Joanna Cosgrove05.17.10
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders that originate in hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow (the immature cells from which all blood cells develop). In patients with MDS, the bone marrow stops making healthy blood cells and instead produces abnormal, poorly functioning blood cells. MDS can affect oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, beneficial platelets, or any combination of the three. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new cases of MDS are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
For the past seven years, researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have studied a globally patented maitake mushroom extract in a variety of MDS-related in vitro studies and a few early clinical trials. They have also published promising results, including a 2007 study in the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, which showed that the maitake extract enhanced hematopoiesis in cord blood in test tubes.
It was recently announced that the researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering will launch a Phase II clinical trial to study the ability of Maitake 404 Extract (supplied by Yukiguni Maitake Corp. of America, Middletown, NY) to improve immune function among patients with MDS. Specifically, the researchers will work to determine whether the extract can improve neutrophil count and neutrophil function, as measured by respiratory burst.The protocol was approved by FDA and by Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Institutional Review Board.
“Using this extract for our Phase II clinical trial is essential for study consistency, as it was used in our Phase 1 studies,” said Barrie Cassileth, chief of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “We are pleased to continue our research in the promising area of medicinal mushrooms and MDS. Past research in this area has warranted further investigation. We look forward seeing continued progress.”
“In earlier studies, beta-glucans, polysaccharides found in the 404 maitake extract, were shown to enhance hematopiesis, increase G-CSF production and improve immune response,” explained Kazunori Kameyama, president and CEO, Yukiguni Maitake Corp.
Popularity of the maitake mushroom extract continues to grow in the U.S., as does public interest in credible clinical research. Maitake is the Japanese name for the edible Grifola frondosa mushroom, also known as "Hen of the Woods," which has been used for centuries as a dietary supplement in Japan and China. Previous studies published in major medical journals have underscored maitake mushroom extract’s ability to support a healthy immune system and cellular health.
“It is apparently true that the general inertest in medicinal mushrooms’ efficacy is gaining a strong momentum these few years, though, in this kind of market, people seem to be wondering what really are the authentic and truly reliable products and what are the fake and unreliable merchandises,” commented Mr. Kameyama. “Due to such a gloomy [state] of the market place, it is not always easy to catch an instant attention for the real authentic product like our Maitake 404 extract, and that’s why we have been focusing on the clinical trial like this, which is being done by a globally respected top research organization like Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in order to establish persuasive evidence.”
When asked about the factors responsible for the increased interest in medicinal mushrooms, Mr. Kameyama pointed to their historical longevity. “Many medicinal mushrooms have been used in Asia for so many centuries and many have been proven to have almost no side effect. And their efficacy, in many cases, is soft and natural,” he said. “Also, medicinal mushrooms, especially maitake, are believed to rearrange the body’s self-curing system in a very quiet [way], but sometimes the benefit is immediate. People are realizing the power of medicinal mushroom is quiet, soft but powerful, and that seems to be the most responsible factor.”
In addition to suppyling its Maitake 404 Extract for use in the trial, Yukiguni Maitake Company Ltd. is also providing financial support for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center trial.
