Agrocybe Aegerita Mushroom
Also known as: Agrocybe aegerita, Agrocybe cylindracea, Black poplar mushroom, Pioppino, Velvet pioppino
Overview
Agrocybe aegerita, also known as black poplar mushroom or pioppino, is an edible mushroom native to Europe and Asia, commonly found on hardwood trees like poplar. It is cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes. This mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, and polyphenols, which are associated with various health-promoting effects. It is used as a functional food and supplement due to its bioactive compounds, with potential applications in immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Research on Agrocybe aegerita is still in its early to moderate stages, with most studies being preclinical or in vitro. While in vitro and animal studies show promise, human clinical trials are limited, and no systematic reviews or meta-analyses specific to Agrocybe aegerita in humans have been identified in major databases. Therefore, while promising, more research is needed to confirm its benefits in humans.
Benefits
Agrocybe aegerita exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by in vitro studies. Polysaccharide-polyphenolic complexes from A. aegerita have demonstrated anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm activity, significantly reducing pyocyanin (by ~40–60%), pyoverdine (by ~30–50%), and swarming activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, with biofilm inhibition rates exceeding 50% at certain concentrations. Preclinical studies also suggest anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, though human data are lacking. Additionally, the mushroom's polyphenols and polysaccharides exhibit antioxidant properties in vitro. Observational studies on general mushroom consumption suggest a lower risk of cancer, but this is not specific to A. aegerita. While these findings are promising, the clinical significance in humans remains largely unknown due to the limited availability of human clinical trials.
How it works
Agrocybe aegerita's potential health benefits are attributed to its bioactive compounds, primarily polysaccharides (β-glucans) and polyphenols. These compounds exert their effects through several biological pathways. Polysaccharides modulate the immune system by activating immune cells via pattern recognition receptors. Both polyphenols and polysaccharides contribute to anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, the mushroom exhibits antimicrobial properties by inhibiting quorum sensing and biofilm formation in bacteria. The molecular targets include Toll-like receptors, the NF-κB pathway, and bacterial quorum sensing systems. While absorption and bioavailability data are limited, it is suggested that these compounds may exert effects via gut microbiota modulation.
Side effects
Agrocybe aegerita is generally recognized as safe when consumed as food. However, there is limited data on the safety of concentrated extracts or long-term supplementation. As such, caution is advised. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been reported in available literature. There are no known significant drug interactions, although a theoretical risk exists with immunosuppressants due to the mushroom's immunomodulatory effects. No specific contraindications have been established, but caution is advised in immunocompromised individuals pending further data. There is currently no data on the safety of Agrocybe aegerita in pregnancy, lactation, or children, so use in these populations should be approached with caution. It is important to note that this assessment is based on limited data, and more comprehensive safety studies are needed, especially for concentrated extracts.
Dosage
Due to the limited human clinical data, a minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose for Agrocybe aegerita have not been established. Typical culinary use involves 50–100 g of fresh mushroom per serving, but extract dosages in studies vary widely. There are no established timing considerations. The mushroom can be consumed as a whole mushroom, powdered extract, or polysaccharide-polyphenolic complex, but bioavailability may differ between forms. Polysaccharides and polyphenols are generally poorly absorbed, suggesting that their effects may be mediated via gut microbiota. No required cofactors have been identified. Until more research is available, it is advisable to adhere to culinary usage and exercise caution with concentrated extracts.
FAQs
Is Agrocybe aegerita safe to consume?
When consumed as a food, Agrocybe aegerita is generally recognized as safe. However, caution is advised when using concentrated extracts due to limited safety data.
What are the potential benefits of Agrocybe aegerita?
In vitro studies suggest potential immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
How should Agrocybe aegerita be taken?
Currently, there are no established guidelines for supplementation. Culinary use is considered safe. Consult a healthcare professional before using concentrated extracts.
Can Agrocybe aegerita replace medical treatment?
No, Agrocybe aegerita should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is a functional food with potential benefits, but it is not a replacement for prescribed medications or therapies.
Are there any risks associated with Agrocybe aegerita?
While generally safe as a food, there may be theoretical risks with immunosuppressants due to its immunomodulatory effects. More research is needed to fully assess the safety profile of concentrated extracts.
Research Sources
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21501203.2023.2292994 – This in vitro study investigates the functional properties of a polysaccharide-polyphenolic complex (AMPP) from Agrocybe aegerita. The key finding is that AMPP significantly inhibits quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting potential antimicrobial applications. However, the study's limitations include the absence of human data, which means the in vitro results may not directly translate to clinical effects.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/9/1153 – This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of secondary metabolites from the genus Agrocybe, including Agrocybe aegerita. It summarizes the bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and polyphenols, and their associated biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. The review's limitation is the scarcity of human clinical data, with most evidence being preclinical.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21655979.2021.2001183 – This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the therapeutic and biological effects of edible and wild mushrooms, including observational studies on mushroom consumption. The key finding is that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer. However, the study is not specific to Agrocybe aegerita, and the observational design limits causal inference.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/m/mushroom+agrocybe+aegerita.html – This link provides access to research related to Agrocybe aegerita, offering insights into its potential applications and properties. The information available through Science.gov can help researchers and the public explore the scientific literature and findings related to this mushroom species.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39756726/ – This PubMed entry likely provides access to a study or review related to Agrocybe aegerita. PubMed is a database of biomedical literature, and this entry would offer details on the study's methodology, results, and conclusions, contributing to the overall understanding of the mushroom's properties and potential applications.
