Maitake helps Reduce Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS sounds like it's solely a disease of the ovaries, but that is not the only affected area. While PCOS does affect the ovaries and the ability to ovulate, it is also a full-body endocrine and metabolic disorder that closely correlates to insulin resistance (which increases risk of diabetes). 

PCOS is one of the most common female endocrine disorders affecting about 5 to 10 percent of women of reproductive age, and is believed to be a leading cause of female infertility.

 

 

Women with PCOS have high insulin levels that can cause the ovaries to produce excess androgen hormones such as testosterone, causing increased body hair, acne and irregular periods. Insulin resistance is a well known symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and insulin-sensitizing drugs are used to induce ovulation.

Clinical Study: it was reported that an extract from Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) improves insulin resistance. In a Japanese study, researchers conducted an open trial with 80 patients with PCOS at three clinics in Japan over a 3-year period. The study concludes, ovulation was restored in 76.9% of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome when given Maitake extracts, and 75% of women who failed to ovulate when given conventional treatment (clomiphene citrate), were then able to successfully ovulate when given Maitake extract. (1)