Supports immune function*

Agaricus blazei, the Almond Portabella Mushroom, has been the subject of research in Japan, where investigations have focused on the role of mushroom polysaccharides as "biological response modifiers that can stimulate immune function. Studies have shown that beta glucans extracted from Agaricus are the active polysaccharides, with 1,6 beta-glucan as the most potent immunomodulator.³ Fungi-derived beta glucans have been found to stimulate the release of tumor necrosis factor from immune cells called "macrophages."⁴ While activating the immune response to abnormal cells, beta glucans have no effect on normal cells.⁵

Additional experiments have shown that Agaricus blazei activates the alternative complement pathway, which is an important part of the body’s immune defense against foreign organisms.⁶ Agaricus extracts have demonstrated an ability to help maintain cellular health through an antimutagenic effect on cells.^2,7 In the test tube, isolated fractions of Agaricus blazei have been found to inhibit proliferation of white blood cells and cytokines that can cause inflammation if over expressed. These results suggest Agaricus may help regulate immune over-activity.⁸

Liver protection against toxins*

A water extract of Agaricus blazei was tested on rat liver cells exposed to the toxic chemical diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Rats were administered the mushroom extract for two weeks and then injected with the toxin. Compared to control rats that did not receive the extract, the rats given Agaricus showed markedly less liver damage. Different doses of the toxin where used to gauge the level of protection exerted by the mushroom. Liver enzymes were lower in rats that received moderate, but not high, doses of the toxin, leading researchers to conclude that Agaricus protects against moderate, but not severe, chemical-induced liver toxicity. No adverse effects were seen.⁹

A group of medical researchers in China has reported that 10 hepatitis patients given Agaricus blazei showed improvements in liver function and hematology tests.¹⁰

Safety

Suggested Adult Use: 3 capsules daily.

Scientific References

1. Menoli, R. et al. Antimutagenic effects of the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill extracts on V79 cells. Mutation Research 2001; 496:5-13.

2. Takeshi, T, Kimura, Y, Okuda, H. Isolation of an antitumor compound from Agaricus blazei Murrill and its mechanism of action. J. Nutr. 2001;131:1409-13.

3. Ohno, N, et al. Antitumor beta-glucan from the cultured fruit body of Agaricus blazei. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2001;24(7):820-28.

4. Olson. E, et al. Fungal beta-glucan interacts with vitronectin and stimulates tumor necrosis factor release from macrophages. Infection and Immunity 1996; 64:3548-54.

5. Fujimiya, Y, et al. Tumor-specific cytocidal and immunopotentiating effects of relatively low molecular weight products derived from the Basidiomycete, Agaricus blazei Murril. Anticancer Research 1999;19:113-18

6. Shimizu, S, et al. Activation of the alternative complement pathway by Agaricus blazei Murrill Phytomedicine 2002; 9(6):536-45.

7. de Olivera, JM, et al. Antigenotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of sun mushroom (Agaricus blazei Murrill lineage 99/26) in mammalian cells in vitro. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2002; 40:1775-80.

8. Kuo, Y-C, et al. Cell cycle progression and cytokine gene expression of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells modulated by Agaricus blazei. J Lab Clin Med 2002; 140:176-87.

9. Barbisan, LF, et al. Influence of aqueous extract of Agaricus blazei on rat liver toxicity induced by different doses of diethylnitrosamine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2002; 83:25-32.

10. Li Rong, W, et al. Observation on the treatment effect of Agaricus blazei Murrill to the liver function of chronic hepatitis patients. Unpublished report.

Reprinted with exclusive permission of Doctors Best.