Maitake D-Fraction Extract
舞茸 D-フラクション (Maitake D-Fraction)
Why source from Japan
Niigata's maitake industry is anchored by indoor cultivation pioneers from the 1970s; D-fraction extraction methodology was developed in Japan.
Key spec
Beta-1,6-glucan content typically 25-40% in standardised extracts; molecular weight 200-1,000 kDa.
Typical end-product
Immune-support supplements, adjuvant nutraceuticals, premium functional-food drinks.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg powder extract; 100 g – 1 kg standardised actives
- Typical lead time
- 8–14 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Niigata (~70%), Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido
- Category
- Medicinal plants
- Harvest season
- Year-round (controlled-environment cultivation)
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC notifications exist; FOSHU not granted; food product status for dietary use
- Japanese name
- 舞茸 D-フラクション
- Romaji
- Maitake D-Fraction
About this ingredient
Standardised beta-1,6-glucan extract from maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), originally developed at the Kobe Pharmaceutical University in the 1980s. Niigata is the primary cultivation region (~70% of Japan's maitake by volume). The D-fraction is positioned in immune-support and adjuvant supplement contexts internationally; clinical literature exists for both dietary and oncology-adjuvant settings. Functional foods featuring D-fraction must clear country-specific regulatory pathways (FFC in Japan, NDI in US, etc.).
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC notifications exist; FOSHU not granted; food product status for dietary use |
|---|---|
| EU | Novel Food consideration for non-pre-1997 EU history; verify EFSA register |
| United States | DSHEA NDI notification path for supplements; GRAS for food |
| China | NMPA cosmetic NCI consideration if used in cosmetics |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Maitake D-Fraction Extract is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Japanese Reishi Mushroom
日本産霊芝
Ganoderma lucidum; Ganoderma japonicum source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
ヨモギ
Artemisia princeps (mainland) / Artemisia indica (Okinawan Fuchiba) source; INCI Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract; MOQ from 1-100 kg (dried); 100 g – 10 kg (extract).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Dokudami (Houttuynia Cordata)
ドクダミ
Houttuynia cordata source; INCI Houttuynia Cordata Extract; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (extract); 1-100 kg (dried).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier EU regulatory path
Maitake D-Fraction Extract faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in EU. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sasa Bamboo Leaf Extract
クマザサエキス
Alkaline polysaccharide 5-15%; chlorophyll-derived bioactives 0.5-2%; minimal allergen profile.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
ヨモギ
Artemisia princeps (mainland) / Artemisia indica (Okinawan Fuchiba) source; INCI Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract; MOQ from 1-100 kg (dried); 100 g – 10 kg (extract).
Simpler in EU· shares 2 categories
Dokudami (Houttuynia Cordata)
ドクダミ
Houttuynia cordata source; INCI Houttuynia Cordata Extract; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (extract); 1-100 kg (dried).
Simpler in EU· shares 2 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.
協和発酵バイオ株式会社
TokyoEst. 2008English supportExport experienceGMP (pharmaceutical-grade)Maitake-derived B2B extract supply
Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Co., Ltd.
オリザ油化株式会社
Ichinomiya, AichiEst. 1954English supportExport experienceStandardised maitake extract
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Last updated: 2026-05-04