Maitake D-Fraction Research Articles

Effect of Maitake D-fraction in advanced laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers during concurrent chemoradiotherapy: A randomized clinical trial.

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) is an ideal treatment for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The performance of CCRT induces severe toxicities in HNSCC patients and decreases the quality of life (QOL). Maitake D-Fraction is proteoglycan which has anti-tumor function associated with its immunomodulatory capacity. The polysaccharides of Maitake also have anti-radiation effect in radiation therapy during cancer treatment. This research aimed to illustrate Maitake D-Fraction effects on CCRT-associated adverse events and QOL. During CCRT, Maitake capsules were taken orally 3 times a day, each time 4 capsules, one hour before meals. QOL were analyzed by EORTC QLQ-C30-Chinese version and EORTC QLQ-HandN-35-Chinese version. 141 patients were recruited and divided into an intervention group and a placebo group. Frequencies of severe CCRT-associated adverse events in intervention group were less than in placebo group. Global QOL score in intervention group was higher than in placebo group 5 weeks post treatment. The proportion of patients returning to baseline global QOL score at 6-month was increased by Maitake D-Fraction administration. In conclusion, this randomized clinical trial demonstrated that in advanced laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer patients, the oral administration of Maitake D-Fraction alleviated CCRT-related adverse events and deterioration in QOL.

Antitumoral and antimetastatic activity of Maitake D-Fraction in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with poor prognosis, high local recurrence rate and high rate of metastasis compared with other breast cancer subtypes. In addition, TNBC lacks a targeted therapy. This scenario highlights the need for novel compounds with high potential for TNBC treatment. In this regard, natural products are important sources of anticancer drugs. D-Fraction, a proteoglucan extracted from the edible and medicinal mushroom Grifola frondosa (Maitake), is a dietary supplement that has been shown to exert both immunostimulatory and immune-independent antitumoral effects on some cancer types. However, its antitumoral potential in TNBC is unknown. Therefore, we employed TNBC cells to investigate if D-Fraction is able to attenuate their aggressive phenotype. We found that D-Fraction decreases MDA-MB-231 cell viability through apoptosis induction and reduces their metastatic potential. D-Fraction increases cell-cell adhesion by increasing E-cadherin protein levels and β-catenin membrane localization, and increases cell-substrate adhesion. D-Fraction also decreases cell motility by affecting actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, and proteolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, D-Fraction decreases the invasive capacity of MDA-MB-231 cells. In concordance, D-Fraction retards tumor growth and reduces lung metastases in a xenograft model. Altogether, these results suggest the potential therapeutic role of D-Fraction in aggressive TNBC.

Comparative Effect of Maitake Pro4x with Chemotherapy Breast Cancer Treatment

Background: Conventional treatments for breast cancer involve surgery followed by radiation and hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy. Some of these treatments have toxic side effects. Because drugs used in chemotherapy affect both cancer and normal cells to varying degrees, researchers are currently developing targeted drugs that only attack cancer cells without affecting normal cells. One approach to this is to found compounds that are more selective and specific, destroying only tumour cells and prevent metastases without harming normal cells. For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms have been used because of their healing properties. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is one of the most promising edible and medicinal mushroom, acting promoting the immune system against the tumorigenesis process. Methods: In the in vitro studies, we measured and compared the effect of Maitake Pro4X or Chemotherapy on LM3 Breast Tumour Cells death. Increased concentrations and different time of treatments were employed. In the in vivo studies, we employed breast tumour bearing female BALBc mice 6-8 weeks old, to assayed the effect of Maitake Pro4X with or without chemotherapy measuring the tumour volume, mortality, relative survival and size of tumour necrosis area after treatment. Results: After 5 weeks of treatment in tumour-bearing BALBc mice, we observed that Maitake Pro4X significantly increased the overall survival of animals and reduced the malignancy of breast tumours. We also found that Maitake Pro4X, as chemotherapy, induce cell-death in a dose and time dependent form. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of Maitake D-Fraction Pro4X, if supported by further evidence could be useful for the treatment of cancer patients to reduce the adverse effects of the conventional chemotherapy treatment.

