Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the Activation of NK Cells in Cancer Patients

Authors: Noriko Kodama, Kiyoshi Komuta, and Hiroaki Nanba

Journal: Journal of Medicinal Food

Study Design: Open-label clinical trial

Participants: 10 patients with stage II-IV lung, breast, lingual, or gastric cancer

Trial Length: 1 to 63 months

Intervention: Maitake D-Fraction administered orally twice daily at varying dosages (40-150 mg per day)

Primary Outcomes:

• NK cell activity
• CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts
• Soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels
• Tumor marker expression (CEA, CA15-3, CA19-9)

Summary: The study investigated the effect of Maitake D-Fraction on immune function and tumor markers in cancer patients. The results showed that Maitake D-Fraction increased NK cell activity and maintained it at higher levels than before treatment. The changes in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts were slight and not related to disease progression. sIL-2R levels varied among patients, with one patient showing a marked increase. Tumor marker expression decreased in most patients, suggesting potential anti-tumor effects. The study concludes that Maitake D-Fraction may inhibit cancer progression by enhancing NK cell activity.