Agaricus blazei Murill, commonly known as Agaricus mushroom, has long been valued for its nutritional and functional properties. A clinical study explored the safety and potential benefits of consuming powdered Agaricus blazei Murill, shedding light on its impact on immune function and overall well-being. Here, we break down the study findings for you in simple terms.
1. Purpose of the Study
The study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of consuming Agaricus blazei Murill extract in healthy individuals with high oxidative stress. The research focused on its potential to support immune function, manage oxidative stress, and enhance quality of life.
2. Study Design
This randomized human study included 45 healthy adults divided into three groups:
- Control group: No intake of Agaricus blazei.
- Low-dose group: Consumed one 2.5 g packet daily.
- High-dose group: Consumed three 2.5 g packets daily (7500 mg daily). Participants were monitored with regular safety parameters, immune markers, and quality of life (QOL) assessments over four weeks.
3. Type and Extraction Method
The study used powdered Agaricus blazei Murill, which was extracted by rigorous water extraction. The Agaricus blazei Murill extract was standardized to be ≥10% polysaccharides protein complex.
4. Dosage
Participants in the low-dose group consumed 2.5 g daily, while the high-dose group consumed 7.5 g daily. The powder was mixed into food or beverages for easy consumption.
5. Profile of Research Subjects
- Number of Participants: 45 individuals.
- Age Range: 20 to 60 years.
- Health Profile: Participants included smokers and individuals with metabolic risk factors, as they are more likely to experience oxidative stress.
6. Key Outcomes
- Safety: Both dosages were well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects.
- Immune Function: Notable improvements in natural killer (NK) cell activity and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels, a critical immune molecule.
- Inflammation: Reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammation marker.
- Quality of Life (QOL): Participants reported enhanced vitality, reduced pain, and improved overall well-being, particularly in the high-dose group.
7. Researched Health Benefits
While this blog avoided disease claims, the study highlighted several researched health benefits of consuming Agaricus blazei:
- Immune Support: Strengthened NK cell activity and reduced immune-suppressing factors. The high-dose group (7.5 g/day) significantly elevated NK cell activity more than the low-dose group (2.5 g/day). Researchers reported intake-dependent activation at the end of a 4-week trial.
- Inflammation Management: Lower inflammation markers suggest better internal balance. Both low-dose and high-dose groups showed low inflammation even one week after the trial's completion.
- Improved Well-being: Enhanced quality of life metrics, including physical and mental vitality.
Final Thoughts
This clinical study reaffirms the potential of Agaricus blazei Murill extract as a functional food for promoting immune health and overall vitality. Whether you want to enhance your wellness routine or explore natural health solutions, Agaricus blazei could be a valuable addition to your diet. Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing new supplements if you’re already on medicine.
Reference
- Uebaba, K., Kyo, H., Suzuki, N., & Urata, T. (2015). A Randomized Human Study on the Safety and Effectiveness of Powdered Food of Agaricus blazei Murill. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(2), 95-101.