The Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill in Combination with Metformin and Gliclazide Improves Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Authors: Chung-Hua Hsu, Yang-Li Liao, Su-Ching Lin, Kung-Chang Hwang, Pesus Chou

Journal: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Participants: 60 patients with type 2 diabetes who had been taking metformin and gliclazide for more than six months

Intervention:

• Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) extract: 500 mg, three times daily for 12 weeks
• Placebo group: Equivalent dosage of microcrystalline cellulose
• Both groups continued their prescribed metformin and gliclazide medications

Outcome Measures:

• Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
• Plasma adiponectin concentration
• Fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels
• Lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL)

Summary:
This study assessed the impact of Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) extract on insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. After 12 weeks of supplementation, the ABM group showed a significant reduction in HOMA-IR index (from 4.8 to 3.6), indicating improved insulin sensitivity, whereas the placebo group saw no improvement. Plasma adiponectin levels increased by 20% in the ABM group, suggesting a possible mechanism for improved insulin resistance, while the placebo group experienced a 12% decrease (p = 0.001).

Fasting glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile changes were not statistically significant between groups. A few cases of mild hypoglycemia occurred in the ABM group, leading to dose adjustments in two patients. No major adverse effects were reported. These findings suggest that ABM extract may serve as a beneficial adjunct to standard diabetes treatment, improving insulin resistance through adiponectin modulation.