Agaricus extract 20:1 | Agaricus blazei

Properties: Brazilian mushroom is a species widely used in the culinary arts due to its slightly sweet flavor and almond-like aroma. Agaricus blazei is commonly called Himematsutake or divine mushroom. Initially, this mushroom was known only in South America, but over time it actually conquered other continents as well. It is particularly popular among the Japanese, who appreciate not only the extraordinary taste qualities of A. blazei, but also its health-promoting properties and potential use in herbal medicine. Thanks to modern scientific research, it has been established that Brazilian mushrooms are a great source of many essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. It contains dietary fiber in the form of beta-glucans, which effectively lower blood cholesterol levels. These compounds prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of blood vessels. Thus, they promote proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and protect it from harmful changes. What’s more, thanks to the presence of natural vitamin D2, A. blazei extract helps to take care of the good condition of bones, improving their mineralization.

In the rich composition of Brazilian mushrooms there are plenty of substances that support the work of the immune system. Thanks to scientific research, it has been shown that the active compounds contained in the mushrooms of this species increase the production of lymphocytes – white blood cells, which are the basic element of a proper immune response. Thanks to that, these compounds stimulate the body to fight infections, as well as the harmful effects of degenerated body cells. The results of studies also prove that Brazilian mushroom extract can be used as a support in prevention and therapy of cancers. It contains antioxidant substances that help to protect delicate cellular structures, such as DNA or mitochondria, from damage. Thus, this extract can be an effective support for defense capabilities of the body and its overall vitality. However, it is worth noting that A. blazei also contains compounds with hepatoprotective properties. They mitigate the negative effects of various toxins and other metabolites on the liver. And that is actually very important because the liver is crucial to break down different compounds, including those that are not needed or those that pose a threat for the body, so its efficient functioning is key for detoxification.

Brazilian mushrooms bring a lot of health benefits. It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that among Brazilians from the São Paulo area who regularly consumed it, many lived remarkably long lives, enjoying great mental and physical condition. Agaricus blazei is all about boosting immunity and providing multidirectional support for the entire body. It shows potential as an ingredient that can help with weight reduction, since it limits fat accumulation, improves its metabolism, and additionally, facilitates regulation of blood sugar levels. It might be a good idea to try Brazilian mushroom extract just to see why it’s still considered one of the healthiest mushrooms in the world.

Occurrence: The Brazilian mushroom (Agaricus blazei) is closely related to the common mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), the most popular edible mushroom known all around the globe. It is native to the area around Piedade, a small village located in the province of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Young fruiting bodies are white in color, turning brown and dark brown as they mature. The cap reaches a diameter of 2 to 12 cm. In young fruiting bodies it is bulgy, later becoming flatter. On its underside are lamellae, first pink, later – when the spores mature – chocolate brown. The stem is tuberous at the base and reaches 6-15 cm in length and up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Initially full, over time it becomes hollow and flocculent. The profuse, two-layered ring, with a smooth white upper surface, covered with lint resembling cotton wool from below, curves downward toward the stem. Brazilian mushroom has a sweetish taste and an almond-like aroma.

Biochemistry: Of the many numerous compounds present in Brazilian mushrooms, the most important are those from the beta-glucan group. They are components of cell walls and belong to the dietary fiber fraction. In terms of chemistry, they are polymers of D-glucose, made up exclusively of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms. In addition to beta-glucans, the fungus also contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, aromatic compounds, micro- and macroelements, as well as vitamins and provitamins.

Fun fact: The Brazilian mushroom has a relatively short “scientific” history. Although it had long been known in its natural place of occurrence, it was not described for the first time until 1945. The discovery, however, passed unnoticed, and it was not until the 1960s that the mushroom gained scientific attention. Japanese researcher T. Furomoto noted that the people of Piedade on average live exceptionally long, and cancer was very rare in the elderly. Informed that the locals owed this to the “divine mushroom” (port. Cogumelo de Deus), he sent samples of Agaricus blazei to Japan. Soon the world heard about the amazing properties of this mushroom and it became even more popular. Currently, it is grown all over the world, and its largest producer is Japan, where it is known as Himematsutake.