Agarikon mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine for their potential immune-enhancing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. While there is limited human clinical research on Agarikon mushrooms, preliminary studies suggest they may offer various health benefits.
What are Agarikon mushrooms?
The Latin Name for this mushroom is Laricifomes officinalis, formerly Fomitopsis officinalis.
Agarikon mushrooms have a unique appearance characterized by large, elongated, and irregularly shaped fruiting bodies, often hoof-shaped. They have a woody texture and a reddish brown to black color. The underside of the cap may have a porous or pored surface.
Agarikon mushrooms are primarily found in old-growth coniferous forests, particularly in Europe and North America. They grow particularly well in regions with damp, humid climates.
The mushroom grows on dead or dying trees, particularly conifers such as Douglas fir, larch, and spruce. Agarikon is a rare and endangered species due to habitat loss and overharvesting.
Medicinal Compounds
Agarikon mushrooms contain several bioactive medicinal compounds, including:
- Polysaccharides: Such as beta-glucans, which have immune-enhancing properties.
- Polyphenols: Including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant effects.
- Lignans: Plant compounds with potential health benefits.
- Terpenoids: Including triterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which contribute to the medicinal properties of Agarikon.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Agarikon mushrooms have been used in various traditional medicine systems, particularly by indigenous peoples of Europe and North America, for their purported medicinal properties:
European Traditional Medicine
Agarikon has historically been used to treat respiratory conditions, including coughs, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
Known as "elixirium ad longam vitam" or "elixir of long life," they have been used for their purported immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
Native American Traditional Medicine
Indigenous tribes such as the Coast Salish and Haida used Agarikon for respiratory ailments and as a general tonic for health.
The mushroom was employed for its potential medicinal benefits, including immune support and respiratory health.
Health Benefits of Agarikons
While traditional uses suggest potential health benefits, scientific research on Agarikon mushrooms is limited, and specific health benefits have not been extensively studied in humans. However, based on traditional use and preliminary research, potential health benefits of Agarikon may include:
1. Immune System Support: Agarikon mushrooms contain polysaccharides and other compounds that may enhance immune function and increase resistance to infections.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Polyphenols and other compounds in Agarikon have antioxidant effects, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Respiratory Health: Traditional uses of Agarikon for respiratory conditions suggest potential benefits for lung health, although scientific evidence is lacking.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Phenolic compounds and terpenoids in Agarikon mushrooms may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
5. Antimicrobial Activity: Traditional uses suggest that Agarikon mushrooms may have antimicrobial properties, making them beneficial for fighting bacterial and fungal infections.
6. Anticancer: This mushroom has been found to deter and help eliminate human tumor cell lines, in liver and colorectal cancers.
Scientific References
Durgo K, Koncar M, Komes D, Belscak-Cvitanovic A, Franekic J, Jakopovich I, Jakopovich N, Jakopovich B. Cytotoxicity of blended versus single medicinal mushroom extracts on human cancer cell lines: contribution of polyphenol and polysaccharide content. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(5):435-48. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i5.20.
Altannavch N, Zhou X, Khan MA, Ahmed A, Naranmandakh S, Fu JJ, Chen HC. Anti-oxidant and Anticancerous Effect of Fomitopsis officinalis (Vill. ex Fr. Bond. et Sing) Mushroom on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells In Vitro through NF-kB Pathway. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2022;22(8):1561-1570. doi: 10.2174/1871520621666210608101152.
Jakopovic B, Oršolić N, Kraljević Pavelić S. Antitumor, Immunomodulatory and Antiangiogenic Efficacy of Medicinal Mushroom Extract Mixtures in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Animal Model. Molecules. 2020 Oct 28;25(21):5005. doi: 10.3390/molecules25215005.
Muszyńska B, Fijałkowska A, Sułkowska-Ziaja K, Włodarczyk A, Kaczmarczyk P, Nogaj E, Piętka J. Fomitopsis officinalis: a Species of Arboreal Mushroom with Promising Biological and Medicinal Properties. Chem Biodivers. 2020 Jun;17(6):e2000213. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202000213.
Durgo K, Koncar M, Komes D, Belscak-Cvitanovic A, Franekic J, Jakopovich I, Jakopovich N, Jakopovich B. Cytotoxicity of blended versus single medicinal mushroom extracts on human cancer cell lines: contribution of polyphenol and polysaccharide content. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(5):435-48. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i5.20.
Jakopovic B, Horvatić A, Klobučar M, Gelemanović A, Grbčić P, Oršolić N, Jakopovich I, Kraljević Pavelić S. Treatment With Medicinal Mushroom Extract Mixture Inhibits Translation and Reprograms Metabolism in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Animal Model as Evidenced by Tandem Mass Tags Proteomics Analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Aug 21;11:1202. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01202.