Agaricus Blazeii Fruiting Body Extract
Also known as: Agaricus blazei, almond mushroom, royal sun agaricus, AbM, Agaricus blazei Murill
Overview
Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) is an edible mushroom native to Brazil, widely recognized for its potential health benefits. It is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements, primarily consumed as a fruiting body extract. The mushroom contains several bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, proteoglycans, and ergosterol, which are believed to contribute to its purported immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. While extensive preclinical research supports these effects, human clinical trials, especially large-scale randomized controlled trials focusing specifically on the fruiting body extract, are limited. The evidence quality varies, with many studies being in vitro or small-scale, indicating a moderate level of research maturity. Despite this, Agaricus blazei is gaining attention for its potential role in supporting overall health and wellness.
Benefits
Agaricus blazei fruiting body extract has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It exhibits significant antitumor effects, showing antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity in various cancer cell lines, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, by modulating pathways like Wnt/β-catenin. Animal studies further support its ability to suppress tumor growth. The extract also acts as an immunomodulator, activating immune cells through receptors such as TLR2, dectin-1, and CR3, which can lead to increased production of cytokines like IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-12. In rodent models, Agaricus blazei extract has shown promise in preventing diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, suggesting potential metabolic benefits. Additionally, some animal studies indicate antimicrobial activity, possibly by inhibiting TLR-4 mediated NF-kB activation, though human data for this effect remain inconclusive. The strength of evidence for these benefits is generally moderate, with a strong foundation in preclinical studies but limited robust human clinical trials.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Agaricus blazei are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly β-glucans and proteoglycans. In terms of antitumor activity, the extract induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation by modulating key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, in cancer cells. For immunomodulation, β-glucans and proteoglycans bind to specific receptors on immune cells, including TLR2, dectin-1, and CR3. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular events, leading to the activation of immune cells and the subsequent release of various cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-12, which are crucial for immune responses. The extract may also influence metabolic pathways related to insulin sensitivity and inflammation, as observed in animal models. While the exact absorption of β-glucans in humans is still being investigated, immune effects may be mediated through their interaction with receptors in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Side effects
Agaricus blazei fruiting body extract is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in clinical or animal studies. While specific common side effects are not well-documented, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a potential, though infrequent, possibility. There are no clearly established significant drug interactions or contraindications for its use. However, due to its immunomodulatory properties, individuals with specific health conditions, particularly cancer patients or those with compromised immune systems, should use Agaricus blazei under strict medical supervision. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing medical conditions. The long-term safety profile and potential interactions with a wide range of medications require further comprehensive research.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Agaricus blazei fruiting body extract are not well-established due to the limited number of large-scale human clinical trials. Most available data come from preclinical studies or human trials using different forms or extracts (e.g., mycelium extract like Andosan™). In animal studies, a wide range of doses has been used, but these do not directly translate to human recommendations. Some human studies involving commercial extracts, such as Andosan™ (a mycelium extract), have suggested doses around 60 mL/day. However, this dosage may not be applicable to fruiting body extracts, which can have different concentrations of active compounds. Optimal dosing for specific health benefits, timing considerations, and different purposes requires further rigorous randomized controlled trials to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations. Currently, there are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds for Agaricus blazei fruiting body extract, emphasizing the need for caution and professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Agaricus blazei effective against cancer?
Preclinical studies show promising antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell growth. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking, and more research is needed.
Can it help with metabolic syndrome?
Animal studies suggest potential benefits in preventing diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. However, human data are insufficient to confirm these effects, and further research is required.
Is Agaricus blazei safe to use?
It is generally considered safe with no major adverse effects reported. However, individuals who are immunocompromised or on medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.
How long does it take to see effects from Agaricus blazei?
The time frame to observe effects is currently unknown. Most studies are short-term or preclinical, and there is insufficient human data to provide a definitive answer.
Research Sources
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ol.2020.12133 – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Agaricus blazei extract (FA-2-b-β) on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines and primary bone marrow cells. The findings indicated that the extract induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, providing strong mechanistic insights into its potential antitumor activity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7285126/ – This review synthesized preclinical and some clinical studies on Agaricus blazei, focusing on its immunomodulatory and proinflammatory effects mediated by β-glucans. It highlighted the mushroom's potential in immune modulation and noted clinical promise, particularly with mycelium extracts, while acknowledging the heterogeneity of data and limited randomized controlled trials.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/oby.20276 – This randomized controlled trial in rats demonstrated that dietary supplementation with Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) extract prevented diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance over a 20-week period. The study provides good preclinical evidence for the mushroom's potential metabolic benefits, although human validation is still needed.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbfar/a/8St7yBCsYMBjTwZsjCkLg8k/?lang=en – This review examined animal and human studies on the antimicrobial effects of Agaricus blazei. It concluded that while antimicrobial activity was observed in animal models, the evidence in humans remains inconclusive due to a lack of robust human trials, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.