# Royal Sun Agaricus (Agaricus blazei)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/royal-sun-agaricus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Mushroom/Fungi
**Also Known As:** Agaricus blazei Murill, ABM, Agaricus subrufescens, Brazilian mushroom, Cogumelo do Sol, Himematsutake, Almond mushroom, Mushroom of the Sun, Princess matsutake, Cogumelo de Deus

## Overview

Agaricus blazei is a medicinal mushroom containing beta-glucans and proteoglycans that modulate [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and glucose metabolism. Clinical studies demonstrate its ability to enhance natural killer cell activity and improve [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) in diabetic patients.

## Health Benefits

• Supports [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) by preserving T/B cells and enhancing NK cell activity (moderate evidence from RCT in 66 NSCLC patients, PMID: 41595590)
• Improves [insulin resistance](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) in type 2 diabetes patients, reducing HOMA-IR (moderate evidence from RCT in 72 patients, PMID: 17309383)
• May help maintain quality of life in cancer patients during recovery (preliminary evidence from phase I trial in 78 patients, PMID: 21584278)
• Enhances natural killer cell activity in elderly populations (preliminary evidence from clinical trial, PMID: 22010847)
• Shows general safety profile with minimal adverse events at studied doses (phase I safety data from 78 patients over 6 months)

## Mechanism of Action

Agaricus blazei contains beta-1,3-glucans and beta-1,6-glucans that bind to dectin-1 receptors on immune cells, activating complement pathways and enhancing macrophage and [NK cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) function. The mushroom's proteoglycans and polysaccharides also modulate [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by improving insulin receptor sensitivity and reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines like TNF-alpha. These bioactive compounds work synergistically through toll-like receptor signaling to regulate both innate and adaptive immune responses.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial in 66 non-small cell lung cancer patients showed Agaricus blazei preserved T and B cell counts while enhancing [NK cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity during chemotherapy. Another RCT involving 72 type 2 diabetes patients demonstrated significant reductions in HOMA-IR ([insulin resistance](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) marker) after 12 weeks of supplementation. Most studies used doses ranging from 1.5-3g daily of standardized extract. While preliminary results are promising, larger long-term trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Royal Sun Agaricus (Agaricus blazei) dried fruiting body contains approximately: Protein 40-45% of dry weight (high relative to most fungi, containing all essential amino acids including lysine and arginine at ~3-5% each of total protein); Carbohydrates 35-40% dry weight, dominated by beta-glucans (primarily β-1,3/1,6-glucans at 1.5-4.0 g/100g dry weight and β-1,4-glucans), with total dietary fiber ~15-20% dry weight; Fat 1-3% dry weight including linoleic acid (omega-6) as predominant fatty acid (~70% of total fatty acids) and ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor) at 0.3-0.9 mg/g dry weight, converting to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure. Key bioactive polysaccharides include agaritine-associated compounds and ATOM (Agaricus blazei Torii Murill) fraction; [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) polysaccharide-protein complexes (FIII-2-b) are documented. Mineral content per 100g dry weight: potassium ~2,500-3,500 mg, phosphorus ~800-1,200 mg, magnesium ~100-150 mg, zinc ~5-10 mg, copper ~0.5-1.5 mg, selenium ~0.01-0.05 mg (soil-dependent). B-vitamins present: niacin (B3) ~40-60 mg/100g dry, riboflavin (B2) ~2-4 mg/100g dry, thiamine (B1) ~0.2-0.5 mg/100g dry. Bioavailability notes: beta-glucan bioavailability is enhanced by hot-water extraction or cooking, which breaks cell walls (chitin matrix limits raw bioavailability); ergosterol conversion to D2 requires UV exposure post-harvest; protein digestibility is moderate (~60-70%) due to chitin encapsulation; lipid-soluble compounds including ergosterol show improved absorption when consumed with dietary fat.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses range from 1-3 grams of extract daily for general [immune support](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) (6 months), 1500mg/day of dry extract for diabetes management (12 weeks), with formulations typically standardized for beta-glucan content. Most studies used hot water extracts in powder or capsule form. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Agaricus blazei is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in some users. Due to its immune-modulating effects, it may interact with immunosuppressive medications and should be avoided by organ transplant recipients. Patients on diabetes medications should monitor [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) closely as the mushroom may enhance hypoglycemic effects. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes a phase I safety trial (PMID: 21584278) in 78 cancer patients showing 12% mild adverse events over 6 months, and a randomized controlled trial (PMID: 17309383) in 72 type 2 diabetes patients demonstrating improved [insulin resistance](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) with 1500mg/day for 12 weeks. A pilot RCT (PMID: 41595590) in 66 post-surgical NSCLC patients showed better T/B cell preservation with ABM supplementation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

