Royal Sun Agaric

Agaricus balzei

Agaricus blazei, commonly known as Himematsutake in Japan and Cogumelo do Sol, is a medicinal mushroom that has gained global recognition for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties. First discovered in Piedade, Brazil, in the 1960s, this mushroom was later brought to Japan, where it became the subject of extensive research and commercial cultivation​.

Agaricus blazei is distinct from other medicinal mushrooms due to its high concentration of bioactive polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans and proteoglycans, which interact with the immune system in complex ways. Early studies indicated that populations consuming this mushroom regularly experienced lower rates of chronic disease, sparking interest in its possible therapeutic applications​.

Scientific studies have since explored its immunomodulatory effects, with research suggesting that it may enhance immune cell activity, regulate cytokine production, and improve resistance to infections and cancer. Unlike many medicinal mushrooms that have been part of Eastern traditional medicine for centuries, Agaricus blazei was recognized for its health benefits relatively recently, with modern research driving its popularity​.

Note: Taxonomic advances now recognize that Agaricus blazei is actually synonymous to Agaricus subrufescens. Since A. subrufescens is older, it has taxonomic priority and thus A. blazei is no longer a valid name. We have decided to continue using this outdated name as it is what is utilized in the scientific literature. In the future, we may decide to change the name here to be alligned with modern taxonomic standing.

How does the Royal Sun Agric work in the ?

The primary active compounds identified in Agaricus blazei are β-glucans and proteoglycans, which interact with the immune system to enhance the body’s ability to respond to infections, inflammation, and potentially cancer​. These polysaccharides bind to receptors such as Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), dectin-1, and complement receptor 3 (CR3) on immune cells, stimulating proinflammatory cytokine production​.


There are multiple bioactive polysaccharides in Agaricus blazei, with different mechanisms of action. Some of these compounds may play a role in immune modulation, while others have potential anticancer or antiviral effects​.

Beta-Glucans

β-glucans are the most well-studied active compounds in Agaricus blazei. They are complex polysaccharides that activate immune cells, particularly macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T-cells​. The β-1,3 and β-1,6 glucans found in Agaricus blazei are believed to be responsible for immune stimulation and antitumor activity. Studies suggest that these compounds enhance phagocytosis (the body’s ability to consume and destroy pathogens) and stimulate the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)

Other Beneficial Compounds

Proteoglycans

These large molecules also contribute to immune stimulation and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Phenolics

Found in smaller quantities, these compounds act as antioxidants, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation​.

Erosterol

A precursor to vitamin D2, which plays a role in bone health and immune function

ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in mushrooms. It plays a critical role in cellular health and protection, potentially supporting immunity and longevity.

Considerations

Research on Agaricus blazei peaked in the early 2000s, and studies have raised some safety concerns. Liver toxicity has been reported in high-dose users, particularly cancer patients undergoing treatment​. The mushroom also contains agaritine, a compound with potential carcinogenic effects in animals, though its impact on humans remains unclear​.

Due to its immune-stimulating properties, those with autoimmune disorders or on immunosuppressive drugs should consult a healthcare professional before use​. Some individuals may also experience digestive discomfort or allergic reactions​. Given the lack of recent clinical research, caution is advised when using Agaricus blazei as a supplement.

YearSpeciesStudy NameNumber of ParticipantsFungal-Derived TreatmentDosage
2019Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Agaricus blazei-Based Mushroom Extract Supplementation to Birch Allergic Blood Donors60AndoSan™ (Agaricus blazei-based)60 ml/day
2011Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Agaricus blazei Murrill and Inflammatory Mediators in Elderly Women57Fruiting Body Extract900 mg/day
2008Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)The Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill Extract Normalizes Liver Function in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B4Fruiting Body Extract1500 mg/day
2007Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)The Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill in Combination with Metformin and Gliclazide Improves Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes60Fruiting Body Extract1500 mg/day
2015Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Immunomodulatory Effects of the Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract AndoSan™ in Patients with Multiple Myeloma40AndoSan™ (Agaricus blazei-based)60 ml/day
2016Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Effect of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract AndoSan™ on Symptoms, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis50AndoSan™ (Agaricus blazei-based)60 ml/day
2016Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Effect of the Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract AndoSan™ on Symptoms, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients with Crohn’s Disease50AndoSan™ (Agaricus blazei-based)60 ml/day
2017Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Royal Sun Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis Supplement in Training Capacity Improvement5Fruiting BodyNot specified
2016Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Cytokine Levels After Consumption of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract AndoSan™ in Patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis50AndoSan™ (Agaricus blazei-based)60 ml/day
2006Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Effects on Gene Expression and Viral Load of a Medicinal Extract from Agaricus blazei in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection5Fruiting Body Extract60 ml/day
2004Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaric)Natural Killer Cell Activity and Quality of Life Improved by Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa in Gynecological Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy100Fruiting Body ExtractNot specified