Laura Smith
Agaricus, also known as Agaricus Blazei Murrill, is a mushroom native to Brazil that has been used in traditional medicine for a range of diseases. It is typically sold as a liquid extract, tea, or capsule, and is also consumed as food. Agaricus extract is thought to have a variety of health benefits, including improving liver function, reducing allergy symptoms, and boosting the immune system. It has also been studied for its potential to treat cancer and diabetes, although more research is needed to confirm these effects. While generally safe for consumption, some side effects and interactions have been reported, so it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking agaricus mushroom extract.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | Agaricus is a mushroom that comes in the form of liquid extracts, teas, and capsules. |
| Origin | Brazil, but is now grown in China, Japan, and Brazil for sale. |
| Uses | Used for cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), ongoing liver disease, bloodstream disorders, digestive problems, prevention of heart disease, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and stomach ulcers. |
| Benefits | May help prevent atherosclerosis, has antitumor and antimetastatic activity, may reduce side effects of chemotherapy, may improve liver function in hepatitis B patients, may protect against allergy. |
| Side Effects | May cause itching, nausea, and diarrhea, may cause liver damage, may cause allergic reactions, may cause cheilitis. |
| Precautions | Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, avoid if allergic to mushrooms, may cause blood sugar to go too low (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes, may interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. |
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What You'll Learn
Agaricus mushroom extract is used to treat type 2 diabetes
Agaricus, a mushroom species originating in Brazil, has been used for centuries as a medicinal supplement. It is consumed as a food, tea, and liquid extract, and is also available in capsule form. Agaricus mushroom extract is one of the most popular forms of the supplement, and it has been studied for its potential health benefits.
One of the most well-known uses of agaricus mushroom extract is for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by “insulin resistance”, where the body is unable to properly use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Many medications used to treat type 2 diabetes work by lowering insulin resistance, and research has shown that agaricus mushroom extract may enhance the effectiveness of these medications.
Agaricus mushroom extract contains chemicals that can improve the body's use of insulin and decrease insulin resistance. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that subjects with type 2 diabetes who took an Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) extract supplement for 12 weeks had significantly lower insulin resistance compared to the control group. The study also showed an increase in plasma adiponectin concentration, which is beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.
In addition to its potential benefits for type 2 diabetes, agaricus mushroom extract has been studied for its effects on cancer treatment, high cholesterol, liver disease, digestive problems, and the prevention of heart disease, weakened bones, and stomach ulcers. However, it is important to note that agaricus mushroom extract may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, especially when taken with diabetes medications. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
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It is also used to reduce side effects of chemotherapy
Agaricus mushroom is a fungus that originated in Brazil and is now grown in China, Japan, and Brazil for medicinal use and sale. It is also known as Brazilian sun mushroom or Agaricus blazei. The extract is used as medicine and is commonly consumed as tea or in capsule form.
Agaricus mushroom extract is used to treat various health issues, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, digestive problems, and liver disease. It is also used to reduce side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients.
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it often causes severe side effects such as nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, alopecia, and gastrointestinal issues. Developing research suggests that taking Agaricus mushroom extract alongside chemotherapy may help reduce these side effects.
For example, in a study of patients with gynecological cancers, those who received Agaricus blazei Murill alongside chemotherapy experienced fewer side effects such as loss of appetite, weakness, and alopecia compared to those in the placebo group. Additionally, Agaricus sylvaticus extract has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting, which are common side effects of chemotherapy.
While Agaricus mushroom extract shows potential in reducing chemotherapy side effects, it is important to note that it is not a cure or prevention for cancer. More research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety in cancer treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially during cancer treatment.
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Agaricus extract has been shown to have antitumor properties
Agaricus mushroom, also known as Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM), is a fungus that originated in Brazil but is now cultivated in China, Japan, and Brazil for medicinal uses and sale. It is often used as a food ingredient, particularly in soups, sauces, and teas. However, it has also been used as a remedy for various health issues, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and digestive problems.
