Agaricus

Other Names : Agaricus subrufescens, Agaricus blazei, Agaricus brasiliensis Agaricus rufotegulis, Himematsutake, 姫松茸, God’s mushroom, mushroom of life, royal sun agaricus, Mushroom of the sun, almond mushroom, princess
This is a species of mushroom whose identification seems to have begun in the West unlike many other mushrooms and medicinal plants. It was found in the north eastern side of the US and Canada. Later on it was identified in Hawaii, California, UK, the Netherlands, Philippines, Brazil and Taiwan. In folk medicine, agaricus is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including major diseases like cancer and diabetes. Although research on the health effects of agaricus is fairly limited, some preliminary studies show that agaricus may offer certain health benefits.
See also : Agaricus Bisporus

Special Precautions of Agaricus

• Agaritine (AGT) is an aromatic, antiviral, hydrazine-derivative mycotoxin and IARC Group 3 carcinogen that occurs in mushroom species of the genus Agaricus. Agaritine oxidizes rapidly upon storage, however, and is totally degraded after 48 hours in aqueous solution with exposure to air. It has also been shown to decompose readily upon cooking (up to 90% reduction) as well as upon freezing (up to 75% reduction).
• Do not confuse with the homeopathic remedy Agaricus Muscarius which is made from 'fly agaric' and is very toxic.
• Little is known about the safety of taking agaricus in the long term. However, there's some concern that agaricus may harm liver health. For instance, in a 2006 report from the Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, scientists linked consumption of agaricus to severe liver damage in cancer patients. It's thought that taking agaricus may increase your levels of certain liver enzymes.
• Additionally, a 2011 report in Microbiological Research found that agaricus may have estrogen-like activity. Therefore, medical experts warn that people with hormone-sensitive cancer (including some types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer) take caution when consuming agaricus.
• Since agaricus may also decrease your blood sugar levels, patients using medications to lower their blood sugar should consult a physician prior to consuming agaricus.
• Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend agaricus for any health-related purposes. If you're considering agaricus for a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician before starting. Self-treating a chronic condition with agaricus and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.

The benefits of Agaricus are

Agaricus is often touted as a natural remedy for the following health problems:

• atherosclerosis
• dermatitis
• diabetes : Agaricus may aid in diabetes control, according to a 2007 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. For the study, 72 patients with type 2 diabetes were given either agaricus extract or a placebo every day for 12 weeks. By the end of the study, members of the agaricus group showed significantly greater improvements in insulin resistance compared to those given the placebo. In an earlier study (published in Biotechnology Letters in 2005), scientists discovered that beta-glucan found in agaricus helped reduce blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol in diabetic rats.
• hepatitis
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• strengthen the immune system : Certain compounds in agaricus may help stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, according to a 2011 research review in the Journal of Medicinal Food. However, the review's authors noted that clinical trials are needed to test the immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects of agaricus in humans.
• Anti-viral : The mushroom is able to curtail the cytopathic impact of the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus because of its antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties.
• stimulate the digestive system
• protect against osteoporosis
• promote weight loss
• Cancer : Several studies indicate that agaricus may help fight some forms of cancer. For instance, in a 2009 study from the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, tests on cancer cells and on mice revealed that agaricus extract may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. In addition, a 2011 study in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta found that agaricus may possess anti-tumor properties that could aid in the treatment of leukemia.
• Used in Immuno therapies.

Where to Find Agaricus

Widely available online, supplements containing agaricus are also sold in many natural-food stores and in stores specializing in dietary supplements.

References

• Hajšlová, J.; Hájková, L.; Schulzová, V.; Frandsen, H.; Gry, J.; Andersson, H. C. (2002). "Stability of agaritine - a natural toxicant ofAgaricusmushrooms". Food Additives and Contaminants. 19 (11): 1028–33. doi:10.1080/02652030210157691. PMID 12456273.
• Schulzová, V.; Hajslová, J.; Peroutka, R.; Gry, J.; Andersson, H. C. (2002). "Influence of storage and household processing on the agaritine content of the cultivatedAgaricusmushroom". Food Additives and Contaminants. 19 (9): 853–62. doi:10.1080/02652030210156340. PMID 12396396.