Maitake D-Fraction / Lentinan

β-Glucan extracts: PRR activation → NK/CTL ↑; strong adjunct OS data in GI cancers with chemo.

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🏥⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong — Multiple trials/meta-analyses (especially lentinan) show adjunct survival/immune benefits in GI cancers.Grifolan (lentinan)MD-fraction (maitake)

Forms: Standardized extract capsules (35-50 mg β-glucan) · IV lentinan (medical-grade)

Educational only, not medical advice. OncoForge makes no claim that Maitake D-Fraction / Lentinan treats, prevents, or cures any condition, beyond what the linked studies show. Evidence levels vary; effects may not translate to people, and some compounds can cause harm. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

Key Takeaway

β-Glucan mushroom extracts activate innate/adaptive immunity (NK and CTL) and can improve outcomes alongside chemotherapy—best signals in GI cancers.

Evidence at a glance

Tier 3 · early humanGastricColorectalLiverLung

Robust meta-analyses and RCTs for lentinan adjunct in GI; emerging maitake trials in head/neck; immune biomarkers consistent.

How it may work

Maitake D-fraction and lentinan (β-1,3/1,6-glucans) engage Dectin-1/CR3 → Syk/NF-κB signaling, maturing APCs and enhancing Th1 cytokines. This boosts NK cytotoxicity and CD8⁺ CTL function, curbing tumor growth and improving chemo responses. Meta-analyses in gastric/colorectal cancer show OS benefits with lentinan adjunct therapy.

Targets & pathways

Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.

β-Glucan PRR↑Dectin-1/CR3 engagement → APC maturation
CTL↑CD8⁺ activation via Th1 cytokines
NK↑Cytotoxicity enhancement
NF-κB↑ (in APCs)Syk-mediated signaling for immune priming
Th1 Cytokines↑IL-12/IFN-γ production

β-Glucan PRRCTLNK

Often studied / combined with

Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.

5-FU: Prolonged OS and reduced recurrence in gastric/colorectal meta-analyses.
Curcumin: Amplified NK/Th1 response in colorectal models.
Resveratrol: Cooperative immune modulation and tumor control in liver cancer.
EGCG: Enhanced APC maturation and CTL priming in lung preclinical.

Overlapping mechanisms

Immune (NK/CTL): Overlaps with other β-glucans (e.g., reishi); select based on extraction/bioavailability.
Th1 Cytokines: May saturate with multiple immunomodulators; monitor cytokine panels.

Safety & interactions

Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.

Risk categories

Allergy RiskGi UpsetAutoimmunity Caution

Potential interactions

immunosuppressantsCautionModerateTheoreticalMay counteract effects; e.g., cyclosporine/steroids.
chemotherapySynergizeLowTheoreticalEnhances efficacy (e.g., 5-FU) without added toxicity.
5-FUSynergizeLowTheoreticalProlongs OS in gastric/colorectal.

Timing

With-meal: Improves GI tolerance.
BID: Divided for steady immune priming.

References

Research

No published studies for Maitake D-Fraction / Lentinan yet

New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.

Dose: as studied, not a recommendation

These are doses as studied or reported, never a recommendation. The right amount of Maitake D-Fraction / Lentinan depends on you, your other medicines, and your situation; decide it with your oncology team and pharmacist, not from a web page.

Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 35–100 mg β-glucan/day (po) divided doses; with meals, Maitake D-fraction 35-70 mg/day; lentinan IV 2 mg/week in trials; oral adjunct 50-100 mg β-glucan equivalent..

Trials studying Maitake D-Fraction / Lentinan

No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Inclusion here is not an endorsement. OncoForge makes no claim beyond what the linked studies show. Discuss anything on this page with your oncology team before acting on it.

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