Common Names
Himematsutake (Japanese), royal sun agaricus, mushroom of life, cogumela del sol (Portuguese, mushroom of the gods)
Natural Habitat
Agaricus is distributed throughout many of the temperate climates of the world, often found in rich soil under deciduous trees.
Key Components
A delicious edible with a smell reminiscent of almonds. Beta-glucan and carbohydrates.
Overview
Agaricus brasiliensis (also known as Agaricus blazei) belongs to the gilled species of mushroom, which includes the commonly known button, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. Originally discovered in Brazil, A. brasiliensis was sent to mycologists in Japan, where it was cultivated for its medicinal uses. Also found in the southeastern United States, A. brasiliensis is a robust tropical species with a whitish brown cap, chocolate brown gills, and a pleasing almond aroma.
A. brasiliensis has quickly become one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms. Its extracts have shown anti-cancer activity,synergistic benefits with chemotherapy, strong anti-tumor properties1,2,3,4 the ability to enhance immunity including increased NK cell activity, decrease cholesterol and blood glucose levels,10 and modulate allergic response.11 Some clinical studies also suggest A. brasiliensis may be helpful in the treatment of chronic hepatitis.12,13,14
Medicinal Properties
A. brasiliensis has shown strong activity against a range of cancers, including lung (in vitro),15 ovarian (in vitro),16 and prostate cancer (in vivo).17 Supplementation with A. brasiliensis has been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, including weight loss and weakness, and increase levels of the immune system’s NK cells in the body.18
A. brasiliensis is reputed to have powerful anti-tumor properties. It shows potential ability to reduce tumor size,19 and suppress tumor growth by anti-proliferative (inhibiting cell growth)20 and anti-angiogenic21 (interfering with blood supply to the tumor) mechanisms. Studies have found A. brasiliensis causes immune cells called macrophages to secrete tumor necrosis factors (TNF), which attack cancerous tumor cells.22
Compounds found in A. brasiliensis inhibit an enzyme called aromatase, which is associated with tumor growth. The ability to inhibit aromatase gives A. brasiliensis potential for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.23
A. brasiliensis is reported to have many immune-enhancing properties. It is noted to increase NK24 and T-cell25 activity as well as boost production of cytokines that stimulate macrophages and other immune system cells.26
A. brasiliensis is able to activate the immune system to act against abnormal cells, while having no effect on healthy cells.27
A. brasiliensis has been studied for its overall anti-diabetic effect, and has demonstrated the ability to decrease cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.28
Like many medicinal mushrooms, A. brasiliensis has been widely studied for its helpful effects in allergies, where it can reduce excess levels of immune reaction.29
High levels of lipids, a class of substances offering protective health benefits, are found in A. brasiliensis, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, steric acid, and ergosterol (the provitamin or precursor to vitamin D2).30
A. brasiliensis is reported to have anti-bacterial properties, especially against salmonella31, and anti-viral activity.32
A. brasiliensis shows liver protecting qualities,33 and human clinical trials demonstrate its effectiveness in the treatment of hepatitis B and C.34,35,36
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1 Powell, M. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide. 2010. Mycology Press. P. 33
2 Kobayashi, H., et al. Suppressing effects of daily oral supplementation of beta-glucan extracted from Agaricus blazei Murill on spontaneous and peritoneal disseminated metastasis in mouse model. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2005. 131 (8), 527-538.
3 Yu, C.H., et al. Inhibitory mechanisms of Agaricus blazei Murill on the growth of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009. 20 (10), 753-764.
4 Bankhead, C. Mushrooms may play role in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Medicine Science News. 1999, Dec. 10th.
5 Ahn, W.S., et al. Natural killer cell activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
6 Jumes, F.M. et al. Effects of Agaricus brasiliensis mushroom in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2010. 88 (1), 21-27.
7 Takaku, T., et al. Isolation of an antitumor compound from Agaricus blazei Murill and its mechanism of action.
8 Yu, C.H., et al. Inhibitory mechanisms of Agaricus blazei Murill on the growth of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009. 20 (10), 753-764.
9 Liu, Y., et al. Immunomodulating activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in mice and in human volunteers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2008. 5 (2), 205-219.
