Shiitake and maitake for immunity — properties and dosage (table)
Shiitake and maitake for immunity: table, how much, when, and how. Guide from u Bucha.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) are two mushrooms that have made the journey from Asian tables to medical laboratories. Clinical studies published, among others, in Journal of the American College of Nutrition have shown that regular consumption of shiitake for four weeks improved immune system parameters in healthy adults. The D-fraction of maitake has been the subject of clinical research as a potential adjuvant in oncology therapy since the 1990s. This article compares the properties of both mushrooms, explains the differences in active substances, and provides a dosage table for both food forms and standardized extracts.
KEY INFORMATION
• Shiitake contains lentyman, AHCC, and erythadenine — clinical studies confirm their effect on NK cells and immunoglobulins (Dai et al., Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2015).
• Maitake contains D-fraction and MD-fraction — unique beta-glucans with confirmed immunostimulatory activity (Vetvicka, Vetvickova, Molecules, 2020).
• Consuming 50–100 g of fresh shiitake daily for 4 weeks significantly improved immunological markers in RCT.
• The D-fraction of maitake shows synergy with vitamin C.
• Raw shiitake can cause dermatosis — always cook or use extracts.
• Both mushrooms can be combined — no known interactions between them.
Shiitake — a mushroom with unique polysaccharides
Shiitake is the second most widely cultivated edible mushroom in the world (after the button mushroom) and one of the most biologically studied. It originates from the forested areas of East Asia and has been part of Japanese and Chinese traditional medicine for over 1000 years as a means to enhance immunity, energy, and vitality.
The key active substances in shiitake are three groups of compounds. Lentyman (lentinan, beta-1,3-glucan) is an immunomodulating polysaccharide that activates macrophages and NK cells. AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a standardized extract from shiitake mycelium containing alpha-glucans with a unique structure — it is the subject of over 30 clinical studies. Erythadenine is an adenine nucleoside that has been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL levels in animal studies and preliminary human trials.
A groundbreaking randomized controlled trial published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2015 by Dai and colleagues involved 52 healthy adults who consumed 5 g or 10 g of dried shiitake mushrooms daily for 4 weeks (Dai et al., 2015). In both groups, there was an increase in T and NK cell proliferation, an increase in sIgA (secretory immunoglobulin A in saliva) — a marker of mucosal immunity — and a decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-12 levels. This is one of the few large controlled studies confirming the immunological effects of an edible mushroom in healthy individuals.
Maitake — D-fraction and its uniqueness
Maitake (Grifola frondosa), which in Japanese means "dancing mushroom", grows in Japan, China, and eastern North America at the base of old oaks. It is larger than shiitake — the fruiting bodies can weigh even several dozen kilograms. In Japanese cuisine, it is a delicacy, and in traditional medicine — a means of boosting energy qi.
The distinguishing feature of maitake is the D-fraction — a beta-1,3/1,6-glucan with a unique branched structure that shows exceptionally strong immunostimulatory activity in studies. A systematic review published in Molecules In 2020, Vetvicka and Vetvickova compared the biological activity of the D-fraction with other beta-glucans and found that it exhibits some of the highest measured activities (Vetvicka, Vetvickova, 2020).
Pilot studies also suggest that the D-fraction of maitake may modulate glycemia and blood pressure. A Japanese study from 2003 showed a reduction in fasting glycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes after 2 weeks of supplementation. The results are interesting, but the data is too preliminary to consider maitake as an anti-diabetic agent.
Comparison table and dosage of shiitake vs. maitake
| Feature | Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) | Maitake (Grifola frondosa) |
|---|---|---|
| Main active substances | Lentyman, AHCC, erythadenine, beta-glucans | D-fraction, MD-fraction, beta-1,3/1,6-glucan |
| Confirmed clinical effect | Improvement of NK parameters, sIgA, reduction of CRP | Immunostimulation, glycemia modulation (pilot.) |
| Food dosage | 50–100 g fresh / 5–10 g dried / per day | 50–100 g fresh / 5–10 g dried / per day |
| Extract dosage (supplement) | AHCC: 3 g/day; general extract: 1–2 g/day | D-fraction: 0.5–1 mg/kg; extract: 500–1500 mg/day |
| Treatment time | 4–12 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Time of Intake | With a meal, in the morning or divided into 2 doses | With a meal; vitamin C increases the bioavailability of the D-fraction |
| Special notes | Raw: risk of dermatosis; cook or use extract | Caution with diabetes and hypertension medications |
| Safety | Very good when cooked/extract used | Good; caution with hypotensive medications |
How to combine shiitake and maitake with other supplements
Shiitake and maitake can be used simultaneously — studies do not indicate negative interactions between them, and their immunomodulatory mechanisms are partially complementary. Shiitake primarily activates the humoral response (sIgA, antibodies) through lentinan, while maitake acts more strongly on the cellular response (NK cells, macrophages) through the D-fraction.
Important synergy: the D-fraction of maitake shows clear synergy with vitamin C in laboratory studies — the biological activity of the fraction increases several times with combined use. Adding vitamin C to maitake supplementation is a simple and inexpensive way to potentially enhance the effect. Good sources of vitamin C include rose hips, acerola, or ascorbic acid supplements.
Other medicinal mushrooms — reishi, chaga, turkey tail — can complement the effects of shiitake and maitake. Mixtures of several medicinal mushrooms in one product are popular; when choosing, it is worth checking whether the manufacturer provides the content of beta-glucans in each ingredient, not just the total mass of the powder.
