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Agaricus Blasei

Agaricus BlazeiAgaricus Blazei is a kind of fungi or mushroom. Although it is consumed as a part of the diet in some parts of the world, it is often classified as a medicinal mushroom.

It’s introduction to the western world is not very old. In fact, it was first discovered in the late 1960s in Sao Paulo, where it is native, and was commonly called Cogumelo Piedade. However, now it is also grown in other parts of the world, too.1

It was brought to Japan for further studies, and it got its name Himematsutake in Japanese. It is also now popular in China.

Traditionally, people in Brazil believe that it helps fight diabetes, reduces the risk of heart diseases, is good for bone health, and helps fight digestive problems. It was also thought to help with cancer.1

Like many mushrooms, Agaricus Blazei is an excellent source of nutrition. It is rich in proteins, high-quality fats, carbohydrates and dietary fibre. Many of its health benefits are related to its content of polysaccharides.

Health Benefits of Agaricus Blazei

Below are some of the well-known health benefits of Agaricus Blazei:

  • Antioxidant

    Studies show that both the mushroom's young and mature fruiting bodies are abundant in phenolic compounds. Therefore, it has an excellent free radical scavenging activity and may inhibit lipid peroxidation. It can be especially good for cardiovascular health and may also help prevent age-related decline in various body functions as it can exert an anti-aging effect. It may also help suppress inflammation caused by multiple chronic ailments.2

  • Nutrient Dense

    Mushrooms should be part of the regular diet, as they are especially rich in high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and they are naturally low in fats. Agaricus Blazei may contain proteins as high as 40% (depending on cultivation conditions), and the rest are mostly carbohydrates and dietary fibre, with only small amounts of fats. Apart from health benefits, Agaricus Blazei is quite nutritious and serves as an excellent source of dietary protein, especially for vegans.1

  • Anti-Cancer

    Researchers have not fully understood how Agaricus Blazei exerts its anti-cancer effects. But it appears that most of its anti-cancer properties are due to its high content of polysaccharides. Researchers have also identified other compounds in the mushroom that may suppress tumour growth. It is entirely possible that numerous compounds work in synergy to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Consumption of Agaricus Blazei appears to suppress the growth of cancer cells in various stages. Additionally, it may help overcome cancer due to its immunomodulatory action. At present, its anti-cancer properties have been demonstrated in laboratory experiments and in animal models.1,3

  • Immuno-Stimulation

    Studies show that Agaricus Blazei extract is quite good in stimulating T lymphocytes. It appears to increase the number of CD4 helper cells. Therefore, it may help fight viral infections, cancer, and various other illnesses. Researchers are proposing the use of Agaricus Blazei as an adjuvant in cancer and other immunocompromised conditions. Researchers are also studying its role in bacterial infections and parasitic manifestations.4,5

  • Hepatitis C

    It is still a subject of early research. Nonetheless, one study demonstrated that using Agaricus Blazei extract twice daily for eight weeks could help reduce liver inflammation and suppress levels of inflammatory liver enzymes in almost 80% of cases. This effect may be due to its immunomodulatory action.6

Side Effects of Agaricus Blazei

Agaricus Blazei is a culinary mushroom with medicinal value and therefore is fit for regular consumption. It appears to slightly affect liver enzymes. Therefore, consuming Agaricus Blazei may alter the action of some medications, but the practical impact of this activity is not known. Its prolonged use does not appear to cause any severe toxicity.1 

Properties

  •  Anti-Aging2
  • Anti-Bacterial1
  • Anti-Parasitic1
  • Antioxidant2
  • Bone Strengthening1
  • Cancer Prevention1,3
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar1
  • Digestive Function1
  • Heart Support / Health1,2
  • High/Good Levels of Carbohydrates1
  • High/Good Levels of Fibre1
  • High/Good Levels of Protein1
  • Immune Booster4,5
  • Liver Health6
  • Oxidation Reduction2 

References:

  1. Firenzuoli F, Gori L, Lombardo G. The Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill: Review of Literature and Pharmaco-Toxicological Problems. Evid-Based Complement Altern Med ECAM. 2008;5(1):3-15. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem007
  2. Soares AA, de Souza CGM, Daniel FM, Ferrari GP, da Costa SMG, Peralta RM. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricus blazei Murril) in two stages of maturity. Food Chem. 2009;112(4):775-781. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.05.117
  3. Takaku T, Kimura Y, Okuda H. Isolation of an Antitumor Compound from Agaricus blazei Murill and Its Mechanism of Action. J Nutr. 2001;131(5):1409-1413. doi:10.1093/jn/131.5.1409
  4. MIZUNO M, MORIMOTO M, MINATO K, TSUCHIDA H. Polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei Stimulate Lymphocyte T-Cell Subsets in Mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. Published online May 22, 2014. Accessed September 14, 2021.
  5. Cui L, Sun Y, Xu H, Xu H, Cong H, Liu J. A polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill (ABP‑AW1) as a potential Th1 immunity‑stimulating adjuvant. Oncol Lett. 2013;6(4):1039-1044. doi:10.3892/ol.2013.1484
  6. Inuzuka H, Yoshida T. Clinical utility of ABCL (Agaricus Mushroom Extract) treatment for C-type hepatitis. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 2002;30:103-107.