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.
The primary focus of research conducted on Agaricus extract has been devoted to its cancer combating potential, in particular in regards to uterocervical [25] and breast cancer.
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]
A Japanese study from 2002 reported that Agaricus extract appeared to stimulate macrophages (white blood cells) to perform a two-phased assault on cancer cells. The first phase began eight hours after the intake of Agaricus extract, when the patient's macrophages began excreting a cancer killing agent known as "alpha tumor necrosis factor." The second phase started another four hours later, when the same macrophages began excreting a different agent designed to finish off the cancer cells weakened by the first assault. [141]
Another specific cancer related effect of Agaricus extract is that it inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which is associated with the development of breast cancer. [142]
Both alcohol and water extracts of Agaricus blazei have been shown to contain important medicinal compounds, [143] particularly extracts of the mycelium ("roots"). [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]
Some words of caution: A 2003 comparison between different sources of Agaricus blazei reported that samples from China contained significantly higher levels of the heavy metal cadmium than samples from the U.S. [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 2003 study by Stijve et al. found that the Agaricus blazei extract produced in the U.S. by medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets contained significantly less agaritines compared with Agaricus blazei from California or China by a factor of 2000% and 8000% 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. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
The primary focus of research conducted on Agaricus extract has been devoted to its cancer combating potential, in particular in regards to uterocervical [25] and breast cancer.
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]
A Japanese study from 2002 reported that Agaricus extract appeared to stimulate macrophages (white blood cells) to perform a two-phased assault on cancer cells. The first phase began eight hours after the intake of Agaricus extract, when the patient's macrophages began excreting a cancer killing agent known as "alpha tumor necrosis factor." The second phase started another four hours later, when the same macrophages began excreting a different agent designed to finish off the cancer cells weakened by the first assault. [141]
Another specific cancer related effect of Agaricus extract is that it inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which is associated with the development of breast cancer. [142]
Both alcohol and water extracts of Agaricus blazei have been shown to contain important medicinal compounds, [143] particularly extracts of the mycelium ("roots"). [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]
Some words of caution: A 2003 comparison between different sources of Agaricus blazei reported that samples from China contained significantly higher levels of the heavy metal cadmium than samples from the U.S. [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 2003 study by Stijve et al. found that the Agaricus blazei extract produced in the U.S. by medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets contained significantly less agaritines compared with Agaricus blazei from California or China by a factor of 2000% and 8000% 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. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He now focuses on medicinal fungi, including Agaricus Extract, in cooperation with Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For the scientific references to this article, go to the Extract of Agaricus blazei page and click on any number indicating a reference.
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