The maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is the source of immune enhancing compounds that are being shown to offer significant health benefits, including potential to prevent and assist in the treatment of cancer. (see also www.naturalmedifaqs.com)

Maitake Gold 404™ is a proprietary maitake extract developed by Dr. Hiroaki Nanba, the world's leading authority on maitake. In 1984, Dr. Nanba identified a fraction of maitake that possessed a significant ability to stimulate white blood cells known as macrophages (literal translation "big eaters"). Dr. Nanba termed his discovery maitake D-fraction. Further purification of the D-fraction yielded the MD-fraction (U.S. Patent #5,854,404), which is even more bioactive than the D-fraction. Any research references to the D-fraction also apply to the purer and more potent MD-fraction.

The MD-fraction provides superior results over the D-fraction. For example, in an antitumor test described in the patent each solution was administered to mice with carcinomas. The researchers found the group given the MD-fraction experienced a significantly stronger inhibitory effect on tumor growth than that of the group given the D-fraction. The MD-fraction also exhibited stronger immune system potentiation compared to the D-fraction. Both fractions have low toxicity and high safety.

It appears that the beta-glucans in the maitake MD-fraction actually bind to receptors on the outer membranes of macrophages and other white blood cells including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T-cells (Tc), immune cells that are very important in protecting against and fighting cancer because they attack tumor cells directly.

The binding of the beta-glucan triggers a chain reaction leading to increased immune activity.

Beta-glucans from Maitake Gold 404 also stimulate production of white blood cells within the bone marrow, the major area for white blood cell production. Reduced bone marrow production increases risk of infection and cancer. This benefits cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.