Agaricus mushroom extract has been shown to have antitumor properties in several studies. In one study, Agaricus extract was found to inhibit tumour growth in mice via direct inhibition of tumour-induced angiogenesis. Additionally, polysaccharides present in Agaricus extract were shown to activate macrophages and natural killer cells, inducing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity in tumour-bearing mice. Other studies have demonstrated that Agaricus extract can induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines, which is a form of programmed cell death that helps maintain normal tissue function and is a key mechanism for killing cancer cells.
The antitumor mechanisms of Agaricus extract include direct tumour attack through apoptosis and metastatic suppression, as well as indirect defence through inhibited tumour neovascularization and T helper cell (Th) 1 immune response. In one clinical study, Agaricus blazei Murill extract was shown to increase natural killer (NK) cell activity and improve the quality of life in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Another study reported that Agaricus extract inhibited tumour growth in a sarcoma 180 inoculation model.
Furthermore, Agaricus extract has been shown to have anti-angiogenic properties, which means it can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that feed a tumour, thereby preventing its growth and spread. In addition, Agaricus extract has been found to exhibit antitumor activity toward U937 leukemic cells mediated through apoptosis. While Agaricus extract has shown promising antitumor effects, it is important to note that further studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in humans.
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It is used to prevent and treat allergies
Agaricus mushroom extract, also known as Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM), is a popular edible medicinal mushroom that is native to Brazil. It has been used in traditional medicine for a range of diseases and ailments due to its anti-infection and anti-tumour properties.
AbM has been shown to prevent and treat allergies. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, birch-allergic blood donors were given AbM pretreatment before the birch pollen season. The study found that the pretreatment improved allergy ailments and reduced the need for medication. The prophylactic effect of oral supplementation with AbM before the pollen season was associated with reduced specific IgE levels during the season and basophils becoming less sensitive to allergen activation.
Another study on mice found that AbM may prevent the development of IgE-mediated allergies when given before allergen immunization. Interestingly, the extract also had a therapeutic effect when given with or after the immunization, suggesting that established allergies in patients can be reverted.
The AndoSan™ extract, which contains mainly AbM, was found to reduce the levels of anti-OVA IgE in mice when given before or after immunization. This extract may prevent allergy development and be used as a therapeutic substance against established allergies.
It is important to note that Agaricus mushroom extract is generally safe when taken by mouth for up to 12 months, but side effects may include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using it as there is insufficient information about its safety during these periods. Additionally, those with liver disease should refrain from consuming Agaricus mushroom extract as it may cause or worsen liver problems.
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Agaricus extract may cause liver damage
Agaricus, a mushroom that originated in Brazil, is used to treat a variety of health issues. It is available as liquid extracts, teas, capsules, and powdered supplements. It is also consumed as food and tea, with extracts of agaricus mushroom approved as a food additive in Japan.
While agaricus is generally considered safe for consumption, there have been reports of liver damage in some individuals who have consumed the mushroom or its extracts. A few people who took agaricus mushroom during cancer treatment have developed severe liver damage, and there are concerns that it might cause or worsen liver disease. One study reported that agaricus extract may improve liver function in patients with hepatitis B, but another study suggested that it might induce severe hepatic dysfunction in cancer patients.
In addition, laboratory samples of agaricus have been found to contain high levels of inorganic arsenic, which could potentially contribute to liver toxicity. However, it is important to note that the liver damage associated with agaricus consumption may be related to its interaction with other medications or underlying liver conditions.
Furthermore, agaricus mushroom extract has been shown to have protective effects against liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride toxicity in rats. This suggests that agaricus may have hepatoprotective properties, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the liver, especially in humans.
If you are considering taking agaricus mushroom extract, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a liver condition or are taking any medications. They can advise you on the potential risks and benefits based on your individual health status.
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Frequently asked questions
Agaricus mushroom extract is a solution containing chemicals taken from the Agaricus mushroom, a fungus that originated in Brazil. It is used as medicine and is approved as a food additive in Japan.
Agaricus mushroom extract is used to treat a variety of health issues, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, digestive problems, and liver disease. It is also used to boost the immune system and prevent heart disease.
Agaricus mushroom extract comes in various forms, including liquid extracts, teas, capsules, and powders. It can be consumed orally, with doses of 500 mg, three times daily being the most common for adults.