Antitumoral Effects of D-Fraction from Grifola Frondosa (Maitake) Mushroom in Breast Cancer

ABSTRACTD-Fraction is protein-bound β-1,6 and β-1,3 glucans (proteoglucan) extracted from the edible and medicinal mushroom Grifola frondosa (Maitake). The antitumoral effect of D-Fraction has long been exclusively attributed to their immunostimulatory capacity. However, in recent years increasing evidence showed that D-Fraction directly affects the viability of canine and human tumor cells, independent of the immune system. Previously, we have reported that D-Fraction modulates the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation, cell death, migration, invasion, and metastasis in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to investigate if this modulation of gene expression by Maitake D-Fraction really modulates tumor progression. In the present work, we demonstrate for the first time that Maitake D-Fraction is able to act directly on mammary tumor cells, modulating different cellular processes involved in the development and progression of cancer. We demonstrate that D-Fraction decreases cell viability, increases cell adhesion, and reduces the migration and invasion of mammary tumor cells, generating a less aggressive cell behavior. In concordance with these results, we also demonstrate that D-Fraction decreases tumor burden and the number of lung metastases in a murine model of breast cancer.

Soluble β-glucan from Grifola frondosa induces tumor regression in synergy with TLR9 agonist via dendritic cell-mediated immunity.

The maturation of dendritic cells into more-immunostimulatory dendritic cells by stimulation with different combinations of immunologic agents is expected to provide efficient, adoptive immunotherapy against cancer. Soluble β-glucan maitake D-fraction, extracted from the maitake mushroom Grifola frondosa, acts as a potent immunotherapeutic agent, eliciting innate and adoptive immune responses, thereby contributing to its antitumor activity. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of maitake D-fraction, in combination with a Toll-like receptor agonist, to treat tumors in a murine model. Our results showed that maitake D-fraction, in combination with the Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide, synergistically increased the expression of dendritic cell maturation markers and interleukin-12 production in dendritic cells, but it did not increase interleukin-10 production, generating strong effector dendritic cells with an augmented capacity for efficiently priming an antigen-specific, T helper 1-type T cell response. Maitake D-fraction enhances cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide-induced dendritic cell maturation and cytokine responses in a dectin-1-dependent pathway. We further showed that a combination therapy using cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide and maitake D-fraction was highly effective, either as adjuvants for dendritic cell vaccination or by direct administration against murine tumor. Therapeutic responses to direct administration were associated with increased CD11c(+) dendritic cells in the tumor site and the induction of interferon-γ-producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Our results indicate that maitake D-fraction and cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide synergistically activated dendritic cells, resulting in tumor regression via an antitumor T helper cell 1-type response. Our findings provide the basis for a potent antitumor therapy using a novel combination of immunologic agents for future clinical immunotherapy studies in patients.

Genes Related to Suppression of Malignant Phenotype Induced by Maitake D-Fraction in Breast Cancer Cells

It is already known that the Maitake (D-Fraction) mushroom is involved in stimulating the immune system and activating certain cells that attack cancer, including macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer cells. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, polysaccharide complexes present in Maitake mushrooms appear to have significant anticancer activity. However, the exact molecular mechanism of the Maitake antitumoral effect is still unclear. Previously, we have reported that Maitake (D-Fraction) induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells by activation of BCL2-antagonist/killer 1 (BAK1) gene expression. At the present work, we are identifying which genes are responsible for the suppression of the tumoral phenotype mechanism induced by Maitake (D-Fraction) in breast cancer cells. Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were treated with and without increased concentrations of Maitake D-Fraction (36, 91, 183, 367 μg/mL) for 24 h. Total RNA were isolated and cDNA microarrays were hybridized containing 25,000 human genes. Employing the cDNA microarray analysis, we found that Maitake D-Fraction modified the expression of 4068 genes (2420 were upmodulated and 1648 were downmodulated) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner during 24 h of treatment. The present data shows that Maitake D-Fraction suppresses the breast tumoral phenotype through a putative molecular mechanism modifying the expression of certain genes (such as IGFBP-7, ITGA2, ICAM3, SOD2, CAV-1, Cul-3, NRF2, Cycline E, ST7, and SPARC) that are involved in apoptosis stimulation, inhibition of cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle arrest, blocking migration and metastasis of tumoral cells, and inducing multidrug sensitivity. Altogether, these results suggest that Maitake D-Fraction could be a potential new target for breast cancer chemoprevention and treatment.

Abstract B41: A NUTRIGENOMIC AGENT INDUCES BREAST CANCER PREVENTION IN BALBc MICE.

