Agaricus Extract Research Summary
Although originating in the wild from fields northwest of Sao Paolo, Brazil, the cultivation of Agaricus blazei as a medicinal mushroom was originated in 1993 by Japanese mycologists.
As with most medicinal mushrooms, the primary focus of research on Agaricus extract has been on its anti-tumoral properties. Results are promising, particularly in regard to uterocervical cancers. [25]
According to one Japanese research paper, Agaricus blazei has more beta glucans than any other medicinal fungus. Research on beta glucans as isolated compounds is not included in this article but would be worthwhile investigating. [25]
While Agaricus extract appears to have little to no effect on cancer cell cultures grown in labs (in vitro), the tests conducted on live patients (in vivo) have been all the more promising. The conclusion from this would be that it works by stimulating the natural cancer-fighting mechanisms of the human immune system. [135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140]
In 2002, a Japanese study presented results indicating that Agaricus extract stimulates the immune system to perform a two-stage attack against cancer cells. In stage one, eight hours after administering Agaricus extract, the macrophages (white blood cells) excreted “alpha tumor necrosis factor,” a well-known cancer killing compound. In stage two, which happened an additional four hours later, another compound was excreted by the same macrophages to finish off cancer cells weakened by the initial attack. [141]
Another study found that Agaricus extract may help prevent breast cancer by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which is linked to that type of cancer. [142]
Both water and alcohol extracts of Agaricus blazei contain potentially important therapeutic compounds. [143] The mycelium (”roots”) in particular appear to contain high concentrations. [25]
The immune enhancing properties of Agaricus extract may also make it useful against other diseases. E.g. a study on Agaricus blazei against salmonella reported positive results. [144]
Finally a few words of caution: One test in 2003 showed that Agaricus blazei grown in China contained a significantly larger amount of cadmium than Agaricus grown in the United States. [145]
Secondly, although Agaricus extract has demonstrated some powerful anti-cancer properties, it also contains a family of cancer-inducing compounds known as agaritines. (These are also found in button mushrooms, crimini mushrooms and portobellos.)
A paper by Stijve et al. published in 2003 reported that Paul Stamets’ Agaricus blazei extract, produced in Washington state, contained drastically less of the carcinogenic agaritines compared with samples from China or California by a factor of 8000% and 2000% respectively. [145]
“Years ago, Paul Stamets … developed methods that precluded agaritines, and Stijve et al. (2003) published a comparison of commercial products from the US, China, and Japan. All but [Paul Stamets] products contained significant amounts of agaritine.” [145]
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following areas where research has shown Agaricus extract to have a beneficial effect: Viruses; Blood Sugar; Cholesterol; Colorectal Cancer; Sarcoma. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Leave a Comment