Unibar Launches Maitake Extract for Immune Support

Ingredients manufacturer Unibar Corporation recently announced the launch of Maitake Pt78, an adaptogenic mushroom extract evidenced by clinical trials to support the body’s first line of defense within the immune system.
 
The extract, derived from the maitake mushroom fruit body, is rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and beta-glucan, a protein bioactive that stimulates immune functions within the cells to improve cytokine modulation, the company reports. Beta-glucans bind to macrophages, which either activate or inhibit the release of cytokines, a number of substances released by immune cells. Maitake Pt78’s glucan-protein complex creates a source of immune-boosting monosaccharides, and is sourced from a proprietary extraction process focused on potency and purity to enable efficacy at doses of 15 mg daily.
 
“Right now, consumers want products that will provide them with better control over their health and improving their immune health is definitely top-of-mind this year,” Sevanti Mehta, president of Unibar, said. “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. 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.”
 
Maitake Pt78 is suitable for a variety of product applications and formats, including multivitamin, immune support, travel, stress, and sports performance formulas. The extract is manufactured according to ISO, cGMP, HAACP, and PMDA requirements, and is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).
 
A 3-week, double-blind human clinical study showed positive immune health results among subjects who consumed Maitake Pt78. When consumed at the recommended dose, lab testing showed increases in activated T cells, increased levels of immune enhancing cytokines IL-2, TNF-a, and IFN-y, and cytokine IL-10.1. Previous ex vivo and in vitro pre-clinical research on animal subjects showed similar results, as well as up to 58% increased phagocytic activity.