Abstract Nutrigenomics is the scientific discipline that explains how nutrition can influence the switching on and off of genes and improve health outcomes. Is already known that eating healthy food helps our bodies get the needed nutrients for strengthening the immune system and fighting against illness. Many websites discuss using mushrooms to treat cancer. It has been reported that Maitake D-Fraction exert its antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice by enhancing the immune system through activation of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. The specific proteo-glucan in Maitake mushroom extract for fighting cancer tumors is called the D-fraction. Maitake-D-fraction has been reported to exert its antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice by enhancing the immune system through activation of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. The proteo-glucan shows anticarcinogenic activity, prevent oncogenesis and prevent metastasis. However the exact molecular mechanisms and gene expression generated by Maitake-D-fraction in the anti-carcinogenesis process are still unclear. We have been reported that D-fraction Standard (Mushrooom Wisdom, Inc., NJ, USA.) induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells by activation of BAK1 gene expression; we also found that cytochrome C1 was released to the cytoplasm in a dose-dependent manner. Recently we identified certain genes responsible for the suppression of the tumoral phenotype induced by Maitake-D-fraction in breast cancer cells. In the present work we are developing the in-vivo experiments studying whether Maitake-D-Fraction can prevent breast cancer development in BALBc female mice. We did perform three groups employing 5 BALBc female mice (6 weeks old) in each one; in the Control group we use 6 animals. Group 1 is control (treated by i.p injection with 100μl of PBS), Group 2 treated by i.p injection with 5mg/kg/day of Maitake D fraction Standard and Group 3 treated by i.p injection with 5mg/kg/day of Maitake Pro 4X (Mushroom Wisdom, NJ, USA) during 15 days. After that time, we did induce breast tumorigenesis by i.p. injection of 4x105 LM3 murine tumoral cells. Each animal were daily controlled for breast tumor by palpation and measurement. 6 out 6 animals in the control group 1 develop breast tumor after 10 days of tumor cells injection (100% of tumor development). 2 out of 5 animals (40%) develop tumor in the Group 2 treated with Standard Maitake after 12 days of tumor cells injection and none (0 out of 5 animals) develop tumor in the Group 3 treated with Maitake Pro 4X. Meaning that 5mg/kg/Day of Maitake D-Fraction Pro 4X prevent 100% of breast tumorigenesis in BALBc mice after 15 days. In Conclusion, understanding the molecular mechanisms of D-fraction Pro 4X may lead to the development of a new nutrigenomic agent able to generate efficient prevention for breast cancer development in high risk patients. Citation Format: Eliana Noelia Alonso, Diego Javier Obiol, Gabriela Andrea Balogh. A nutrigenomic agent induces breast cancer prevention in BALBc mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B41.

Abstract 3515: Maitake D-Fraction, a natural mushroom extract, synergizes with Interleukin-2 for increased lytic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells against various human tumor cell histologies

Abstract Maitake (Grifola frondosa) has been recognized by naturopathic physicians as a medicinal mushroom capable of immune support. Maitake D-Fraction (MDF), a component of the maitake mushroom isolated during hot-water extraction, is rich in α-Glucans and commonly prescribed as a dietary supplement. Because MDF is widely available and easily tolerated, it is highly desirable for the cancer patient looking for immune support via natural products. Previous research has suggested that a dietary MDF regimen can enhance immune function in humans. However, studies to investigate the capacity of MDF to increase tumor immunity are lacking. This study was designed to investigate whether human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) treated with MDF develop increased cytolytic capacity against human tumor cells. Cytolysis mediated by MDF-activated PBMC was compared to that of naïve PBMC (media control) and PBMC that were treated with interleukin-2 (IL-2). Immune mediated tumor cytolysis was assessed used a standard Chromium-Release Assay and expressed as number of lytic units (LU)/10^7 effector cells. Target cells for the assays included the PANC1 pancreatic cancer cell line (PA) purchased from ATCC, and single cell suspensions created from peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and renal cell carcinoma (RC) tumors resected from patients. Against the PA cells, the LU observed were 16.9 (media control), 12.9 (1ug/ml MDF), 23.8 (10ug/ml MDF) and 28.9 (100ug/ml MDF). The corresponding LU values against PC cells were 7.6, –13.4, –14.2, and –12.1, respectively, and against RC cells 12.3, 2.7, 2.0, and 8.2, respectively. Predictably, PBMC stimulated with an optimally activating dose of IL2 (200U/ml) exhibited a marked increase in LU against all target cells. Nevertheless, when PBMC were stimulated concurrently with both IL-2 and MDF activation was increased further. Thus, LU against PA target cells were 73.0 for PBMC treated with IL-2 alone, and 110.6 for PBMC treated with IL-2 plus 100ug/ml MDF. The corresponding LU values against PC target cells were 37.1 (IL-2 alone), and 66.4 (IL-2 plus 100ug/ml MDF) and against RC target were 94.0 (IL-2 alone) and 110.7 (IL-2 plus 100ug/ml MDF). This study shows that MDF has the capacity to increase the lytic activity produced by an optimally activating dose of IL-2, eliciting greater killing of a variety of human cancer cells than what can be achieved with IL2 alone. It is reasonable to assume that MDF can elicit a similar effect at lower doses of IL-2. Given the toxicity of IL-2 observed in humans, the potential to elicit the desired immune stimulation by combining lower doses of IL-2 with MDF becomes highly desirable. Future clinical trials should be designed to investigate the ability of MDF to elicit optimal immune stimulation with more tolerable doses and schedules of IL-2. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3515. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3515

