Maitake Beta-Glucans Boost Immune Response

Maitake Beta-Glucans Boost Immune Response

LOUISVILLE, Ky. Beta-glucansisolated from maitake mushrooms improve several markers of immune function,according to a mouse study published in the Journal ofthe American Nutraceutical Association (8, 3:33-9,2005) (www.americanutra.com).

Researchers compared the effects of two orally administeredmaitake beta-glucans (as MaitakeGold 404®, marketed by Tradeworks Group Inc.,and Grifron®-Pro Maitake D, from Maitake Products Inc. [www.maitake.com])against Lentinan, a wellresearched beta-glucan extract of shiitake mushroom usedfor immunotherapy in Japan. The maitake beta-glucans increased phagocytosis, NKcell activity, expression of surface markers, cytokine secretion and apoptosis.The researchers concluded the two maitake beta-glucans stimulated immune defensesystems by significantly increasing all immune responses tested, and added thecompounds have similar or higher activity than Lentinan, can be administered atlower doses and can be administered orally without loss of activity.