Agaricus blazei mycelia
Also known as: Agaricus blazei, almond mushroom, royal sun agaricus, AbM, Agaricus blazei Murrill
Overview
Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) is an edible mushroom native to Brazil, widely recognized and utilized in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia. Beyond the fruiting body, its mycelia, the vegetative part of the fungus, are also processed into supplement forms. This mushroom is primarily investigated for its purported immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Its biological activities are attributed to a rich composition of bioactive compounds, including proteoglycans, β-glucans, ergosterol, and unique RNA-protein complexes. Research into AbM is ongoing, with a moderate level of maturity, encompassing various in vitro and in vivo studies, alongside a limited number of clinical trials. While preclinical data show promise, large-scale randomized controlled trials and high-quality meta-analyses specifically on Agaricus blazei mycelia are still needed to fully establish its efficacy and clinical applications.
Benefits
Agaricus blazei mycelia exhibit several evidence-based benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. Its most notable effect is **antitumor activity**, with specific extracts like the acidic RNA-protein complex FA-2-b-β demonstrating significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells in vitro. This suggests potential as an adjunct in cancer therapy, though clinical translation requires further validation. The mushroom also possesses **antimicrobial properties**, with a systematic integrative review indicating activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, most supporting data are from preclinical studies, and it cannot replace conventional antibiotics. Secondary benefits include **antioxidant activity**, attributed to compounds like ergosterol, which may help reduce oxidative stress. Furthermore, Agaricus blazei mycelia can be incorporated into functional foods, with studies showing retention of bioactive compounds like γ-aminobutyric acid and ergothioneine in baked goods, potentially conferring health benefits. While promising, quantitative effect sizes and clinical significance are not yet well-established due to the limited number of large-scale clinical trials.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Agaricus blazei mycelia's antitumor effects involves the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, specifically through the modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Its immunomodulatory effects are largely attributed to β-glucans and proteoglycans, which interact with immune cells to enhance host defense mechanisms. The antimicrobial properties are thought to involve disruption of microbial cell walls or interference with microbial metabolism, though the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated. Bioactive compounds from the mycelia, such as β-glucans, may act systemically after absorption or locally through gut-associated immune modulation. While some compounds are absorbed, the overall bioavailability of all active components is not well-studied.
Side effects
Agaricus blazei mycelia is generally considered safe based on its traditional use and limited clinical data, with no major safety concerns reported in the reviewed literature. Common side effects are not well-documented but, like other mushroom supplements, it may occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects, such as allergic reactions, are possible but appear to be rare. No serious adverse events have been reported. There are no well-documented drug interactions; however, caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressants or chemotherapy due to its potential immunomodulatory effects. Contraindications are not definitively known, but individuals with known mushroom allergies or those who are immunocompromised should exercise caution. Data on its safety in special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are limited, and its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Agaricus blazei mycelia has not been established due to a lack of standardized clinical trials. Optimal dosage ranges are highly variable depending on the specific extract and preparation method. While typical doses for other medicinal mushroom extracts can range from 500 mg to 3 g daily, specific data for Agaricus blazei mycelia are currently lacking. A maximum safe dose has also not been defined. There are no specific timing recommendations for administration. For optimal efficacy, extracts standardized for key bioactive compounds like proteoglycans or β-glucans may be preferable. Co-administration with food might improve tolerance, but specific strategies to enhance bioavailability are not well-studied. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its action.
FAQs
Is Agaricus blazei mycelia effective against cancer?
Preclinical evidence, particularly in leukemia cell lines, supports anti-cancer effects. However, clinical efficacy in humans remains unproven, and it should not be considered a standalone cancer treatment.
Can it replace conventional antibiotics?
No. While preliminary studies show antimicrobial activity, the evidence is insufficient to replace conventional antibiotics. It should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications.
Is it safe for daily use?
Generally, it is considered safe for daily use based on traditional practices and limited clinical data. However, long-term safety and efficacy are not fully established, and individual responses may vary.
How long before benefits appear?
The time course for benefits is unknown. Most evidence comes from short-term laboratory studies, and there's no clear clinical data on how long it takes to observe effects in humans.
Does cooking affect its benefits?
Some bioactive compounds, such as ergothioneine, have been shown to remain stable even after baking, suggesting that certain benefits may persist in cooked forms or functional foods.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbfar/a/8St7yBCsYMBjTwZsjCkLg8k/?format=html&lang=en – This integrative review by Lima et al. (2016) systematically analyzed studies on the antimicrobial activity of Agaricus blazei. It concluded that there is scientific evidence supporting its activity against various bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative. However, the review highlighted that most of the supporting data were derived from preclinical studies, with a significant lack of clinical trials to confirm these effects in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7517625/ – Sun et al. (2020) conducted an in vitro study demonstrating that the FA-2-b-β extract from Agaricus blazei mycelia effectively induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cell lines and primary bone marrow cells. The study identified the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a key mechanism, suggesting the extract's potential for therapeutic development in leukemia, although clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23265457/ – Ulziijargal et al. (2013) investigated the incorporation of 5% Agaricus blazei mycelia into bread to assess its quality and the retention of bioactive compounds. This study showed that important bioactives like ergothioneine remained stable after baking, supporting the feasibility of using Agaricus blazei mycelia in functional food applications. While small, the study provided valuable insights into the stability of its compounds in food matrices.