White Button Mushroom Powder
Also known as: White Button Mushroom, WBM, Agaricus bisporus
Overview
Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the White Button Mushroom (WBM), is the most widely cultivated edible mushroom globally, consumed fresh or as a powder supplement. It is recognized as a functional food due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, vitamins, and minerals. These components are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits, which encompass immune modulation, reduction of cancer risk, metabolic support, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. While research on WBM is ongoing and includes observational studies, animal models, and some human trials, more extensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses are needed to solidify its clinical applications.
Benefits
White Button Mushroom (WBM) offers several evidence-based benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies indicated a significant nonlinear dose-response relationship between mushroom consumption (including WBM) and reduced total cancer risk, showing a 45% lower risk at an intake of 18 g/day compared to no intake (RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.36–0.86). This suggests a strong potential for cancer prevention. WBM has also demonstrated immune-modulating effects, reducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal models, which points to its role in regulating immune responses and inflammation. Furthermore, a controlled pig study revealed that WBM supplementation modulated liver and brain metabolites, increasing neurotransmitter precursors (glutamine, methionine, threonine) and altering lipid profiles, suggesting potential benefits for brain health and metabolic function. Lastly, WBM consumption has been linked to the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, crucial for gut health and systemic inflammation control.
How it works
White Button Mushroom (WBM) exerts its effects through several mechanisms. It contains compounds that act as androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced AR activation and the expression of TMPRSS2, a protease involved in prostate cancer and viral entry pathways. Its immunomodulatory properties are linked to the reduction of MDSCs and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting an influence on innate immune responses, likely mediated by bioactive polysaccharides and antioxidants. WBM also modulates metabolites by altering glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and amino acid precursors in tissues, which can impact membrane integrity, neurotransmission, and various metabolic pathways. Additionally, its bioactive compounds support intestinal epithelial integrity, possibly through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, thereby enhancing gut barrier function.
Side effects
White Button Mushroom (WBM) is generally considered safe for consumption as both a food and a supplement ingredient. The reviewed scientific literature, including animal studies and human trials, has not reported any significant adverse effects associated with its use. There are no specific side effects, contraindications, or drug interactions documented in the available high-quality studies. This suggests a favorable safety profile for WBM. However, as with any dietary supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking medications, or pregnant/nursing women should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating WBM into their regimen. While no specific risks have been identified, individual sensitivities or allergies to mushrooms are always a possibility, though rare for Agaricus bisporus.
Dosage
Effective dosages for White Button Mushroom (WBM) vary depending on the desired outcome and are largely derived from animal studies and observational human data. In animal studies, doses equivalent to 75 g to 150 g of fresh WBM daily (human equivalent doses) showed metabolic and neurological effects after 6 weeks. For cancer risk reduction, observational human data suggest benefits at mushroom intakes around 18 g/day. However, specific clinical trial data on optimal dosing, timing, and form (powder vs. fresh) for humans are limited and require further research. Given its safety profile as a food, daily consumption within these ranges is generally considered safe. It is advisable to start with lower doses and gradually increase, monitoring for individual responses. Upper limits and safety thresholds for concentrated WBM powder are not yet definitively established, emphasizing the need for further human clinical trials.
FAQs
Is WBM safe for daily consumption?
Yes, White Button Mushroom is widely consumed as food and appears safe with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical or animal studies, making it suitable for daily intake.
How long does it take to see benefits from WBM?
Animal studies showed metabolic changes after 6 weeks. Cancer risk reduction benefits are based on long-term observational data, suggesting sustained consumption is beneficial.
Does WBM interact with medications?
No significant drug interactions have been reported in high-quality studies. However, always consult a healthcare professional if you are on medication.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8625434/ – This controlled pig feeding study investigated the effects of WBM supplementation on metabolism. It found that WBM modulated liver and brain metabolites, increasing neurotransmitter precursors and altering lipid profiles, suggesting potential benefits for brain health and metabolic function. The study highlights WBM's impact on key metabolic pathways.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-021-00102-6 – This research, involving mouse models and a human prostate cancer phase I trial, demonstrated that WBM antagonized androgen receptor-mediated TMPRSS2 expression. It also reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, supporting WBM's immunoregulatory and anti-cancer mechanisms. The study provides insights into its molecular actions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8483951/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of seven observational studies found a significant nonlinear dose-response relationship between mushroom intake and reduced cancer risk. Specifically, it reported a 45% lower risk of cancer at an intake of 18 g/day, providing strong evidence for WBM's role in cancer prevention.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfbc.13979 – This review supports the antiproliferative effects of White Button Mushroom in breast cancer animal models. It consolidates existing evidence on WBM's potential to inhibit cancer cell growth and progression, reinforcing its anti-cancer properties.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.70133?af=R – This research indicates that White Button Mushroom consumption is associated with the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. This finding suggests WBM plays a role in supporting gut health, which is crucial for overall systemic inflammation control and nutrient absorption.
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