ABM has been used in Brazilian folk medicine for [immune support](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and general health, gaining popularity in Japan since the 1990s as a cancer adjunct after cultivation from Brazilian strains. Unlike many medicinal mushrooms, it lacks ancient traditional system documentation and represents primarily modern ethnomedical use spanning approximately 30 years.

## Synergistic Combinations

Reishi mushroom, Turkey tail, Vitamin D3, Zinc, [Beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) complex

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the optimal dosage of Agaricus blazei for immune support?

Clinical studies typically use 1.5-3 grams daily of standardized extract containing at least 30% beta-glucans. The NSCLC study showing immune benefits used 2.5g daily, while diabetes studies used 1.5g daily for 12 weeks.

### How long does it take for Agaricus blazei to show immune benefits?

Immune marker improvements were observed after 4-6 weeks in clinical trials, with optimal effects typically seen at 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation. NK cell activity enhancement was measurable within 4 weeks in cancer patients.

### Can Agaricus blazei lower blood sugar in diabetics?

Yes, a 12-week RCT in 72 type 2 diabetes patients showed significant reductions in HOMA-IR (insulin resistance) and improved glucose tolerance. However, diabetics should monitor blood sugar closely and consult physicians before use.

### What are the main bioactive compounds in Agaricus blazei?

The primary compounds are beta-1,3-glucans and beta-1,6-glucans (comprising 6-8% dry weight), along with proteoglycans, ergosterol, and blazein. These polysaccharides are responsible for most immune-modulating and metabolic effects.

### Is Agaricus blazei safe to take with chemotherapy?

The NSCLC study showed safety when combined with platinum-based chemotherapy, actually helping preserve immune function. However, cancer patients should always consult oncologists before adding any supplements to avoid potential treatment interactions.

### Does Royal Sun Agaricus work better for immune support in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals?

Royal Sun Agaricus may be particularly beneficial for cancer patients undergoing treatment, as clinical evidence shows it preserves T and B cell function and enhances NK cell activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, the immune-supporting mechanisms appear relevant for both healthy individuals and those with compromised immunity, though the magnitude of benefit in healthy populations requires further study. Cancer patients should consult their oncologist before use, as the supplement is being investigated specifically as an adjunctive therapy during cancer recovery.

### Are there differences between Royal Sun Agaricus and other medicinal mushroom species for immune function?

Royal Sun Agaricus (Agaricus blazei) is distinct from other medicinal mushrooms like reishi or shiitake in its specific ability to enhance NK cell activity and preserve T/B cells in clinical trials, particularly in cancer patients. While multiple medicinal mushrooms support immune function through polysaccharides, Agaricus blazei's research base includes specific RCT evidence in NSCLC populations, whereas other species have different primary research contexts. The choice between species depends on individual health goals and the specific clinical evidence relevant to your condition.

### Can Royal Sun Agaricus help with both blood sugar control and immune function simultaneously?

Yes, Royal Sun Agaricus may address both concerns, as clinical evidence demonstrates improvements in insulin resistance (reduced HOMA-IR) in type 2 diabetes patients while separately supporting NK cell and T/B cell function. This dual benefit is potentially valuable for diabetic patients, who often have compromised immune function as a comorbidity. The same bioactive polysaccharide compounds appear to contribute to both metabolic and immune-modulating effects, making it a candidate for addressing multiple health markers in type 2 diabetics.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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