June 23, 2007 - Researchers from the Institute of Environment and Health in China showed a special protein extracted from Maitake mushroom has anti-HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) activity.

They obtained a novel protein through a complicated extraction and purification process from Maitake mushroom. When the protein was added to cultured cells with HSV-1 in vitro, it suppressed replication of HSV-1 significantly.

Also they experimentally infected HSV-1 to the cornea of mice causing ocular disease. They applied the concentrated protein topically on the cornea, and found that the inflammation and viral replication were significantly suppressed, too.

Thus it was demonstrated that Maitake mushroom contains anti-HSV-1 protein in it. Since the study was conducted either in vitro or by topical application, it is not directly relevant to mushrooms or dietary supplements which are ingested orally.

However, it is amazing that the tasty edible Maitake mushroom also contains various components with different medicinal properties, such as immune boosting, blood sugar regulating and anti-viral activities. Further study is warranted.

(Isolation， identification and function of a novel anti-HSV-1 protein from Grifola frondosa. Chang-Qing Gu， et al. Antiviral Research 75 (2007) 250-257)

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