Immune Benefactor

Of the trove of mushrooms that deliver protective properties to human health upon ingestion, the traditional medicinal mushroom, discovered in Brazil - Agaricus blazei Murill - has an affinity for nourishing the immune system. It contains a high concentration of beta glucans, a type of polysaccharide. Researchers have shown that beta glucans enhance the vitality and activity of the immune system's natural killer cells.

In one study, researchers examined efficacy of the Agaricus blazei Mushroom (fraction H) on inducing cytokine activity on human peripheral mononuclear cells, and found that the mushroom extract induced IL-12 cytokine expression; IL-12 cytokine plays a key role in regulating cellular immune response. Additionally, the researchers noted that the mushroom boosted natural killer cell activity in the spleen.

In certain cases this Agaricus blazei Murilll Mushroom may be applicable as a companion supplement for those who get vaccinated for disease prevention. For example, a recent study looking at the combined efficacy of DNA vaccine and agaricus extract on mice with foot-and-mouth disease, showed that it can enhance immune responses and efficacy of the vaccine. Specifically, according to the study authors, the mice that were given the FMDV DNA vaccine along with the agaricus extract exhibited significant increases in FMDV-specific antibody response as well as T-cell proliferation, when compared to the group that received only the vaccine.

Furthermore in Japan, according to one Japanese researcher, Agaricus blazei Murill is the most popular product, and it is taken by many cancer patients. This means that there is an inter-dependent relationship between immune status and cancer development.

One study recently demonstrated that this Agaricus blazei Murill mushroomM possesses a potent anti-angiogenic phytochemical, sodium pyroglutamate, which was determined to exert a triple play of actions - immune-modulatory, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic - in tumor-bearing mice. The researchers previously demonstrated that the Agaricus phytochemical, ergosterol, inhibited new blood vessel growth (neovascularization) within tumors that allow tumors to sustain and grow.

For sure the Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom is being investigated in many stages of cancer. One study sought to determine how consumption of this nutraceutical may affect quality of life and immune status in chemotherapy patients, notably women with endometrial, cervical or ovarian cancers. The researchers observed significantly higher NK cell activity following co-treatment with agaricus and carboplatin plus VP16 or agaricus with taxol and carboplatin, then with either pharmaceutical combination without agaricus.5

At the 43rd Annual Meeting of Japan Society of Clinical Oncology held in October 2005, researchers Higashi et al presented the findings of their clinical study that used Atlas World's Ekismate immune-support supplement containing Agaricus blazei Murill in cases of pain in cases of breast cancer. The researchers' findings suggest that the Agaricus water extract reduces the pain associated with breast cancer and may be a viable substitute for the pharmaceuticals that impose side effects. In addition, the researchers noted the anti-tumor effect of the mushroom extract, as shown through tumor markers and image diagnosis.

This means that the Agaricus blazei Murilll mushrooml may make a positive addition for clients who are concerned about maintaining a healthy immune status.