Caution is advised when combining maitake with blood pressure and glycemia-lowering medications. Both effects of maitake, although preliminarily confirmed, may accumulate with the action of medications and lead to hypotension or hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood pressure and glucose is recommended for the first 2–4 weeks of supplementation.
Shiitake and maitake in the kitchen — is eating enough?
Practical question: is it enough to eat mushrooms regularly, without supplements? The answer depends on the goal. A study by Dai and colleagues from 2015 showed an immunological effect with just 5 g of dried mushrooms daily — an amount achievable with regular consumption. Fresh shiitake consumed 3–4 times a week as part of the diet constitutes a sensible long-term strategy for supporting immunity without the need to resort to supplements.
Supplements become useful when we need precisely dosed, standardized extract (e.g., AHCC for clinical purposes) or when we do not like the taste of mushrooms. Dry powder from the fruiting body is not the same as a standardized extract — it contains more fiber and fewer concentrated polysaccharides. For the immunological effect, an extract with specified beta-glucan content is better than an unstandardized powder.
AHCC — standardized shiitake extract with the largest base of clinical research
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a standardized extract from shiitake mycelium, produced by the Japanese company Amino Up Chemical Company since the 1980s. It is distinguished from other mushroom extracts by its unique structure: AHCC contains acetylated alpha-glucans with a low molecular weight (about 5000 Da), while typical medicinal mushrooms mainly contain beta-glucans. This structural difference translates into a different mechanism of immunological action.
Over 30 clinical studies have been conducted on AHCC — an exceptional number for a mushroom supplement. The studies included patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (improvement in immune system function after surgery), women with HPV (a pilot study showed elimination of HPV infection in some participants), and patients after chemotherapy. The results are promising, although most studies are small and confirmation in larger trials is needed.
The standard dose of AHCC used in clinical studies is 3 g daily on an empty stomach — this specific dose and timing matter, as the absorption of AHCC is better without food. This is an important difference compared to typical mushroom extracts, which are recommended to be taken with meals. AHCC supplements available on the market should specify the content of AHCC in mg — simply indicating shiitake on the label is not sufficient.
Maitake and oncological immunity — a research perspective
The D-fraction of maitake was the subject of a pilot clinical study evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in the context of breast cancer and bladder cancer in the early 2000s. The study showed that the D-fraction combined with standardized maitake extract (MD-fraction) exhibited immunological activity in patients with these cancers — an increase in NK cell and T lymphocyte activity compared to baseline values. The FDA did not approve the D-fraction as a drug, but granted permission for further phase II clinical trials, which in itself indicates an assessment of safety and biological plausibility of the mechanism.
It must be strongly emphasized: no medicinal mushroom — including maitake and the D-fraction — is a cure for cancer. The role of mushroom supplements in oncology is potential immunological support as an adjunct to standard treatment, never as a substitute. Any decision about supplementation during oncological treatment requires consultation with the attending physician.
Practical buying guide — how to choose a good product
The market for shiitake and maitake supplements is flooded with products of very varied quality. Several criteria help distinguish a valuable product from a poor one. First — standardization: a good shiitake extract should specify the content of beta-glucans (minimum 20%) or for AHCC — the content of AHCC in mg per capsule. A good maitake extract should specify the content of the D-fraction or beta-glucans.
Second — raw material: the fruiting body is richer in beta-glucans than mycelium grown on grain. Products based solely on mycelium may mainly contain starch from the grain on which the mushroom was grown — and significantly fewer active substances. Third — certificate of analysis (COA): reputable manufacturers provide independent confirmation of composition. Fourth — manufacturer: Japanese and Korean companies have the longest history of producing standardized mushroom extracts and usually the highest quality standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are shiitake and maitake and what connects them?
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) are two species of edible medicinal mushrooms used in traditional medicine in East Asia for centuries. Both contain beta-glucans with documented immunomodulatory effects, but differ in their active substance profiles: shiitake is a source of lentinan and AHCC, while maitake contains unique D-fractions of beta-glucans with confirmed biological activity.
What are the properties of shiitake?
Shiitake is the best-researched edible mushroom regarding the immune system. Clinical studies have shown that regular consumption of shiitake for 4 weeks improves immunological parameters in healthy adults — an increase in NK cells, an increase in sIgA, and a decrease in CRP. Erythadenine may also positively modulate the lipid profile.
What are the properties of maitake?
Maitake is distinguished by its content of the D-fraction — a unique beta-glucan with documented immunostimulatory activity. Preclinical and pilot studies indicate potential in supporting oncological therapy, modulating glycemia, and lowering blood pressure. The D-fraction of maitake shows synergy with vitamin C.
What dose of shiitake and maitake should be used?
Shiitake as food: 50–100 g of fresh or 5–10 g of dried daily. AHCC extract: 3 g daily. Maitake as food: 50–100 g of fresh or 5–10 g of dried daily. D-fraction maitake: 0.5–1 mg/kg of body weight daily. Both mushrooms can be used simultaneously — no known interactions between them.
Are shiitake and maitake safe?
Both mushrooms have a good safety profile when consumed as food. Raw or undercooked shiitake can cause dermatosis — a characteristic rash. Cooked or extracted forms are safe. Maitake may lower blood pressure and blood sugar — caution with antihypertensive and hypoglycemic medications. Consultation with a doctor is required during pregnancy and when taking immunosuppressive drugs.
This article is for informational and educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a doctor. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have chronic conditions, consult the use of supplements or herbs with a specialist.
Author: Michał Waluk · Published: 2026-05-04 · Updated: 2026-05-04
