What is Agaricus blazei?

Agaricus blazei is a medicinal mushroom also known as Brazilian mushroom or Himematsutake. It is commonly used as an extract or powder in supplements.

What are the potential benefits of Agaricus blazei?

It is mainly studied for immune-modulating effects, with additional interest in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Evidence is stronger in preclinical research than in large human trials.

What is a typical dosage for Agaricus blazei supplements?

Common supplemental ranges are about 1,000–3,000 mg per day, depending on the product and extract strength. Follow the label and consider medical guidance if you have health conditions.

Is Agaricus blazei safe, and who should avoid it?

It is generally used as a dietary supplement, but safety can vary by product quality and individual factors. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have autoimmune conditions, take immunosuppressants, or are undergoing cancer treatment should consult a clinician before use.

Can Agaricus blazei be used alongside cancer therapy?

Some preliminary research has explored it as an adjunct to support quality of life or immune markers, but results are not conclusive. It should not replace standard treatment and should be discussed with the oncology team.

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Agaricus blazei

Limited research available·3/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Agaricus blazei is a medicinal mushroom with potential immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used in traditional and integrative medicine.

Longevity Anti-inflammatory Cancer-inhibitor Antioxidant Immune Booster

dose range

1000–3000 mg

Divided into 2–3 doses per day.

Consumption

Take with or without food; commonly used as capsule or hot water extract.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Any time of day. Dose may be divided for better GI tolerance.

Description

Agaricus blazei (also known as Brazilian mushroom or Himematsutake) is valued for its possible health-promoting effects, especially immune support and antioxidant potential. It contains beta-glucans and other bioactive compounds studied for their biological activities.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Limited

Note on evidence

Human studies are limited and often lack rigorous controls; most evidence comes from laboratory or animal models.

Immune system support

Limited

Agaricus blazei extract may enhance certain immune responses, particularly via increased natural killer cell activity and modulation of cytokine production.

Particularly relevant for: Adults seeking immune support

s1 · NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Agaricus mushroom s2 · Examine.com — Agaricus blazei s5 · PubMed — Effects of Agaricus blazei on immune function s6 · Frontiers in Pharmacology — Agaricus blazei: Biology and medicinal effects

Anti-inflammatory effects

Limited

Animal and in vitro studies suggest that Agaricus blazei may reduce inflammation by modulating levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals seeking anti-inflammatory options

s2 · Examine.com — Agaricus blazei s6 · Frontiers in Pharmacology — Agaricus blazei: Biology and medicinal effects

Antioxidant activity

Limited

Extracts of Agaricus blazei have shown antioxidant properties, notably scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in preclinical models.

Particularly relevant for: Adults interested in antioxidant support

s2 · Examine.com — Agaricus blazei s6 · Frontiers in Pharmacology — Agaricus blazei: Biology and medicinal effects

Potential adjunct in cancer care

Limited

Some preliminary studies indicate that Agaricus blazei may improve quality of life and some immune parameters in cancer patients when used alongside conventional therapy, though clinical data are inconclusive.

Particularly relevant for: Patients with cancer (only under medical supervision)

s3 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Agaricus blazei s4 · Cochrane Database: Immunomodulatory interventions in cancer

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally well-tolerated, but potential immune and anticoagulant effects require caution in specific populations.

warning notices

Rare allergic reactions can occur in individuals sensitive to mushrooms.
Potential immune-stimulating effects may be inappropriate for people with autoimmune diseases or organ transplants.
Preclinical studies suggest effects on blood clotting; caution is warranted in those with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners.
Avoid use if you have a known allergy to mushrooms or fungi.
People with autoimmune diseases should use only under medical supervision due to potential immune-stimulating effects.
Avoid use in those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications without medical advice since it may affect blood clotting.
Discontinue use before surgery due to possible effects on bleeding and immunity.

Known interactions with medications

Immunosuppressants
Anticoagulants

Contraindications / special precautions

Mushroom allergy
Autoimmune conditions (unless medically supervised)
Bleeding disorders

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Agaricus blazei may interact with immune-modulating drugs and anticoagulant medications due to its effects on immunity and blood clotting.

May reduce efficacy of immunosuppressant medications.

drug · Immunosuppressants

CautionLimited

Why

Immune-stimulating effects could counteract drugs like corticosteroids or transplant anti-rejection drugs.

recommendation

Use only under close medical supervision if on immunosuppressive therapy.

s1 · NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Agaricus mushroom s3 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Agaricus blazei

May increase risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant drugs.

drug · Anticoagulants

CautionLimited

Why

Agaricus blazei may have mild effects on blood clotting, potentially enhancing the effects of medications that thin the blood.

recommendation

Monitor for signs of bleeding and avoid combining unless under medical guidance.

s3 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Agaricus blazei s7 · EFSA Panel on Nutrition — Agaricus blazei safety

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Immunomodulation via beta-glucans

Beta-glucans in Agaricus blazei stimulate immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, promoting cytokine release and antiviral activity.

s2 · Examine.com — Agaricus blazei s5 · PubMed — Effects of Agaricus blazei on immune function s6 · Frontiers in Pharmacology — Agaricus blazei: Biology and medicinal effects