β-glucans are one of the most abundant forms of polysaccharides found inside the cell wall of bacteria and fungus. All β-glucans are glucose polymers linked together by a 1→ 3 linear β-glycosidic chain core and they differ from each other by their length and branching structures. The branches derived from the glycosidic chain core are highly variable and the 2 main groups of branching are 1→4 or 1→6 glycosidic chains. These branching assignments appear to be species specific, for example, β-glucans of fungus have 1→6 side branches whereas those of bacteria have 1→4 side branches. The alignments of branching follow a particular ratio and branches can arise from branches (secondary branches). The immune functions of β-glucans are apparently dependent on their conformational complexity. It has been suggested that higher degree of structural complexity is associated with more potent immunmodulatory and anti-cancer effects. (1)

Unlike other medicinal mushrooms, the β-glucan obtained from Maitake mushrooms has a unique and complex chemical structure: D-fraction or PDF is the protein-bound polysaccharide or proteoglucan, consisting of β-glucan (either β-1,6-linked glucan with β-1,3, branches or β-1,3-linked glucan branched with β-1,6 glucosides. In other words, D-fraction is a "proteoglucan" having both β-glucan ( major) and protein (minor) portions. (2).

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. (3)

In a study from Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Japan researchers 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. 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, researchers conclude that measurement of NK cell activity maybe a useful clinical parameter in monitoring disease progression during and following immunotherapy with Maitake D-Fraction. (3)

A study from the Department of Urology, New York researchers showed that D-fraction 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. The study also showed the synergistic potentiation of D-fraction with vitamin C in vitro maximised the clinical benefit. Such combination therapy appears to help improve the efficacy of currently ongoing cancer therapies.

Grifon®-Pro Maitake D-fraction® is specifically designed for immune-enhancing uses, containing 1800 mg of pure D-fraction in a 60ml bottle. Grifon®-Pro Maitake D-fraction® has supported all major studies and research both in Japan and the United States and is the only product that has established the credentials as an authentic Maitake extract.

Directions
For general use as a dietary supplement, 5-6 drops of Grifon®-Pro Maitake D-fraction® three times daily between meals. (one drop of Grifon®-Pro Maitake D-fraction® contains approximately 1.1 mg of pure D-fraction). Therapeutic amount of Maitake D-fraction is 1.0 mg per kg of body weight per day.

References:

1. Chan G, Chan W and Sze D: Review -The effects of β-glucan on human immune and cancer cells. Journal of Hematology & Oncology 2009
2. Konno S. Department of Urology, New York, Medical College: Synergistic potentiation of D-fraction with vitamin C as possible alternative approach for cancer therapy. International Journal of General Medicine 2009:2 91-108
3. Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H- Department of Microbial Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan: Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2003 Winter;6(4):371-7.