Agaricus for the immune system?

Have you heard of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus? No? Then it's high time you did, because this mushroom is a real insider tip among biohackers. Learn more about its effects on the immune system and overall health here. Testimonials and scientific studies already confirm its benefits.

Agaricus – a fungus with many names

Few other medicinal mushrooms have as many different names as Agaricus. We've listed all the names we know of so you can always see that they're the same medicinal mushroom:

Agaricus blazei murrill (ABM)
Agaricus subrufescens / A. subrufescens
Brazilian almond mushroom
Cogmelo de Deus (Portuguese/Brazilian for Mushroom of God)
Himematsutake (Japanese for princess mushroom)
Royal Sun Agaricus (English for royal sun mushroom)
Brazilian mushroom
Agaricus brasiliensis / A. brasiliensis
Sun mushroom
Live mushroom

Agaricus is native to southern Brazil. However, it is also cultivated in Asia, the USA, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The mushroom is now valued almost worldwide as an edible mushroom and for its health benefits.

As the name almond mushroom suggests, this mushroom tastes and smells like almonds. More precisely, like bitter almonds. Visually, Agaricus blazei looks very similar to our native button mushrooms. And that's no coincidence, because the almond mushroom is classified as a type of button mushroom.

Agaricus – Effects and Ingredients

Mushrooms in general are considered extremely healthy because they contain several beneficial nutrients. This is also true for the almond mushroom. It is a good source of protein, a macronutrient that contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. The mushroom is relatively low in fat but contains the essential fatty acid linoleic acid. It also contains vitamins such as vitamin D and folic acid, as well as minerals. Furthermore, this medicinal mushroom boasts various natural compounds such as lectins, sterols, and agaritine.

Agaricus also contains various polysaccharides, including β-D-glucans, which are classified as dietary fiber. This means the human body can hardly digest this substance, and it reaches the lower sections of the intestine. There, it serves as a good food source for our gut bacteria.

Agaricus blazei murill – Effects on the immune system

Traditionally, this medicinal mushroom is used to strengthen the immune system. According to Brazilian folklore, people who used Agaricus in their food lived longer, as they were less frequently ill than those who didn't eat the mushroom. In the mid-1960s, the medicinal mushroom was brought to Japan for cultivation and scientific study. New insights into its effects on the immune system continue to be gained. So far, the following is known:

Proteoglycans and β-glucans from the medicinal mushroom stimulate macrophages, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and natural killer cells. All three are components of the innate immune system. They can recognize and kill infected cells and, in some cases, even tumor cells. Overall, the mushrooms are thus thought to have an immune-boosting effect.
In a study, mice were given extracts from the medicinal mushroom. Subsequently, certain cytokines were elevated. Their function is to activate various immune cells. In addition, the number of cells capable of producing antibodies was increased.
Extracts from the Agaricus mushroom are being used as an adjuvant in research on a DNA vaccine against HIV. In a study on mice, the vaccine was more effective when it also contained mushroom extracts. It is suspected that stimulation of the immune system contributes to this improvement.
In an allergy, the immune system reacts to harmless substances. These can be food components, pollen, and more. The almond mushroom is also said to be effective in this regard, both for existing allergies and for prevention. In a mouse model, it was observed that the blood level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) could be reduced by the medicinal mushroom Agaricus. In hay fever or allergic asthma, for example, this level is elevated and triggers the excessive immune response.

Almond mushroom (Agaricus) effect on the immune system

Agaricus subrufescens and diseases of civilization

The modern lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of several diseases, known as lifestyle diseases. These include, for example, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and elevated blood lipid levels. Agaricus blazei murrill may have a positive influence on some of these conditions.

After a carbohydrate-rich meal, blood sugar levels rise. Normally, the body then releases the hormone insulin. The cells absorb the sugar, and the blood sugar level normalizes. At the beginning of type 2 diabetes, the cells become increasingly less responsive to insulin. Therefore, attempts are made to influence this so-called insulin resistance. In one study, participants with diabetes were given established diabetes medications along with an extract of the Agaricus mushroom. A control group received only the medications and a placebo. Measurable differences were observed between the two groups after 12 weeks. In the group that also received Agaricus, the cells responded significantly better to insulin compared to the control group.
A study in mice demonstrated a positive effect of Agaricus blazei murrill on elevated cholesterol levels. In this experiment, polysaccharides from the mushroom were isolated and administered to mice with high cholesterol. This resulted in a reduction of LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, while HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) increased. The research team suspects that these effects are due to the mushroom regulating the gut flora. According to this theory, beneficial gut bacteria that positively influence blood lipid levels proliferate after ingestion of the mushroom, thereby reducing harmful bacteria.
Our liver is the body's most important detoxification organ. Environmental toxins, alcohol, and medications can put a strain on it. Oxidative stress, triggered by reactive oxygen species, can result. This can impair the liver's actual function and even damage liver cells. Several studies have shown that the medicinal mushroom Agaricus has a protective effect on the liver. This can likely be explained by substances it contains that act as antioxidants. This means that components of Agaricus neutralize reactive oxygen species and thus prevent cell damage.

Almond mushroom mushroom – side effects?

Most users of Agaricus blazei murill report no side effects. Very rarely, itching, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If a drop in blood sugar levels is considered a side effect, then this also applies to this mushroom. However, the vast majority of Agaricus reviews are very positive, and the medicinal mushroom is generally well-tolerated. Since products from Asia can often be contaminated and polluted, you should ensure that your medicinal mushrooms are produced in Germany and cultivated in Europe.

Where can you buy almond mushrooms?

Agaricus

Buying fresh Agaricus mushrooms is quite difficult in this country. Which is a real shame, because they're very easy to prepare as an edible mushroom. However, you can buy mushroom spawn in specialized online shops and cultivate the mushrooms yourself.

You can find it more often in dried form. However, it's not usually available in your local shop, but mostly online. Agaricus is available as a dietary supplement in powder, capsules, or extracts. We recommend a dual-extraction extract, as this ensures a full spectrum of active ingredients. At the same time, the ingredients are highly concentrated and more suitable for everyday use.

At smaints, we've combined the active ingredients of Agaricus blazei murrill (ABM) and the medicinal mushroom Chaga in our Pure Immune liquid extract – a truly positive and sustainable solution for your immune system and many other uses. You can easily stir the extract into your favorite beverage to give your coffee or tea an extra boost. The positive experiences of our customers with the almond mushroom speak for themselves. Why not try this medicinal mushroom for yourself?

Agaricus – everything at a glance

Brazilian almond mushroom, Agaricus blazei murrill (ABM), or almond mushroom – these are just some of the names for this beneficial medicinal mushroom from Brazil. Various constituents are responsible for its effects.

Proteoglycans and β-glucans are arguably the most promising components of the mushroom. Overall, it is believed to strengthen the immune system in various ways, thus also offering benefits for allergies. Furthermore, Agaricus blazei murill can be used to treat high blood sugar, elevated cholesterol levels, and to protect the liver. Negative experiences are currently rare.

To avoid ingesting impurities or pollutants (because mushrooms act like natural filters), you should pay attention to high-quality products when purchasing them. In principle, you can choose from Agaricus powder, capsules, fresh and dried mushrooms, and mushroom extracts. For a highly concentrated form with a full spectrum of active ingredients and maximum bioavailability, you'll find Agaricus blazei murill in our Pure Immune liquid extract .