
(mī-tä′kē, -kĕ)n.
An edible polypore mushroom (Grifola frondosa) native to Japan and North America that produces large clusters of overlapping gray or brown fan-shaped caps, grows at the base of trees or in cultivation, and is prized in Japanese cuisine and used as a dietary supplement. Also called hen of the woods.
maitake
an herbal product derived from a mushroom that is native to Japan.
uses It is used as an immunostimulant and as a treatment for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity. It is probably safe, but there is no reliable information related to efficacy.
contraindications It is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, in children, or in those with known hypersensitivity until more information is available.
maitake
Herbal medicineA mushroom (Grifola frondoa) that lowers blood pressure and enhances the immune system by increasing natural killer cell activity, increasing release of interleukin-1 and stimulating cytotoxic T cells; it inhibits growth of experimental tumours.
maitake (mī·täˑ·kē),
n Latin name:
Grifola frondosa; part used: fruiting body (mushroom); uses: adaptogen, chemopreventive effects, immuno-modulator, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol, obesity, cancer, AIDS; precautions: pregnancy, lactation, children. Also called
dancing mushroom, king of mushrooms, monkey's bench, or
shelf fungi.
Grifola frondosa; part used: fruiting body (mushroom); uses: adaptogen, chemopreventive effects, immuno-modulator, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol, obesity, cancer, AIDS; precautions: pregnancy, lactation, children. Also called
dancing mushroom, king of mushrooms, monkey's bench, or
shelf fungi.