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

Authors: Hiroaki Nanba, Noriko Kodama, Douglas Schar, and Denise Turner

Journal: Mycoscience

Study Design: Long-term, uncontrolled trial

Participants: 35 HIV-infected individuals

Trial Length: 360 days

Intervention:

• Maitake tablets (6 g/day) or purified MD-Fraction (20 mg/day) + Maitake tablets (4 g/day)

Primary Outcomes:

• CD4+ cell counts
• Viral load
• Symptoms of HIV infection
• Status of secondary diseases
• Sense of well-being

Summary: The study investigated the effects of Maitake mushroom extract (MD-Fraction) on HIV-infected patients. The results showed that Maitake extract could increase CD4+ cell counts and decrease viral load in some patients. The extract also improved various symptoms and secondary diseases associated with HIV infection, leading to an increased sense of well-being in 85% of the participants. The study suggests that Maitake extract may have a positive impact on the health status of HIV-infected individuals.