Agaricus extract contains more beta glucans
than any other mushroom species investigated. In addition to the research on
Agaricus itself, it may be worthwhile to look into the abundant research that has been
done on beta glucans. 25
Testing on cancer cells in laboratories have yielded mostly
negative results, while testing on live subjects have been very positive. This
indicates that the medicinal compounds in Agaricus extract work by
stimulating the immune system of the patient rather than directly attacking mutated
cancer cells. 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140
In fact, one Japanese study from 2002 showed that when stimulated by Agaricus
extract, macrophages would deliver a two punch knockout to cancer cells.
Eight hours after taking Agaricus extract, the patient's macrophages excreted a
cancer killing compound known as alpha tumor necrosis factor. Then four hours after
that, the same macrophages excreted another compound specifically targeted to finish off
the now weakened cancer cells. 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 have
been shown to contain important medicinal compounds, 143 particularly
extracts of the mycelium. 25 This is why
we offer alcohol extract only, not capsules, because the extract is more powerful.
In addition to showing promise as cancer medicine, Agaricus
extract also demonstrates antibacterial properties. In one study, it
was particularly effective against salmonella. 144
Finally a few words of caution. One test in 2003 showed that Agaricus
blazei grown in China contained a significantly larger amount of cadmium than
Agaricus grown in the United States. 145
It should also be pointed out that while research shows great promise
for the use of Agaricus extract in the battle against cancer, ironically,
Agaricus mushrooms also contain cancer causing compounds known as agaritines.
(Agaritines are also found in Button Mushrooms, Portobellos and Crimini Mushrooms.)
Our Agaricus extract, produced by world leading mushroom expert Paul Stamets,
contain the least amount of agaritines of any Agaricus product on the market. 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
Read why our Agaricus blazei Extract is better!!!
Click the following link to see chart for additional therapeutic
properties of Agaricus Extract
(A. blazei). (Note: In chart referred to by
old name Agaricus brasiliensis!)
Known active compounds:
Alpha Glucans
Beta Glucans
Double-stranded RNA
Ergosterol (provitamin D2) derivatives
Glucomannan
Mannogalactoglucan
Proteoglucans
Riboglucans
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* We refer to the medicinal Agaricus as Agaricus
blazei because that is how it is still known to the vast majority. However,
Paul Stamets still labels the bottles, which we sell, as Agaricus brasiliensis.
Regarding the confusing Latin nomenclature, see this quote from wikipedia:
"In 2002, Didukh and Wasser rejected the name A.
blazei and called the Brazilian fungi Agaricus brasiliensis; this was
rejected by Kerrigan through genetic and interfertility testing on several fungal strains.
Samples of the Brazilian strains called A. blazei and A. braziliensis
proved to be genetically similar to, and interfertile with, the North American population
of Agaricus subrufescens. These tests also found European samples called A.
rufotegulis to be of the same species. Because Agaricus subrufescensis the
oldest name, it is traditionally considered the scientifically, historically correct
name."
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