Buy Maitake Mushroom Supplements in India – Capsules, Extracts & Powder

Shop Maitake mushroom supplements in India, including extract capsules, powders and blends. Maitake (Grifola frondosa), also called hen of the woods, is a non-psychoactive functional mushroom rich in beta-glucans, traditionally used to support immune health and general wellness. Compare trusted brands, with same or next-day delivery in metros.

Looking for something else? Browse all mushroom supplements, or read our guide to mushroom supplements in India.

What is Maitake mushroom?

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), often called hen of the woods, is a large, frilly mushroom that grows in overlapping clusters at the base of oak and other hardwood trees. Its Japanese name means 'dancing mushroom'. It is both a prized culinary mushroom, with a rich, earthy flavour, and a functional (medicinal) mushroom that has been used in Japanese and Chinese traditions. Maitake is legal, non-psychoactive, and does not cause a high or hallucinations. It has nothing to do with psychedelic 'magic' mushrooms.

Maitake vs Shiitake: what is the difference?

• Appearance: Maitake grows in a ruffled, fan-like cluster, while Shiitake has a single, round brown cap.
• Flavour: Maitake is earthy and slightly peppery, while Shiitake is savoury and umami-rich.
• Supplement use: both are rich in beta-glucans and are mainly chosen for immune support. Maitake is also known for a beta-glucan fraction called D-fraction, which is the subject of much research.
• How people use them: many people take them together, since they are both gentle, everyday immune-support mushrooms. See our Shiitake supplements.

What are Maitake supplements used for?

People take Maitake mainly to support immune health and general wellness. Here is what the science says in plain terms:

• Key compounds: Maitake is rich in beta-glucans, including a fraction known as D-fraction, as well as vitamins and minerals.
• Laboratory and animal studies: have looked at effects on immune cells, blood sugar and cholesterol.
• Human studies: very limited and small. Results from laboratory and animal studies do not show the same effects in people.
• The limits: firm conclusions are not possible yet, and Maitake supplements are not a treatment for any condition.

In practice, Maitake is best seen as a gentle daily wellness supplement. Results vary, and most people use it consistently for several weeks before judging it.

Types of Maitake supplements

Maitake is usually available as:

• Capsules: the easiest format, with a pre-measured serving.
• Extract powder: flexible, and it can be stirred into warm drinks, soups or smoothies.
• Liquid extracts and tinctures: easy to measure and take.
• Blends: immune-focused blends that combine Maitake with Shiitake, Reishi or Turkey Tail.

How to choose a Maitake supplement in India

1. Species and part used. The label should say Grifola frondosa and whether it is fruiting body, mycelium or both.
2. Extract type. Hot-water extracts are generally more concentrated than plain powder.
3. Beta-glucan percentage. A clearly stated figure is a sign of a standardised product.
4. Third-party lab testing. Look for purity and heavy-metal testing and a certificate of analysis. See our lab reports page.
5. Clear serving size. Avoid 'proprietary blends' that do not state the amount of Maitake.
6. Certifications and licence. Organic labelling and a valid FSSAI licence are good signs.
7. Realistic claims. Be wary of any product that promises to regulate blood sugar, treat cancer or cure disease.

How to take Maitake

Always follow the directions on the product label, because strength varies a lot by brand and format. In general:

• Start with the lowest suggested serving and stay consistent.
• Capsules can be taken with water, and powders can be stirred into warm water, tea, soups or smoothies, as the label directs.
• Allow several weeks of daily use before judging the effect.
• If you feel stomach upset, take it with food.
• Introduce one new product at a time.

This is general information, not medical advice. If you take medication or have a health condition, speak to your doctor first.

Is Maitake safe?

Maitake is generally well tolerated by most healthy adults, and side effects are usually mild, such as stomach upset or bloating. Some points to keep in mind:

• If you take diabetes medication, ask your doctor first, because Maitake may lower blood sugar.
• If you take blood pressure medication, ask your doctor first, because Maitake may lower blood pressure.
• If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, ask your doctor first.
• If you have an autoimmune condition or take immunosuppressants, seek medical advice before using immune-active mushrooms.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, there is not enough safety research, so speak to a doctor first.
• Stop use and seek advice if you notice a rash, itching or breathing difficulty.
• Tell your doctor about any supplement before surgery.

Product quality matters for safety too, which is why third-party testing and a valid FSSAI licence are worth checking.

Maitake supplement price in India

The Maitake products on this page are currently sold out. When they were last available:

• Capsules: about ₹765
• Extract powder (60 g to 110 g): about ₹800 to ₹1,425

To compare fairly, divide the price by the number of servings. A low-priced product with a weak extract can cost more per effective serving.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is Maitake legal in India?

Yes. Maitake is a legal edible and functional mushroom sold as a wellness supplement. It is different from psilocybin ('magic') mushrooms, which are controlled substances.

2. Is Maitake psychoactive?

No. Maitake is non-psychoactive. It does not cause hallucinations or a high, and it contains no psilocybin.

3. What does Maitake do?

Maitake is traditionally used to support immune health and general wellness. Early laboratory and small human studies are interesting, but research is limited and results vary from person to person.

4. Does Maitake help with cancer?

No supplement can treat or prevent cancer. Research on Maitake compounds such as D-fraction is early, mostly laboratory-based, and is not the same as taking a Maitake supplement. If you have cancer or are in treatment, speak to your oncologist before using any supplement.

5. Does Maitake lower blood sugar or blood pressure?

Some laboratory, animal and small studies have looked at this, but evidence in people is limited. Maitake is not a treatment for diabetes or high blood pressure. If you take medicines for either, speak to your doctor first, because Maitake may add to their effect.

6. What is the difference between Maitake and Shiitake?

Both are beta-glucan-rich culinary and functional mushrooms. Maitake grows in ruffled clusters and is known for D-fraction, while Shiitake has round brown caps and is known for lentinan. Many people take them together.

7. What is the best Maitake supplement?

There is no single best one. Look for a named species, a hot-water extract from the fruiting body, a stated beta-glucan percentage, third-party testing and a format you will take daily.

8. How long does Maitake take to work?

Most people take it daily for several weeks before judging the effect. Follow the label and stay consistent.

9. What are the side effects of Maitake?

Side effects are usually mild and include stomach upset or bloating. People on diabetes, blood pressure or blood-thinning medication, or with autoimmune conditions, should check with a doctor first.

10. Where can I buy Maitake in India?

Maitake supplements are sold at CBD Store India, with delivery across India and same or next-day delivery in metros when in stock. If they are sold out, use 'Notify me when available' on the product page, or explore other immune-focused mushrooms.

Explore more mushroom supplements

Browse all mushroom supplements or see the full fungi and mushrooms range. You can also explore Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Tremella, Gucchi mushrooms and fungi tea. Our reviews and FAQs have more help.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by FSSAI. Maitake supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.