Abstract 3570: Maitake mushroom extract induces apoptosis in breast cancer MCF7 cells through BAK1 activation

Abstract Background: Maitake mushroom has various bioactive compounds. D-fraction, a protein-bound polysaccharide compound, seems to be the most potent for enhancing the immune system via oral administration or injection. In previous studies, the combination of this extract with chemotherapy suggested that the D-Fraction may have the potential to decrease the size of lung, liver, and breast tumors in cancer patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro effect of maitake D- Fraction on breast cancer MCF7 cells. Methods: Cultures of MCF7 cells, incubated with increased concentrations of liquid maitake D-fraction, 0mg/ml; 18,3pg/ml; 36pg/ml; 91pg/ml; 183pg/ml; 367pg/ml, were evaluated for viability, by MTS assay and apoptosis, by TUNEL assay. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Results: Results seem to indicate that maitake-treated cells have higher apoptosis levels and poorer viability when compared to non-treated cell cultures. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study, focusing the effect of maitake D- fraction in breast cancer cell proliferation, can drive us to new therapeutic strategies against breast cancer and show that we can find a lot of bioactive compounds in traditional food. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3570.

Synergistic potentiation of D-fraction with vitamin C as possible alternative approach for cancer therapy

Maitake D-fraction or PDF is the bioactive extract of maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) and its active constituent is the protein-bound polysaccharide (proteoglucan), or more specifically known as beta-glucan. PDF has been extensively studied and a number of its medicinal potentials/properties have been unveiled and demonstrated. Those include various physiological benefits ranging from immunomodulatory and antitumor activities to treatment for hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, viral infections (hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus), and obesity. Particularly, two major biological activities of PDF, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities, have been the main target for scientific and clinical research. To demonstrate and confirm such biological activities, numerous studies have been performed in vitro and in vivo or in clinical settings. These studies showed that PDF was indeed capable of modulating immunologic and hematologic parameters, inhibiting or regressing the cancer cell growth, and even improving quality of life of cancer patients. Synergistic potentiation of PDF with vitamin C demonstrated in vitro is rather interesting and may have clinical implication, because such combination therapy appears to help improve the efficacy of currently ongoing cancer therapies. Recently, intravenous administration of vitamin C has been often used to increase its physiological concentration and this useful procedure may further make this combination therapy feasible. Therefore, PDF may have great potential, either being used solely or combined with other agents, for cancer therapy. Such relevant and detailed studies will be described and discussed herein with a special focus on the combination of PDF and vitamin C as a viable therapeutic option.

Maitake D-Fraction enhances antitumor effects and reduces immunosuppression by mitomycin-C in tumor-bearing mice

Objective D-Fraction, a polysaccharide extracted from maitake mushrooms ( Grifola frondosa), has been reported to exhibit an antitumor effect through activation of immunocompetent cells, including macrophages and T cells, with modulation of the balance between T-helper 1 and 2 cells. We examined whether D-Fraction could decrease the effective dosage of the chemotherapeutic agent, mitomycin-C (MMC), necessary to control carcinoma in mice. Methods and results We determined that 0.25 mg · kg −1 · d −1 was the optimal dosage of MMC because consecutive administration for 17 d resulted in antitumor effects and a survival ratio of 100% in mice bearing mammary cancer cells (MM-46). Although the dosage of MMC was lower than the effective level, spleen weight and total number of nuclear cells in the mouse spleen decreased, indicating that MMC showed immunosuppressive activity. In contrast, the combination of D-Fraction and MMC recovered the decreases in the dose response induced by MMC and inhibited tumor cell growth more than MMC alone. These effects were achieved through increased immunocompetent cell proliferation. We evaluated the expression of CD28 on splenic CD8 + T cells and the amount of interleukin-12 produced by whole spleen cells including macrophages after administering D-Fraction. The results showed enhancement of the T-helper 1 dominant response. Conclusion These results suggest that D-Fraction can decrease the effective dosage in tumor-bearing mice by increasing the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of immunocompetent cells and thus provide a potential clinical benefit for patients with cancer.

Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients.

