Organic Agaricus Blazei Extract
Also known as: Agaricus blazei, Himematsutake, Royal Sun Agaricus, AbM, Agaricus blazei Murrill
Overview
Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) is an edible Basidiomycetes mushroom native to Brazil and widely cultivated in East Asia. It is recognized for its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including proteoglycans, polysaccharides (notably β-glucans), and ergosterol. Primarily utilized as a dietary supplement, AbM extract is valued for its purported immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is often employed as a complementary therapy, particularly in individuals undergoing cancer treatment or managing chronic inflammatory conditions. While research on AbM is ongoing, with a growing body of preclinical studies and some randomized controlled trials (RCTs), high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses are still emerging. The current evidence suggests potential benefits in immune modulation and quality of life improvements, though large-scale definitive clinical trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy.
Benefits
Agaricus blazei extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in the realm of immune modulation and potential antitumor support. Clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have indicated immunomodulatory effects that may contribute to antitumor activity, such as improved natural killer (NK) cell activity and modulated cytokine profiles in multiple myeloma patients. Another RCT in prostate cancer patients observed a longer PSA doubling time, suggesting a potential slowing of tumor progression. Beyond direct antitumor effects, AbM has been shown to enhance overall immune surveillance by increasing NK cell activity. In gynecological cancer patients, oral AbM extract has been linked to improvements in quality of life and immune parameters during chemotherapy. Preclinical studies further support antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, with specific extracts inducing apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Some evidence also points to metabolic benefits, including reductions in fasting plasma glucose and blood pressure in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Most clinical data on AbM's benefits are derived from cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or with hematological malignancies.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Agaricus blazei are primarily attributed to its β-glucans and proteoglycans. These compounds activate innate immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial components of the body's immune defense. This activation leads to the production of various cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, which are key signaling molecules that orchestrate immune responses and enhance cytotoxic immune functions. Additionally, specific protein complexes within AbM, like FA-2-b-β, have been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in leukemia cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The moderate oral bioavailability of AbM's active compounds is optimized through the use of water extracts, which enhance the solubility and absorption of its beneficial polysaccharides.
Side effects
Agaricus blazei extracts are generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare side effect that may occur. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established, caution is advised for individuals who are immunocompromised or those taking immunosuppressant medications due to AbM's known immunomodulatory effects. The potential for interaction with these conditions or drugs warrants medical consultation. Long-term safety data for Agaricus blazei are currently limited, suggesting that prolonged use should be monitored. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those on prescription medications should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating AbM into their regimen to ensure its suitability and avoid potential complications.
Dosage
Optimal dosing for Agaricus blazei extract is not yet standardized, as clinical studies have utilized various dosages and formulations. For instance, one study in multiple myeloma patients administered Andosan extract (containing 82.4% AbM) at 60 ml per day for seven weeks. Another study in cancer patients used 20 ml of mushroom extracts twice daily. Generally, dosages in clinical trials for water extracts typically range from 20 to 60 ml per day. The timing of supplementation is often concurrent with chemotherapy or as a complementary therapy. Water extracts are commonly preferred due to their enhanced bioavailability of polysaccharides, which are key active compounds. It is important to note that these dosages are based on research settings, and individual needs may vary. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine an appropriate and safe dosage.
FAQs
Is it safe to take Agaricus blazei during chemotherapy?
Clinical trials suggest that Agaricus blazei may improve immune function and quality of life during chemotherapy without adverse interactions, making it a potentially safe adjunct therapy.
How soon can benefits from Agaricus blazei be seen?
Immune modulation and improvements in quality of life have been reported within weeks of consistent Agaricus blazei supplementation in clinical studies.
Does Agaricus blazei extract cure cancer?
There is no evidence that Agaricus blazei extract cures cancer. It is considered a complementary therapy that may support immune function and improve quality of life as an adjunct to conventional treatments.
Are all Agaricus blazei extracts equally effective?
The composition of Agaricus blazei extracts can vary. Standardized water extracts, particularly those rich in β-glucans and proteoglycans, are the most studied and are generally considered more effective.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7285126/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized findings from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Agaricus blazei. It concluded that AbM extracts exhibit immunomodulatory and potential antitumor effects, evidenced by improved NK cell activity and quality of life in cancer patients. The study highlighted heterogeneity in extracts and outcomes, and the small sample sizes in some included trials.
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ol.2020.12133 – This in vitro and ex vivo study investigated the mechanistic action of an Agaricus blazei extract (FA-2-b-β) on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines and primary bone marrow cells. It demonstrated that the extract induces apoptosis in leukemia cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. While a high-quality mechanistic study, its findings are preclinical and require further clinical validation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.580656/pdf – This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial involved 40 multiple myeloma patients undergoing chemotherapy. It found that supplementation with Andosan extract (82.4% AbM) for seven weeks improved immune parameters and reduced chemotherapy-related side effects. Despite its good RCT design, the study's small sample size and focus on a single cancer type limit the generalizability of its findings.