10 Liu, Y., et al. Immunomodulating activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in mice and in human volunteers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2008. 5 (2), 205-219.
11 Ellertsen, L.K., and Hetland, G. An extract of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill can protect against allergy. Clinical and Molecular Allergy. 2009. 7 (6).
12 Hsu, C.H., et al. The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill extract normalizes liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008. 14 (3), 299-301.
13 Hsu, C.H., et al. The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill extract normalizes liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008. 14 (3), 299-301.
14 Hayato, I., and Tadayoshi, Y. Clinical utility of ABCL (Agaricus mushroom extract) treatment for C-type hepatitis. Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2002. 30 (2), 103-108.
15 Powell, M. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide. 2010. Mycology Press. P. 33
16Kobayashi, H., et al. Suppressing effects of daily oral supplementation of beta-glucan extracted from Agaricus blazei Murill on spontaneous and peritoneal disseminated metastasis in mouse model. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2005. 131 (8), 527-538.
17 Yu, C.H., et al. Inhibitory mechanisms of Agaricus blazei Murill on the growth of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009. 20 (10), 753-764.
18 Ahn, W.S., et al. Natural killer cell activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
19 Jumes, F.M. et al. Effects of Agaricus brasiliensis mushroom in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2010. 88 (1), 21-27.
20 Yu, C.H., et al. Inhibitory mechanisms of Agaricus blazei Murill on the growth of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009. 20 (10), 753-764.
21 Takaku, T., et al. Isolation of an antitumor compound from Agaricus blazei Murill and its mechanism of action.
22 Kawakami, S., et al. TNF-alpha and NO production from macrophages is enhanced through up-regulation of NF-kB by polysaccharides purified from Agaricus blazei Murrill. Proceedings of the 7th International Mycological Congress Oslo. 2002. 11-17 August, 55.
23 Bankhead, C. Mushrooms may play role in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Medicine Science News. 1999, Dec. 10th.
24 Liu, Y., et al. Immunomodulating activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in mice and in human volunteers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2008. 5 (2), 205-219.
25 Liu, Y., et al. Immunomodulating activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in mice and in human volunteers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2008. 5 (2), 205-219.
26 Niu, Y.C., et al. 2009. Immunostimulatory activities of a low molecular weight antitumoral polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill (LMPAB) in Sarcoma 180 ascitic tumor-bearing mice. Die Pharmazie. 64 (7), 472-476.
27 Fujimiya, Y., et al. Tumor-specific cytocidal and immunopotentiating effects of relatively low molecular weight products derived from the basidiomycete, Agaricus blazei Murill Anticancer Research. 1999. 19 (1A), 113-118.
28 Liu, Y., et al. Immunomodulating activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in mice and in human volunteers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2008. 5 (2), 205-219.
29 Ellertsen, L.K., and Hetland, G. An extract of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill can protect against allergy. Clinical and Molecular Allergy. 2009. 7 (6).
30 Powell, M. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide. 2010. Mycology Press. P. 33
31 Osaki, Y., et al. Antimutagenic and bactericidal substances in the fruit body of Basidiomycete Agaricus blazei. Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. 1994. 114 (5), 342-350.
32 Cardozo, F.T., et al. In vivo anti-herpes simplex virus activity of a sulfated derivative of Agaricus brasiliensis mycelial polysaccharide. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2013. 57 (6), 2541-2549.
33 Liu, Y., et al. Immunomodulating activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in mice and in human volunteers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2008. 5 (2), 205-219.
34 Hsu, C.H., et al. The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill extract normalizes liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008. 14 (3), 299-301.
35 Lirong, W., et al. Observation on treatment of Agaricus blazei for chronic hepatitis B. Journal of Lanzhou Medical College. 1994-01.
36 Hayato, I., and Tadayoshi, Y. Clinical utility of ABCL (Agaricus mushroom extract) treatment for C-type hepatitis. Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2002. 30 (2), 103-108.
Research
1. Characterization of chemical composition of Agaricus brasiliensis polysaccharides and its effect on myocardial SOD activity, MDA and caspase-3 level in ischemia-reperfusion rats
Zhang, S., et al. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2010. 46 (3), 363-366.
