Agaricus blazei Murill: the Sun Mushroom

All the therapeutic properties of Agaricus blazei Murill

1. Immune system support

One of the most studied therapeutic properties of Agaricus blazei Murill is its ability to stimulate the immune system, making it more efficient in protecting the body from infections and diseases. The beta-glucans it contains bind to specific receptors present on immune cells, such as macrophages and T lymphocytes, thus activating a more effective immune response.

In particular, beta-glucans activate macrophages, which are key immune cells in the defense against external pathogens. This activation occurs through the receptors Dectin-1 and CR3, present on some of the most important immune cells (such as macrophages, Natural Killer lymphocytes and neutrophils) specialized in the body’s wide-ranging defense activities, which start a cascade of biochemical signals, including the stimulation of the production of cytokines, molecules fundamental in activating the most important immune functions (Bernardshaw, 2005, 2006; Hetland, 2008).

Thanks to these properties, Agaricus blazei Murill, which stimulates the activity of NK (natural killer) lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, cells essential for the elimination of infected or damaged cells, is very important in strengthening the body's immune defenses against many diseases.

2. Support in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases

Another important mechanism of action of Agaricus blazei is its ability to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a common factor in many degenerative diseases and creates health problems. The compounds present in this Medicinal Mushroom can modulate the inflammatory response, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-α, which are responsible for acute, but especially chronic, inflammation.

At the same time, Agaricus blazei Murill stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), which help balance the immune response and reduce the risk of excessive inflammation. These functions make Agaricus blazei particularly useful in contexts where inflammatory response plays a central role, such as in autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases.

3. Antioxidant and anti-aging action

In addition to strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation, Agaricus blazei Murill also has important antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress, which occurs when the body accumulates an excess of free radicals, is one of the main causes of premature aging and numerous diseases. Antioxidant bioactive compounds present in Agaricus blazei, such as SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) and other enzymes, have been shown to possess strong antioxidant activity. These compounds neutralize free radicals, reducing cellular damage and protecting cells in the skin and throughout the body from oxidative stress. This protective effect can have a positive impact on the general health of important organs, such as the liver, brain, heart, eyes, promoting longevity and reducing the risk of age-related diseases, which, as science has revealed, are also favored by free radicals (Halpern, 2007).

4. Liver protection

Another very important effect of Agaricus blazei Murill is its ability to protect and support the liver. Scientific studies suggest that this Medicinal Mushroom can improve liver function and help protect the liver from damage induced by toxins or metabolic stress. Two research teams demonstrated that Agaricus not only strengthened the liver's cleansing activity, but was also able to bring elevated transaminase values back to normal (Hsu, 2008b; Inuzuka, 2002). This is why Agaricus blazei Murill can be a valuable ally for a healthy liver.

5. Improved physical and mental stamina

In addition to its benefits on the immune and inflammatory systems, Agaricus blazei has been traditionally used to improve physical and mental stamina. Its active ingredients, together with the essential nutrients it contains, help improve energy and vitality, promoting better performance during physical and mental activities. The use of this Medicinal Mushroom can therefore be of support to those who are tired or are seeking a natural Food Supplement to improve general performance (Zhang, 2015).

6. Overweight and Metabolism

Agaricus stimulates the metabolism and helps in weight management. It tends to reduce appetite and eliminate body weight only when it is in excess, through the stimulation of adiponectin, the hormone that dissolves accumulated fat to produce energy (Hsu,2008a).


7. Metabolic diseases and diabetes

Agaricus blazei Murill has beneficial effects on blood sugar regulation and is especially useful for people with metabolic syndrome and diabetes (Vitak,2015; Yurkiv,2015). The polysaccharides contained in this Medicinal Mushroom help regulate blood sugar levels. Prof. Hsu noted that the use of Agaricus blazei in a sample of more than 100 patients reduced glycated hemoglobin (Hsu,2008a).

8. Skin and liver

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Agaricus blazei improve skin health, protecting it from inflammatory processes and premature aging. In addition, this Medicinal Mushroom, as mentioned above, supports liver function by promoting detoxification and protecting the liver from damage induced by toxins.

In short, Agaricus blazei Murill is truly a Medicinal Mushroom with extraordinary properties that has been shown to have beneficial effects on multiple health issues. Its therapeutic potential makes it a powerful ally that nature offers us to improve the health and general well-being of our body.

Bibliography

Bernardshaw S , Hetland G, Ellertsen LK, Tryggestad AMA, Johnson E. (2005): “An extract of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill differentially stimulates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes and human vein endothelial cells in vitro .” Inflammation, 29(4-6): 147-153.
Bernardshaw S, Hetland G, Grinde B, Johnson E. (2006): “An extract of the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill protects against lethal septicemia in a mouse model of fecal peritonitis.” Shock, 25(4): 420-425.
Halpern GM. (2007): “ Healig Mushrooms.“ Square One Pub , Feb .
Hetland G, Johnson E, Lyberg T, Bernardshaw S, Tryggestad AMA, Grinde B. (2008): “Effects of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on immunity, infection and cancer.” Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 68(4): 363-370.
Hsu CH, Liao YL, Lin SC, Hwang KC, Chou P. (2008a): “The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill in combination with Metformin and Gliclazide improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled clinical trial.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1): 97-102.
Hsu CH, Hwang KC, Chiang YH, Chou P. (2008b): “The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill extract normalizes liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14 (3): 299-301.
Hyde KD, Bahkali AH, Moslem MA. (2010): “Fungi an unusual source for cosmetics.” Fungal diversity, 43(1): 1-9.
Inuzuka H, Yoshida T. (2002): “Clinical utility of ABCL (Agaricus Mushroom Extract) treatment for C-type hepatitis.” Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 30: 103-107.
Vitak TY, Wasser SP, Nevo E, Sybirna NO. (2015): “The Effect of the Medicinal Mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis and Ganoderma lucidum (Higher Basidiomycetes) on the Erythron System in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.” International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 17(3): 277-286.
Yurkiv B, Wasser SP, Nevo E, Sybirna NO. (2015): “The effect of Agaricus brasiliensis and Ganoderma lucidum medicinal mushroom administration on the L-arginine/nitric oxide system and rat leukocyte apoptosis in experimental Type 1 diabetes mellitus.” International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 17(4): 339-350.
Zhang C, Gao X, Sun Y , Sun .” International journal of medicinal mushrooms , 17(1): 1-10.