Agaricus blazei mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine for their immune-enhancing, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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| Agaricus mushroom |
Modern research supports these traditional uses, particularly in the context of cancer treatment and immune function. The bioactive compounds in Agaricus blazei contribute to its reputation as a potent natural remedy in both traditional and modern medicine.
What Agaricus looks like
Agaricus blazei mushrooms have a classic mushroom appearance with a convex cap that flattens with maturity. The caps are typically brown in color and can reach sizes of up to 10 cm in diameter. The underside of the cap has gills that release spores.
The cap is usually brown or reddish-brown and becomes lighter toward the edges. The gills on the underside of the cap are initially pink but darken to a brownish color as the mushroom matures.
Where Agaricus blazei Grows
Agaricus blazei mushrooms are native to Brazil, particularly the Piedade or the Sao Paulo region. They grow in subtropical regions with a humid climate. Cultivation has expanded to other parts of the world, including Japan and the United States.
Primary Compounds
Agaricus blazei mushrooms contain several bioactive compounds, including:
Beta-glucans: Polysaccharides known for their immune-enhancing properties.
Ergosterol: A precursor to vitamin D with potential health benefits.
Proteins and Amino Acids: Various essential amino acids.
Nucleic acids: Important for cellular functions and DNA repair.
Antioxidants: Such as ergothioneine, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
Minerals and Vitamins: Including potassium, selenium, and vitamin B.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Agaricus blazei mushrooms, also known as "Cogumelo do Sol" in Brazil, have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including:
Immune System Support
In Brazilian traditional medicine, Agaricus blazei is used to boost the immune system and promote overall health.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
It has been employed to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Traditional use includes its potential in preventing and treating cancer, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Agaricus blazei mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in:
Brazilian Traditional Medicine: Known as "Cogumelo do Sol" or "Sun Mushroom," they have been used to promote health and vitality, strengthen the immune system, and treat various ailments.
Japanese Traditional Medicine: Employed for its purported immune-enhancing and anti-cancer properties.
Health Benefits
Research suggests several potential health benefits of Agaricus blazei mushrooms:
Immune System Support
Agaricus blazei mushrooms contain beta-glucans and polysaccharide-protein complexes, which stimulate immune cells and enhance immune function. Beta-glucans and other compounds in this mushroom enhance immune function by stimulating various immune cells and increasing resistance to infections.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Some studies suggest that Agaricus blazei have anti-cancer effects, including inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Compounds in Agaricus blazei, such as beta-glucans and ergosterol, have shown anti-cancer effects in various studies, including inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Compounds in Agaricus blazei have been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidant Properties
Agaricus blazei mushrooms contain antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Agaricus blazei mushrooms have significant antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Anti-fatigue effects
Research from multiple lab studies has found that Agaricus has an anti-fatigue effect. This seems to be related to a polysaccharide compound in the mushroom called AbEXP1-a. This apparently increases the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex) within the body according to the research.
Clinical Research
Agaricus blazei Murrill was found to help suppress of inflammatory mediators in endometriosis disease. This study investigated the effects of Agaricus blazei mushroom on inflammatory markers in endometriosis, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical research has found that Agaricus benefited cancer patients in remission. The study found the mushroom enhanced their immune function.
The primary beta-glucan obtained from Agaricus blazei Murill has been found to fight tumor development. This study demonstrated a potential for benefits for cancer treatment.
Another study found that of a beta-glucan derived from Agaricus blazei Murill can fight advanced pancreatic cancer.
This pilot study investigated the combination of beta-glucans from Agaricus blazei mushrooms with gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, showing potential benefits in improving quality of life and survival.
References
Ohno S, Sumiyoshi Y, Hashine K, Shirato A, Kyo S, Inoue M. Phase I Clinical Study of the Dietary Supplement, Agaricus blazei Murill, in Cancer Patients in Remission. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:192381. doi: 10.1155/2011/192381.
Bernardshaw S., Johnson E., Hetland G. An extract of the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill administered orally protects against systemic streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice. Scand. J. Immunol. 2005;62(4):393–398. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2005.01667.x.
Bertollo A.G., Mingoti M.E., Plissari M.E., Betti G., Roman Junior, Luzardo A.R., Ignácio Z.M. Agaricus blazei Murrill mushroom: a review on the prevention and treatment of cancer. Pharmacol. Res. Mod. Chin. Med. 2022;2 doi: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2021.100032.
Carneiro A.A.J., Ferreira I.C.F.R., Dueñas M., Barros L., da Silva R., Gomes E., Santos-Buelga C. Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of dried powder formulations of Agaricus blazei and Lentinus edodes. Food Chem. 2013;138(4):2168–2173. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.12.036.
Fan Y., Tang H., Yang Y., Ma J., Wang G., Guo X., Cai D. Agaricus blazei practical compound combined chemotherapy for gastric cancer. Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine. 2006;28(9):1001–1528. 2006)09-1314-03.
Kim Y., Kim K., Choi H., Lee D. Antidiabetic activity of β-glucans and their enzymatically hydrolyzed oligosaccharides from Agaricus blazei. Biotechnol. Lett. 2005;27(7):483–487. doi: 10.1007/s10529-005-2225-8.