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Agaricus Blazei Murrill Extract

Also known as: Agaricus brasiliensis, Almond mushroom, Royal Sun Agaricus, AbM, Agaricus blazei Murrill

Overview

Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM), also known as Agaricus brasiliensis or Royal Sun Agaricus, is a Basidiomycete mushroom native to Brazil, traditionally valued for its medicinal properties. Extracts, typically derived from its fruiting bodies or mycelium, are used as dietary supplements. AbM is primarily investigated for its immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer effects. Its bioactive compounds include proteoglycans, β-glucans, ergosterol, and acidic RNA-protein complexes like FA-2-b-β, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic actions. Research on AbM is ongoing, with a growing body of preclinical evidence and some emerging clinical trials, though large-scale, high-quality human studies are still limited. It is often explored as a complementary therapy, particularly in oncology and for immune system support.

Benefits

Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily in immune modulation, anticancer activity, and antimicrobial effects. Its anticancer properties are supported by preclinical studies showing induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in various cancer cell lines, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, often via pathways like Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Some clinical data suggest potential benefits as an adjunct therapy in metastatic breast cancer. AbM significantly enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses by activating the complement system and modulating cytokine production, making it beneficial for immunocompromised individuals. Furthermore, oral administration has demonstrated protection against bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae in animal models, indicating systemic antimicrobial properties. Secondary effects include the reduction of systemic inflammatory responses and improved bacterial clearance in sepsis models. While preclinical studies show strong statistical significance for these effects, large-scale human randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical significance and quantify effect sizes.

How it works

Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) exerts its effects primarily through immunomodulation and direct cellular interactions. Its key bioactive compounds, such as proteoglycans and β-glucans, interact with immune receptors like dectin-1 and toll-like receptors on immune cells. This interaction activates innate immunity, leading to the modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and activation of the complement system. In cancer cells, AbM extracts induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation by modulating signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin. It enhances the activity of immune cells like macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, contributing to improved pathogen clearance and reduced inflammation. While oral bioavailability of some active compounds may be limited, they can exert effects via interaction with gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Side effects

Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) is generally considered safe with a low toxicity profile based on animal and limited human studies. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, primarily involving gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant adverse events have been widely documented in controlled studies. However, due to its potent immunomodulatory effects, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions. AbM may interact with immunosuppressants, potentially reducing their efficacy, and could also influence the effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy should consult their healthcare provider before using AbM. Contraindications include immunocompromised patients or those on immunosuppressive drugs without medical supervision. Data on special populations such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe illnesses are limited, and its use in these groups is not recommended without professional medical advice.

Dosage

The optimal dosage for Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) extract is not yet definitively established and varies widely across studies, often depending on the extract's standardization (e.g., for β-glucans or proteoglycans). Clinical studies have utilized a broad range of doses, and there is no current consensus on a minimum effective dose or a maximum safe dose, though animal studies suggest high tolerability. AbM is typically administered orally on a daily basis. The timing relative to meals is not standardized, and there is no definitive information on whether co-administration with food or other supplements significantly influences its bioavailability. No specific cofactors are definitively required for its efficacy. Due to the lack of standardized dosing guidelines, it is crucial to follow product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional, especially when using it for specific health conditions.

FAQs

Is it safe to use Agaricus blazei extract alongside chemotherapy?

Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits as an adjunct therapy, but due to possible interactions with chemotherapy drugs and the immune system, consultation with your oncologist is essential before use.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Preclinical data show rapid cellular effects, but observable clinical benefits in humans may require weeks to months of consistent use. Individual responses can vary.

Does it cure cancer?

No, Agaricus blazei is not a standalone cure for cancer. It is considered a complementary therapy with immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects, intended to support conventional treatments.

Are there any allergic reactions?

Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity, such as skin rashes or difficulty breathing, and discontinue use if they occur.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/46/7/450 – This review, including clinical data, suggests that Agaricus blazei modulates innate immunity and may serve as an aid in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. It highlights the mushroom's potential as an immunomodulator, though notes the limitations of current research, which is predominantly preclinical.
https://www.scielo.br/j/rbfar/a/8St7yBCsYMBjTwZsjCkLg8k/?lang=en – This integrative review, combined with an animal study, demonstrates that oral Agaricus blazei extract protects against bacterial infection in mice models. The research confirms the mushroom's antimicrobial activity, but points out the absence of large-scale human randomized controlled trials.
https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ol.2020.12133 – This in vitro study, resembling an RCT, investigated the effects of Agaricus blazei extract (FA-2-b-β) on CML cell lines and primary cells. It found that the extract induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, providing strong evidence for its anticancer potential at a cellular level.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01238/full – This animal study, using a mouse sepsis model, showed that Agaricus blazei extract reduces inflammation and improves survival outcomes. The findings suggest its potential role in mitigating systemic inflammatory responses and enhancing bacterial clearance in severe infection scenarios.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21128829/ – This integrative review, covering preclinical studies from 2000-2009, comprehensively demonstrates the immune system modulation capabilities of Agaricus blazei. While providing a strong foundation for its immunomodulatory effects, it emphasizes that the evidence is primarily preclinical and lacks human randomized controlled trials.