Organic White Button Mushroom
Also known as: White button mushroom, Common mushroom, Table mushroom, Organic white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus
Overview
Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the white button mushroom, is a widely consumed edible fungus recognized for its nutritional value and emerging health benefits. It is naturally low in calories and sugars, while being a good source of protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Beyond its culinary uses, it is increasingly utilized as a dietary supplement ingredient due to its potential in cancer prevention and immune modulation. Key characteristics include its rich content of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, and various bioactive compounds that are believed to influence immune function. Research on *A. bisporus* is growing, with some clinical trials and observational studies indicating its potential, though more extensive systematic reviews specifically on its supplemental forms are still needed. The current evidence quality is moderate, with some well-conducted randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses on general mushroom consumption, but fewer studies focusing exclusively on white button mushrooms.
Benefits
White button mushrooms offer several evidence-based benefits, particularly in the areas of cancer prevention and immune modulation. Early-phase clinical trials suggest potential anti-cancer effects, especially in prostate cancer. A phase 2 clinical trial demonstrated that supplementation reduced tumor-promoting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and increased anti-tumor T and natural killer cells in men with prostate cancer under active surveillance, indicating immune-mediated slowing of progression. Another trial reported a decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in about one-third of patients with relapsed prostate cancer, with some achieving durable remissions. Beyond specific cancers, a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found that higher mushroom consumption (not limited to *A. bisporus*) was associated with a 45% lower risk of total cancer at an intake of 18 g/day, with the strongest association observed for breast cancer. Furthermore, an RCT integrating white button mushroom consumption (84 g/day) into a Mediterranean-style diet showed improvements in fasting serum glucose in overweight/obese adults, along with exploratory benefits on mood, anxiety, and cognition, suggesting potential metabolic and brain health advantages. Immune modulation is also a key benefit, with evidence from human trials indicating that white button mushrooms may enhance immune function by reducing immunosuppressive cells and promoting anti-tumor immune cells.
How it works
White button mushrooms exert their effects through several mechanisms, primarily involving their rich content of bioactive compounds. They contain antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help reduce oxidative stress and improve cellular health and survival. A key mechanism involves their immunomodulatory properties: they decrease the presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are known to inhibit anti-tumor immunity, while simultaneously increasing the activity of anti-tumor T cells and natural killer cells. Bioactive polysaccharides and other compounds are believed to contribute to these immune-enhancing effects, although the precise molecular targets are still under investigation. The efficacy of these compounds is influenced by preparation and digestion, with whole mushroom consumption demonstrating effectiveness in clinical studies.
Side effects
White button mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption as both food and a supplement ingredient. Clinical trials have reported no major adverse effects or significant side effects associated with their use. No significant drug interactions have been documented in the reviewed studies. However, caution is advised when considering unregulated mushroom extracts purchased online, as these products often lack FDA approval and consistent quality control, potentially posing risks due to unknown purity or potency. While generally safe, individuals with specific health conditions, particularly cancer patients, should consult their healthcare providers before incorporating white button mushroom supplements into their regimen to ensure it aligns with their treatment plan and overall health status.
Dosage
Recommended dosages for white button mushrooms vary depending on the intended use and form. In observational studies, a daily intake of approximately 18 grams of mushrooms (not exclusively white button) has been associated with a 45% lower risk of total cancer. Clinical trials investigating specific health benefits have utilized higher doses; for instance, one randomized controlled trial incorporated 84 grams per day of white button mushrooms into a Mediterranean-style diet. In prostate cancer trials, specific mushroom extract supplements were administered for periods of 3 months or longer, though exact standardized doses for these extracts require further definition. The timing and form (whole mushroom versus extract) may influence efficacy, with whole mushroom consumption in a dietary context demonstrating benefits. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses used in clinical trials have been well tolerated with no reported adverse effects.
FAQs
Is white button mushroom supplementation effective for cancer?
Early-phase clinical trials suggest potential benefits in prostate cancer through immune modulation, showing reduced tumor-promoting cells and increased anti-tumor immune cells. However, larger randomized controlled trials are needed for definitive confirmation.
Are there safety concerns with white button mushrooms?
White button mushrooms are generally considered safe, with no significant side effects reported in clinical trials. However, caution is advised regarding unregulated mushroom extracts due to lack of quality control.
How long does it take to see benefits from white button mushroom supplementation?
In prostate cancer studies, immune changes and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reductions were observed after approximately 3 months of consistent supplementation.
Is consuming whole mushrooms better than taking an extract?
Most human studies demonstrating benefits have used whole mushrooms or incorporated them into the diet. While extracts exist, more research is needed to standardize their dosing and confirm their efficacy compared to whole mushroom consumption.
Research Sources
- https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/mushroom-supplement-displays-benefits-in-slowing-and-preventing-prostate-cancer – This article summarizes a phase 2 clinical trial where white button mushroom supplementation in men with prostate cancer under active surveillance reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and increased anti-tumor T and natural killer cells after 3 months. The study suggests immune-mediated slowing of cancer progression, though the sample size was small.
- https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/blog/urology/white-button-mushroom-clinical-trial-saint-johns-cancer-institute/ – This source discusses a clinical trial on relapsed prostate cancer patients where about one-third experienced a decrease in PSA levels, with some achieving durable remissions, after white button mushroom supplementation. It highlights the potential for immune function changes as a mechanism of action in prostate cancer management.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8483951/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 observational studies found that higher mushroom consumption (not limited to white button) was associated with a 45% lower risk of total cancer at an intake of 18 g/day, with the strongest association observed for breast cancer. The study suggests a protective effect of mushroom intake against cancer, though it notes the observational design limits causality.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11311880/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of consuming 84 g/day of white button mushrooms as part of a Mediterranean-style diet in overweight/obese adults. It reported improvements in fasting serum glucose and exploratory benefits on mood, anxiety, and cognition, suggesting potential metabolic and brain health advantages.
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