Unibar said Maitake Pt78 is sourced from the largest grower of mushrooms in Japan. While maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) has been used in Japan and China for thousands of years, it has only gained popularity in the United States in the last two decades.
The adaptogen is rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins B and C, fiber, amino acids and has also shown a positive effect on immunity.
Supported by science
“The clinical studies on maitake mushrooms have shown that it provides significant support to the immune system by helping to activate T cells and influencing a proper cytokine response,” explained Sevanti Mehta, president of Unibar. “Maitake Pt78 is an affordable and high-quality ingredient that is designed to help the body better support healthy immune function by balancing the inflammatory response, promoting healthy cellular function and enhancing the body’s immune defenses. These three benefits deliver a much-needed balance to the immune response, meeting current demand for functional ingredients that will make a difference during today’s health challenges.”
One study found that maitake extract enhanced the production and activity of neutrophils and monocytes, which improved the immune response of patients with suppressed bone marrow.
Another study found that post-treatment supplementation with a maitake extract boosted some immunity parameters but suppressed others in breast cancer patients. The authors called for further research on maitake’s immune-modulating effects.
Proprietary process
The extract uses a proprietary manufacturing process that Unibar said ensures a highly potent and pure ingredient that delivers optimal results at dosages of 15 mg per day.
Tiea Zehnbauer, Unibar’s VP of sales, told NutraIngredients-USA that the proprietary extract was developed by Dr. Hiroaki Nanba, a professor at Kobe Pharmaceutical University in Japan who is considered the “Father of maitake mushroom research.”
Zehnbauer said that because maitake mushrooms are recognized for high levels of antioxidant activity and are a unique source of beta glucans, they are primarily used for their immune supporting capacity, adding “Mushrooms, including maitake, are a rich source of a variety of nutrients and have been shown to support immunity, weight, blood sugar levels, and overall health.”
Thriving in 2020
Despite the challenges that 2020 has presented, Maitake 78 is Unibar’s third product launch this year. Mehta told NutraIngredients-USA that sound business planning is Unibar’s secret to success.
“With each of our ingredients, we have been planning and developing them for years. This has allowed us to be more prepared to launch pure, bioavailable, and clinically-supported branded ingredients, despite there being many operations across the world that have halted or slowed down. Proper planning is key to being able to overcome even the unexpected challenges we sometimes face, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mehta. “We also realized that this year has been a good time to launch our newest branded ingredients because they provide solutions to heightened health issues that consumers are facing right now. CapsiClear for the giant increase in screen time, CapZfuel to help enhance energy and exercise performance, and now Maitake Pt78 to help bolster the immune system.”
The company said Maitake Pt78 is suitable for a wide variety of product applications and formats, including multi-vitamin, immune support, travel, stress & sports performance formulas for all ages.