In this series of experiments, researchers determined that Agaricus brasiliensis contains polysaccharides with typical characteristics. In a related rat experiment, researchers also evaluated the effects of Agaricus b. on tissue damage caused by reperfusion injury (when the blood supply returns to the tissues after an ischemic event). Agaricus b. boosted the activity of superoxide dismutase, an important antioxidant, in heart muscle while it simultaneously reduced MDA, an indicator of oxidative stress. They conclude that Agaricus b. may be helpful in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
2. Antitumor beta glucan from the cultured fruit body of Agaricus blazei
Ohno, N., et al. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2001. 24 (7), 820-828.
Researchers isolated polysaccharide fractions of Agaricus blazei and determined that the main constituents in the fractions are 1,6 beta-glucan. The fractions were tested against mouse cancer cells. Two fractions in particular, which were extracted using sodium hydroxide, demonstrated anti-tumor activity. Further testing revealed that the most likely anti-tumor agent is a 1,3 beta glucan segment of Agaricus b. polysaccharides.
3. Tumor-specific cytocidal and immunopotentiating effects of relatively low molecular weight products derived from the basidiomycete, Agaricus blazei Murill
Fujimiya, Y., et al. Anticancer Research. 1999. 19 (1A), 113-118.
Researchers examined the effect of low molecular weight extracts of Agaricus blazei on MethA tumor cells in mice. Testing and analysis revealed that the anti-tumor activity was attributed to a low molecular weight fraction containing beta glucans. When the fraction was injected into mice with tumors, tumor growth was inhibited. The researchers also discovered that the fractions were toxic to MethA cancer cells in vitro while leaving normal cells undamaged.
4. Immunostimulatory activities of a low molecular weight antitumoral polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill (LMPAB) in Sarcoma 180 ascitic tumor-bearing mice
Niu, Y.C., et al. Die Pharmazie. 2009. 64 (7), 472-476.
Researchers isolated a beta glucan, designated LMPAB, from Agaricus blazei Murill and evaluated its effects on immune system response to cancer in mice. Testing revealed that LMPAB enhanced splenic NK (natural killer) cell activity. It also increased production of IL-12 and IL-18, cytokines that work together to stimulate different types of immune cell activity. LMPAB also increased expression of IFN-gamma, which is a cytokine that helps activate macrophages and has anti-tumor activity.
5. Oral administration of Agaricus brasiliensis S. Wasser et al. (Agaricomycetideae) extract downregulates serum immunoglobulin E levels by enhancing Th1 response
Morimoto, T., et al. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. DOI; 10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v10.i1.30.
Researchers looked at the effects of Agaricus brasiliensis on dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. Mice who were given an extract of Agaricus brasiliensis displayed significantly less dermatitis than control mice. In addition, serum IgE antibody levels were lower in the mice given the extract. Related in vitro experiments revealed that the extract increased splenic IFN-gamma production (a cytokine that helps activate macrophages and has anti-tumor activity) while decreasing IL-4 production (a cytokine that stimulates differentiation of various immune cells). These findings point to Agaricus’s ability to boost cellular immunity.
6. Effects of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on immunity, infection and cancer
Hetland, G., et al. Scandanavian Journal of Immunology. 2008. 68 (4), 363-370.
In this review article, the authors discuss the immune-boosting properties of Agaricus blazei. This mushroom’s effects on the anti-infection, anti-tumor functions of the immune system are well demonstrated in murine studies. In human studies, cancer patients experience protection from chemotherapy side effects; cancer studies involving rats suggest Agaricus may prolong survival rates. Researchers believe Agaricus shows potential as a supplemental treatment for those undergoing chemotherapy. It may also be useful in serious infections when antibiotic resistance is a factor.
7. An extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill stimulates monocyte-derived dendritic cells to cytokine and chemokine production in vitro
Forland, D.T., et al. Cytokine. 2010. 49 (3), 245-250.
Researchers looked at the effect of various preparations made with Agaricus blazei on dendritic cells (a type of immune cell). They found that one particular extract (designated AbM) increased levels of IL-8, G-CSF, TNF alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and MIP-1 beta in a dose dependent manner. The extract did not stimulate Th2 immune response or anti-inflammatory cytokines. The findings demonstrate that AbM extract significantly stimulates Th1 immune response (as opposed to Th2 immune response) in vitro.