Maitake D-Fraction, extracted from maitake mushroom, has been reported to exert its antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice by enhancing the immune system through activation of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. In a previous study, the combination of immunotherapy with the maitake D-Fraction and chemotherapy suggested that the D-Fraction may have the potential to decrease the size of lung, liver, and breast tumors in cancer patients. In the present study, we administered maitake D-Fraction to cancer patients without anticancer drugs, and at the same time NK cell activity was monitored to investigate whether the activity is closely related with disease progression. The numbers of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells in the peripheral blood were measured in 10 patients, and NK cell activity was assessed using K-562 cells as target cells. Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels in three patients and the expression of tumor markers in four patients were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The slight changes observed in the CD4(+) and CD8(+) cell numbers were independent of disease severity or stage as well as serum sIL-2R levels. In contrast, maitake D-Fraction hindered metastatic progress, lessened the expression of tumor markers, and increased NK cell activity in all patients examined. Thus maitake D-Fraction appears to repress cancer progression and primarily exerts its effect through stimulation of NK activity. In addition, we conclude that measurement of NK cell activity may be a useful clinical parameter in monitoring disease progression during and following immunotherapy with maitake D-Fraction.

Stimulation of the natural immune system in normal mice by polysaccharide from maitake mushroom

Maitake D-Fraction is a polysaccharide extracted from the maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa S.F. Gray). It is a β-glucan with a β-1,6 main chain with β-1,3 branches. Using normal C3H/Hej mice, its effects on the natural immune system, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, were investigated. NK cells attack cells infected with pathogens such as bacteria and virus and produce cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), that can modulate natural and specific immune responses. DFraction was administered to the mice intraperitoneally for 3 consecutive days; spleen cells containing macrophages and dendritic cells were then cultured and the culture supernatants were analyzed for IL-12. At the same time, IFN-γ expression in splenic NK cells was investigated. The levels of these cytokines were increased by D-Fraction. To elucidate NK cell activation by D-Fraction, CD69 expression on the surface of activated NK cells was examined, resulting in an increase in CD69-positive ratio for splenic NK cells. These results indicate that D-Fraction stimulates the natural immunity related to the activation of NK cells indirectly through IL-12 produced by macrophages and dendritic cells. Therefore, administration of D-Fraction to healthy individuals may serve to prevent infection.

Maitake D-Fraction: Apoptosis Inducer and Immune Enhancer

Maitake D-Fraction: Apoptosis Inducer and Immune Enhancer

Addition of Maitake D-fraction Reduces the Effective Dosage of Vancomycin for the Treatment of Listeria-Infected Mice

Maitake D-fraction, β1,6-glucan having β1,3-branches, has been reported to activate the immune system of the host. To elucidate whether the D-fraction can reduce the clinical effective dosage of antibiotics in the treatment of opportunistic bacterial infection, we examined the effects of D-fraction on the treatment of Listeria monocytogenes-infected mice in combination with vancomycine (VCM), the only antibiotic used for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Listeria-infection was introduced by its inoculation into the abdominal cavity of mice. Without treatment, all inoculated mice died within 3 days after the inoculation. In contrast, in the mice treated with combined therapy of D-faction (10 mg /kg per day) and VCM (10 mg /kg per day), the survival rate was maintained at 60% on the 10th day after the inoculation, which was superior to that of mice treated with VCM alone (10 mg /kg per day). To investigate the mechanism underlying the reinforcement of VCM treatment by the D-fraction, the activities of macrophages and splenic T cells of Listeria-infected mice were evaluated. In mice administered with both D-frac-tion and VCM, macrophages produced 2.7 times as much interleukin-1 as that of non-treated control mice. The bactericidal activity of splenic T cells was also enhanced by 2.6 times of that of non-treated control mice. These results indicate that D-fraction activates immuno-competent cells, induced cytokine production, and consequently enhanced the bactericidal activities of the splenic T cells against Listeria monocytogenes, suggesting the clinical benefit of D-fraction in the case of anti-bacterial treatment for patients with high risks.

Effects of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) glucan in HIV-infected patients

The effects of MD-Fraction, a β-glucan extracted from Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), on the health status of individuals suffering from HIV infection were evaluated in a long-term trial. The HIV status of the 35 respondents who participated in the study was followed by monitoring CD4+ cell counts, viral load measure, symptoms of HIV infection, status of secondary disease, and sense of well-being. Twenty patients reported an increase in CD4+ cell counts to 1.4–1.8 times, and 8 patients reported a decrease to 0.8–0.5 times. Viral load was reported to increase in 9 patients and decrease in 10 patients. However, 85% of respondents reported an increased sense of well-being with regard to various symptoms and secondary diseases caused by HIV. These results suggest that Maitake D-Fraction had a positive impact in HIV patients.

Effect of Maitake D-fraction on cancer prevention.

Effect of Maitake D-fraction on cancer prevention.