Guest guest Posted July 2, 2004 Report Share Posted July 2, 2004 Special properties of maitake mushroom called MDF stimulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activity in bone marrow and protect against doxorubicin (chemotherapy) toxicity, according to researchers in New York. Bone marrow, the spongy tissue found in the cavities of the body’s bones, contains special stem cells, called hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Each type of blood cell begins its life as a HSC. The stem cells divide and differentiate to form the various cells that are later found in our blood and immune systems, like white cells that fight infections and inflammations; red cells that carry oxygen through our bodies; and platelets that are responsible for blood clotting. Also, the bone marrow cell renewal process is supported by HSC. Researchers said that “previous studies have indicated that MDF, in which the active component is beta 1,6-glucan with 1,3-branches, has anti-tumor activity as an oral agent and acts as an immune adjuvant. Since some other beta glucans appear to promise mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells, the effects of a beta glucan extract from Maitake mushroom on hematopoietic stem cells were examined in a colony forming assay.” Studying mouse bone marrow cells (BMC) in vitro, researchers found that the addition of MDF (as MaitakeGold 404) stimulated HSC activity, boosting defenses of the BMC and significantly enhanced the development of granulocyte-macrophage (GM) colonies in the bone marrow. GM helps the body resist infection and it is used to promote the recovery of white blood cells following chemotherapy. International Immunopharmacology 4(1):91-99, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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