Maitake Mushroom (Huī Shù Huā, 灰树花, Grifola frondosa)

Maitake (Hui Shu Hua, Grifola frondosa) is a medicinal and culinary mushroom that has become one of the most interesting natural agents for women's hormonal health, particularly PCOS. Its SX-fraction beta-glucan improves insulin sensitivity, which reduces the insulin-driven ovarian androgen excess that disrupts ovulation. A clinical study found the maitake SX-fraction induced ovulation comparably to clomiphene. In TCM it tonifies the Spleen and resolves Damp and Phlegm — the accumulation that underlies PCOS.

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Incompatibilities
7. Cautions and contraindications
8. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Huī Shù Huā (灰树花, “grey tree flower”) — Grifola frondosa — is known in English as Maitake (its Japanese name, meaning “dancing mushroom”). It belongs to the category of Spleen Qi tonics that resolve Damp in the Chinese Materia Medica, used as a food-grade tonic that strengthens digestion and helps clear the Damp and Phlegm accumulation central to many metabolic and hormonal conditions.

It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a culinary mushroom and as a standardised SX-fraction extract in modern integrative practice. I advise on Huī Shù Huā as part of bespoke recommendations for PCOS and metabolic health. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Tonifies the Spleen and resolves Damp and Phlegm
2. Improves insulin sensitivity and supports healthy glucose metabolism (modern action)
3. Supports ovulation in androgen-excess PCOS by lowering insulin-driven androgens (modern action)
4. Strengthens immune resistance and Wei Qi

Indications

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance and anovulation
2. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
3. Damp-Phlegm accumulation with weight gain and sluggish digestion
4. Low immune resistance and convalescence
5. Adjunctive support in cancer care alongside conventional treatment

4. Key formulas containing Huī Shù Huā

Huī Shù Huā is a food-grade tonic and standardised extract rather than a classical formula ingredient. In modern practice it is combined with Damp-resolving and Spleen-tonifying herbs, and used alongside PCOS formulas such as Wen Jing Tang in individually modified prescriptions.

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Grifola frondosa has a growing evidence base, particularly for metabolic and hormonal health. Its key constituents are beta-glucan polysaccharides, including the standardised SX-fraction and the immune-active D-fraction.

PCOS and ovulation: A clinical study by Chen et al. (2010) found that the maitake SX-fraction induced ovulation in women with PCOS at a rate comparable to clomiphene citrate, and that combining the two restored ovulation in several women who had not responded to clomiphene alone. The mechanism is improved insulin sensitivity, which lowers the insulin-driven ovarian androgen production that disrupts ovulation in PCOS.

Insulin sensitivity and glucose: The SX-fraction has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose, supporting its use in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Immune modulation: The D-fraction and other maitake beta-glucans activate macrophages, T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and have been studied as adjuncts in integrative oncology.

Blood pressure and lipids: Animal and small human studies suggest maitake may modestly lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles.

6. Incompatibilities

Maitake (Huī Shù Huā, 灰树花, Grifola frondosa) is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.

7. Cautions and contraindications

Generally very safe as both food and supplement. Because it lowers blood glucose, use with care alongside diabetes medication to avoid hypoglycaemia. Introduce cautiously if you have a known mushroom allergy.

Pattern contraindications

Differentiate the pattern carefully before prescribing — matching the formula to the underlying pattern is essential. The practitioner will check pulse, tongue and full case history at every consultation.

Modern drug interactions

Has blood-glucose-lowering activity — tell your GP if you take antidiabetic medication (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) as additive hypoglycaemia is possible. Immunomodulatory activity warrants caution with immunosuppressant medication.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

8. Treatment at my clinic

I recommend Huī Shù Huā as part of tailored advice for a range of conditions including PCOS, insulin resistance, Damp-Phlegm weight gain and immune support. Every recommendation is made following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.