Blazei
Also known as: Blazei, Royal Sun Agaric, Himematsutake, AbM, Agaricus blazei Murrill
Overview
Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM), commonly known as Blazei or Royal Sun Agaric, is a medicinal basidiomycete mushroom native to Brazil and widely cultivated for its health benefits. It is recognized as a medicinal mushroom supplement, primarily valued for its immunomodulatory and potential anticancer properties. Rich in bioactive polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans, AbM has been traditionally used to enhance immune function, as an adjunct in cancer therapy, and for its anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory effects. Research indicates that its compounds may boost natural killer (NK) cell activity and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. While several preclinical and clinical studies support its uses, the overall research maturity is moderate, with ongoing needs for larger, high-quality meta-analyses to solidify its clinical efficacy and optimal usage.
Benefits
Agaricus blazei offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in immune modulation and potential anticancer effects. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown significant increases in natural killer (NK) cell activity in both cancer patients and healthy subjects, indicating enhanced innate immunity. This effect has been observed after 7 weeks in cancer patients and within 3-6 months in healthy individuals. Preclinical in vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrate that AbM extracts can induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia cells, suggesting potential antitumor effects. Furthermore, some RCTs report moderate reductions in blood cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and blood pressure, although effects on BMI are inconsistent. For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, AbM has been noted to improve chemotherapy-associated side effects, such as appetite and emotional stability, without increasing adverse events. The primary populations benefiting from AbM appear to be cancer patients undergoing treatment and healthy adults seeking immune and metabolic support.
How it works
Agaricus blazei exerts its effects primarily through immunomodulation and direct cellular mechanisms. Its key active compounds, particularly beta-glucans, activate immune cells, notably natural killer (NK) cells, thereby enhancing innate immunity. In cancer cells, AbM extracts have been shown to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, specifically by downregulating cyclin D1, a protein crucial for cell cycle progression. This interaction suggests a direct antitumor effect. The mushroom also modulates hematological parameters and cytokine profiles, contributing to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. While specific pharmacokinetic data are limited, the polysaccharides and extracts are orally bioavailable, allowing for systemic interaction with various body systems.
Side effects
Agaricus blazei is generally well tolerated, with clinical trials up to 6 months reporting no significant adverse effects. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) have not been consistently reported. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are not well documented, though mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare possibility. Serious adverse events (<1%) have not been reported in clinical studies. Caution is advised regarding potential interactions with immunosuppressants or chemotherapy agents, although definitive data are lacking. Immunocompromised individuals should consult healthcare providers before use. Data on safety during pregnancy and lactation are insufficient, thus use in these populations is not recommended. Notably, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have shown improved tolerance and quality of life with AbM supplementation without an increase in adverse events, suggesting a favorable safety profile even in vulnerable populations.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Agaricus blazei varies depending on the form and desired effect, with studies using doses ranging from 3,000 mg/day to 9,000 mg/day of dried mushroom tablets or equivalent extract volumes (e.g., 20-60 ml/day of extract). Optimal dosage ranges appear to be 3,000–9,000 mg/day of fruiting body powder or 20–60 ml/day of standardized extract for efficacy. No toxicity has been observed at the upper limit of 9,000 mg/day in healthy subjects over a 6-month period, indicating a wide safety margin. Daily dosing is typically recommended, with benefits observed after at least 3 weeks for some effects, and up to 6 months for others, such as metabolic improvements. Both fruiting body powder and aqueous extracts are used, with extracts potentially offering more concentrated bioactive compounds. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for absorption, and standard oral administration is sufficient.
FAQs
Is Blazei safe for long-term use?
Yes, studies up to 6 months have shown no significant adverse effects, suggesting it is safe for extended periods.
Can Blazei be used alongside chemotherapy?
Evidence suggests it may improve immune function and reduce chemotherapy side effects, but always consult with your oncologist before use.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Immune effects may appear within weeks, while metabolic and quality-of-life improvements may take several months of consistent supplementation.
Does Blazei cause weight loss?
Some studies show reductions in body fat and cholesterol, but consistent effects on overall BMI or significant weight loss have not been established.
Is natural killer cell activity a reliable marker?
Yes, it is a commonly used and reliable immunological marker, and its activity was significantly increased in several randomized controlled trials.
Research Sources
- https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2619&context=facpub – This RCT with 23 healthy subjects investigated two dosing groups of Agaricus blazei fruiting body powder (3,000 mg/day and 9,000 mg/day) over 3 to 6 months. Findings included significant decreases in cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, and body fat percentage, alongside increased NK cell activity, with no reported adverse effects. The study was controlled but had a small cohort.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.580656/pdf – This placebo-controlled, double-blind RCT involved 40 multiple myeloma patients receiving Agaricus blazei extract (AndoSan) for 7 weeks. It reported improved hematological parameters, reduced fasting glucose and blood pressure, and increased NK cell activity. Despite its well-designed nature with placebo control, the study was limited by its small sample size and short duration.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7517625/ – This in vitro and ex vivo study investigated the effects of FA-2-b-β extract from Agaricus blazei on chronic myeloid leukemia cells. The research demonstrated that the extract induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin D1. While providing strong mechanistic insight, its preclinical nature means clinical relevance requires further confirmation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7285126/ – This systematic review comprehensively analyzed the antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic effects of Agaricus blazei. It found consistent preclinical evidence supporting immunomodulation and antitumor activity, with promising but limited clinical evidence. The review highlighted the need for more large-scale RCTs and noted heterogeneity in existing study designs.
Supplements Containing Blazei
One 'N' Only Men's Formula
Pure Essence Labs
Longevity Women's Formula
Pure Essence Labs
Daily Life Essentials
Mushroom Matrix
Complete Foods Multi
Trace Minerals Research
Complete Foods Multi
Trace Minerals Research
MaitakeGold 404 Patented Beta-Glucan Extract
Natural Factors
MaitakeGold 404 Patented Beta-Glucan Extract
Natural Factors