Organic Royal Sun Agaricus extract
Also known as: Agaricus brasiliensis, Royal Sun Agaricus, Almond Mushroom, Himematsutake, Agaricus blazei Murrill
Overview
Agaricus blazei Murrill, also known as Royal Sun Agaricus or Almond Mushroom, is a basidiomycete mushroom native to Brazil, widely recognized for its use as a dietary supplement. It is primarily valued for its purported immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Extracts are typically derived from the fruiting bodies or mycelium and are often standardized for bioactive compounds like β-glucans and other polysaccharides. This supplement is commonly used for immune support, promoting liver health, and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. While preclinical data are abundant, human clinical trials, especially large-scale randomized controlled trials, are still limited, with many existing studies being small or open-label.
Benefits
Agaricus blazei offers several evidence-based benefits. It acts as an immune modulator, with clinical trials reporting increased natural killer (NK) cell activity and improved Th1/Th2 balance, indicating enhanced cellular immunity. Small pilot studies suggest improvements in liver function, showing reductions in liver enzymes (AST, ALT) in hepatitis B patients with prolonged supplementation (e.g., 1500 mg/day for 12 months). The mushroom also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and COX-2 expression. Animal models indicate potential antiallergic effects through the inhibition of allergic responses and modulation of IgE levels. Some evidence suggests metabolic benefits, including reductions in blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose in healthy subjects. While preclinical data support antitumor activity, robust clinical evidence for its use as a cancer adjunct is still emerging.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Agaricus blazei involves its bioactive compounds, particularly β-(1→3)-D-glucans and other polysaccharides. These compounds stimulate various immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T lymphocytes. By activating macrophages, they induce the production of cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and modulate the Th1/Th2 immune response, thereby enhancing cellular immunity and reducing allergic inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme and suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling pathways like JNK. Additionally, the extract may contribute to improved liver function by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation within hepatic tissues. The immune effects are thought to be largely mediated via the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, given the moderate oral bioavailability of β-glucans.
Side effects
Agaricus blazei is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in trials lasting up to 6 months at doses as high as 9000 mg/day. Common side effects are rare. However, isolated cases of severe hepatic damage and fulminant hepatitis have been reported, necessitating caution, particularly in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. While no major drug interactions are extensively documented, caution is advised when combining Agaricus blazei with immunosuppressants or chemotherapy agents due to its immunomodulatory properties. Contraindications include known mushroom allergies and potentially severe liver disease. The safety of Agaricus blazei during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and its use in these populations is not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Agaricus blazei in clinical studies typically range from 1500 mg/day to 9000 mg/day. For instance, a pilot study on hepatitis B patients used 1500 mg/day, while healthy subjects tolerated up to 9000 mg/day without adverse effects. A common recommendation for general supplementation is around 3000 mg/day, often divided into multiple doses, taken consistently for 3 to 6 months to observe immune and metabolic benefits. Liver enzyme improvements may require longer durations, up to 12 months. Higher doses should only be used under strict medical supervision. The timing of intake relative to meals is not considered critical, but consistent daily administration is important for sustained effects. For optimal and reproducible results, extracts standardized for their β-glucan content are preferred.
FAQs
Is it safe for long-term use?
Limited data suggest safety for up to 6 months; however, more extensive research is needed to confirm its long-term safety beyond this period.
Does it cure hepatitis or cancer?
No, Agaricus blazei is not a cure. It may support liver function and immune response but should not be considered a standalone treatment for hepatitis or cancer.
When do benefits appear?
Immune and metabolic benefits may be observed after approximately 3 months of consistent use, while improvements in liver enzymes might take up to 12 months.
Can it cause allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to mushrooms.
Research Sources
- https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2619&context=facpub – This randomized controlled trial on 23 healthy adults over 3-6 months found significant reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose, alongside increased NK cell activity, with no reported adverse effects. While controlled, the study's small sample size and lack of a placebo control limit its overall quality.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21655979.2021.2001183 – This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Agaricus blazei, particularly how β-glucans inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and COX-2. It primarily synthesizes findings from in vitro and animal studies, providing a moderate-quality mechanistic understanding but with limited direct clinical human data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3833359/ – This open-label pilot study involving 4 hepatitis B patients over 12 months reported significant decreases in AST and ALT levels. Due to its very small sample size and lack of a control group, this study provides low-quality preliminary data, suggesting potential but not conclusive benefits for liver function.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2e05/0d8f8fb3e8b77a5670f871f805617773cff3.pdf – This source, likely related to the pilot study on hepatitis B patients, details the observed reductions in liver enzymes (AST and ALT). It reinforces the findings of the very small, uncontrolled study, highlighting the need for more robust clinical trials to confirm these preliminary observations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7285126/ – This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence for Agaricus blazei's antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic effects, emphasizing immune modulation via macrophage activation. While thorough, it notes that much of the evidence is preclinical, with a limited number of high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials, thus offering moderate quality overall.