Title:Agaricus blazei Bioactive Compounds and their Effects on Human Health: Benefits and Controversies
Volume: 23
Issue: 19
Author(s): Aline Cristine da Silva de Souza, Vanesa Gesser Correa, Geferson de Almeida Goncalves, Andreia Assuncao Soares, Adelar Bracht and Rosane Marina Peralta*
Affiliation:
- Post- graduated Program of Biological Sciences, State University of Maringá; Post-graduated Program of Food Science, State University of Maringá; Department of Biochemistry, State University of Maringa, Maringa,Brazil
Keywords:
Agaricus blazei Murrill, beta-glucan, bioactive molecules, medicinal properties, clinical studies, immunomodulation.
Abstract: Background: The mushroom Agaricus blazei has evoked considerable scientific and practical interest
in several fields, especially those linked to its medicinal properties. This review aims to summarize and evaluate
the past decade findings related to nutritional and therapeutic uses of A. blazei, with especial emphasis on the
most recent discoveries regarding its chemical composition and clinical investigations.
Methods: The specialized literature was searched for basic and clinical studies. The main isolated and identified
compounds or fractions are described and confronted with their corresponding bioactivities.
Results: Basic research of high quality using ex vivo and in vivo conditions are quite abundant in the specialized
literature, but ony 17 clinical studies and two case reports were found. A great number of active molecules have
been identified, and they can be divided into three categories, (1) hydrophilic small molecules (e.g., phenolics),
(2) lipophilic or partially lipophilic small molecules (e.g., agarol) (3) and macromolecules (e.g., β-glucans). At
least the following bioactivities can be considered as being supported by experimental evidence: antioxidant
activity (in aging or disease), immunomodulation and cell signaling, anti-inflammatory activity, antiparasitic
actions, antimicrobial activity, anticancer effects and tumor growth inhibiting effects, antimutagenic activity,
hepatoprotection against chemical or viral infection and antidiabetic activity.
Conclusion: The amount and quality of the evidence that has been accumulating during the last decade strongly
speaks in favor of the health benefits of the ingestion of A.blazei or derived products. However, there are many
uncertainties and limitations when attempts are made to extrapolate or to demonstrate their biological effects in
the human organism in health or disease. Clearly, more clinical trials, using reliable statistical methods and standardized
preparations are needed to establish the efficacy of A. blazei as a therapeutic agent.