8. Peroral effect on tumor progression of soluble beta-(1, 6)-glucans prepared by acid treatment from Agaricus blazei Murr. (Agaricaceae, higher basidiomycetes)
Fujimiya, Y., et al. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2001. 2 (1), 43-49.
In this study, researchers developed a process for using extracts of Agaricus blazei as a potential therapeutic oral treatment for cancer. Data showed that both fractions and whole organisms derived using acid hydrolysis and administered directly into tumors demonstrated significant tumor regression. Researchers prepared similar extracts for oral administration. Both the acid hydrolysis fraction and whole organism preparation suppressed tumor growth; the whole organism preparation had a greater effect. Researchers believe beta glucans are the effective agents.
9. Isolation of an antitumor compound from Agaricus blazei Murill and its mechanism of action
Takaku, T., et al. Journal of Nutrition. 2001. 131 (5), 1409-1413.
Researchers isolated various components of Agaricus blazei and evaluated them for anti-tumoric effects. They identified ergosterol (a steroid alcohol found in mushrooms) as the effective agent. When ergosterol was given to mice with cancerous tumors, it significantly inhibited tumor growth with no side effects. The ergosterol was not toxic to tumor cells directly. Rather, further study showed that ergosterol inhibited the growth of the blood vessels that feed the tumors.
10. Suppressing effects of daily oral supplementation of beta-glucan extracted from Agaricus blazei Murill on spontaneous and peritoneal disseminated metastasis in mouse model
Kobayashi, H., et al. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2005. 131 (8), 527-538.
In this series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, researchers looked at the anti-cancer activity of beta glucan from Agaricus blazei. In vitro studies showed that while the Agaricus beta glucan killed human ovarian cancer cells, it did not kill mouse lung cancer cells. Researchers learned that beta glucan helps to stimulate cancer cell death via MAPK activity and promotes apoptosis (cell death) in several different ways. In vivo experiments showed that mice given oral beta glucan had reduced metastasis of some types of cancer cells. Researchers conclude that beta glucan from Agaricus may be helpful in treatment or prevention of cancer metastasis.
11. Effects of Agaricus brasiliensis mushroom in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats
Jumes, F.M., et al. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2010. 88 (1), 21-27.
In an in vivo study involving rats, researchers looked at the effects of various extracts of Agaricus brasiliensis. The rats were fed one of four extracts for 14 days, and results were evaluated. All the extracts had significant beneficial effects, not only reducing tumor size but also promoting weight gain. (Unwanted weight loss is associated with cancer.) Researchers believe that antioxidant activity also contributed to the beneficial effects.
12. Immunomodulating activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in mice and in human volunteers
Liu, Y., et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2008. 5 (2), 205-219.
In a series of in vivo experiments involving both mice and humans, researchers looked at the effects of the Agaricus brasiliensis mushroom on the immune system. In mice, Agaricus demonstrated anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and liver protective effects. Researchers believe that these effects may be due to the ability of Agaricus to stimulate production of T cells and NK cell activity. In human studies, Agaricus promoted healthier body composition by decreasing body weight, BMI, body fat and visceral fat. It also lowered serum cholestrol and glucose levels. In addition, it promoted healthy liver function in most subjects and enhanced immune function in individuals with generally poor health.
13. The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill extract normalizes liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Hsu, C.H., et al. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008. 14 (3), 299-301.
In this pilot study, researchers examined the effects of Agaricus blazei on the liver health of patients with hepatitis B. The patients, who were taking no drugs for their condition, were given daily treatment for one year of an extract of Agaricus blazei. At the end of the study period, two liver enzyme markers were measured. Mean levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) both decreased significantly, indicating improved liver function. Based on these promising results, researchers believe further study is warranted.
14. An extract of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill can protect against allergy
Ellertsen, L.K. and Hetland, G. Clinical and Molecular Allergy. 2009. 7 (6).
