In the latest study on one of my favorite foods--maitake mushroom--we learn that a water extract alleviates intestinal inflammation by suppressing tumor necrosis factor-alpha production and its signaling.  That's a complicated way of saying if you have inflammatory bowel disease this mushroom is going to help.  That's good too, since it is nontoxic.  The new study comes to us from the January 7 2010 online issue of Experimental Molecular Medicine. 

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a major messenger chemical called a cytokine that is involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In this study, water extract of Grifola frondosa (GFW) was evaluated for its protective effects against colon inflammation through the modulation of TNF-alpha action. "The results strongly suggest GFW is a valuable medicinal food for IBD treatment, and thus may be used as an alternative medicine for IBD."

Well, naturopaths have known for over a decade that extracts of maitake are wonderful immune tonics, powerful and safe, but what this shows is that the mushroom is more than simply a tonic.  It is an intuitive complex of molecules that modulates the body's inflammatory pathway and quiets it when it needs to be.  It is a comfort food for the immune system.  If you want the best maitake mushroom try www.mushroomwisdom.com.  Their D fraction and maitake caplets bring all the powerful benefits.  Also cook with maitake mushrooms as much as possible as they are delightful.