Prior research has established that Agaricus blazei stimulates Th1 immune response, which involves anti-infection and anti-tumor activity. In this study, researchers looked at the ability of this mushroom to affect IgE-mediated allergy, which is a Th2 immune response. Mice were immunized with an allergen and given a mushroom extract either before or after the immunization. Th1 and Th2 antibodies were measured. Regardless of when the mushroom extract was administered, Th2 response was diminished while Th1 response was not. Researchers conclude that the mushroom extract may be useful in two ways: to prevent allergic response and to treat allergies that are already present.
15. Clinical utility of ABCL (Agaricus mushroom extract) treatment for C-type hepatitis
Hayato, I., and Tadayoshi, Y. Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2002. 30 (2), 103-108.
In this human clinical study, researchers evaluated the effects of an extract of Agaricus blazei on the liver health of individuals with hepatitis C. Twenty adults received the extract twice daily for a period of eight weeks. Blood levels of gamma GTP (a marker that, when elevated, is associated with liver disease) were reduced in 80% of the study participants. There were no demonstrated side effects or toxicity. Researchers conclude that an extract of Agaricus may be helpful in the treatment of hepatitis C.
16. Observation on treatment of Agaricus blazei for chronic hepatitis B
Lirong, W., et al. Journal of Lanzhou Medical College. 1994-01.
In this article, the author compared the outcomes of two groups. Ten patients with chronic hepatitis B were given Agaricus blazei; ten were given conventional therapy. Those receiving Agaricus showed improved liver markers, including decreased AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase). The Agaricus group also showed increased leukocytes (white blood cells that are part of the immune system and help fight infection).
17. Antihypertensive effect of GAMMA-aminobutyric acid-enriched Agaricus blazei on mild hypertensive human subjects
Watanabe, T., et al. Journal of the Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology. 2003. 50 (4), 167-173.
In this small clinical study, researchers examined the effects of an Agaricus blazei preparation enhanced with GAMMA-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on blood pressure. Study participants with mild hypertension were given the Agaricus-GABA combination. In the open test phase, all ten participants showed significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. Researchers then conducted a double-blind crossover test, in which participants were given either the preparation or a placebo. After a one-week washout period, the groups were given the opposite treatment. Across the board, blood pressure of all study participants was significantly decreased compared to pre-test measurements and placebo phase measurements.
18. Natural killer cell activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Ahn, W.S., et al. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. 2004. 14 (4), 589-594.
In this clinical trial, researchers examined the effects of an extract of Agaricus blazei on gynecological cancer patients. 100 patients (suffering from cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers) were given one of two chemotherapy combination treatments. Some patients received Agaricus extract along with their treatment and some did not. Patients who received the extract showed significantly greater natural killer cell activity. Those who received the extract also experienced fewer side effects (appetite, hair loss, and weakness) from the chemotherapy. Researchers conclude the extract of Agaricus could be a helpful adjunct to chemotherapy.
19. Primary mechanism of apoptosis induction in a leukemia cell line by fraction FA-2-b-ss prepared from the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill
Gao, L., et al. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2007. 40 (11), 1545-1555.
In this in vitro study, researchers sought to understand the effects of one component of Agaricus blazei on human leukemia cells. Designated FA-2-b-ss, the fraction studied was derived from an RNA protein complex of Agaricus blazei. FA-2-b-ss suppressed cancer cell growth in a dose and duration dependent manner. The mechanism is believed to be down-regulation of telomerase enzyme activity along with stimulation of the expression of the caspase-3 gene (a gene that instructs caspase-3 proteins to induce cell death). Researchers believe FA-2-b-ss may be of great benefit in the treatment of leukemia.
20. Inhibitory mechanisms of Agaricus blazei Murill on the growth of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo
Yu, C.H., et al. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2009. 20 (10), 753-764.
In this series of experiments, researchers looked at the effects of Agaricus blazei on prostate cancer. In an in vitro study, Agaricus was shown to slow or stop prostate cancer cell division. Researchers found that the mechanism of inhibition involved the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase from cancer cells and an increase in apoptosis. In a related in vivo study, mice were given oral Agaricus “broth” with high beta glucan content. This treatment inhibited tumor growth with no side effects. Researchers also believe Agaricus blazei inhibits cancer cell proliferation and inhibits the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors. Researchers conclude that Agaricus blazei may be beneficial for individuals at risk for, or those with, prostate cancer.
