Agaricus Mushroom
Agaric, Agaricus, Agaricus blazei, Agarikusutake, Brazil Mushroom, Brazilian Mushroom, Brazilian Sun-Mushroom, Callampa Agaricus, Champignon Agaric, Champignon Brésilien, Champignon du Brésil, Cogumelo do Sol, Kawariharatake, Himematsutake, Mushroom, Sun Mushroom.
Agaricus mushroom is a fungus. It originated in Brazil, but is now grown in China, Japan, and Brazil for sale. A solution containing chemicals that are taken from the plant (extract) is used as medicine.
Agaricus mushroom is used for cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), ongoing liver disease, bloodstream disorders, and digestive problems. Other uses include prevention of heart disease, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and stomach ulcers. It is also used to boost the immune system and for physical and emotional stress.
In Japan, extracts of the agaricus mushroom are approved as a food additive.
It is also consumed as food and tea.
How does it work?
Agaricus mushroom contains chemicals that might improve the body's use of insulin and decrease insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. Some developing research also suggests it might be able to strengthen the immune system, fight tumor development, and work as an antioxidant.
Possibly Effective for...
- Type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes often have “insulin resistance.” This is the inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone that allows sugar to move into the cells and be used as energy. Many medications that are used to treat diabetes work by lowering insulin resistance. Some research shows that certain medications are better at lowering insulin resistance when they are given with agaricus mushroom extract.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Cancer treatment (chemotherapy) side effects. Developing research suggests that taking agaricus mushroom might reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy including weakness and loss of appetite.
- High cholesterol.
- “Hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis).
- Ongoing liver disease (chronic hepatitis).
- Digestion problems.
- Stress.
- Heart disease prevention.
- Weak bones (osteoporosis) prevention.
- Stomach ulcer prevention.
- Immune system strengthening.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Agaricus mushroom extract seems to be safe for most people when taken for up to 12 weeks. Powdered agaricus seems to be safe for most people when taken for up to 6 months. Agaricus products can cause blood sugar to go too low (hypoglycemia) in some people with diabetes. They can also cause itching, nausea, and diarrhea.
A few people who took agaricus mushroom during treatment for cancer have developed severe liver damage, and a few have had allergic reactions.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of agaricus mushroom during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Liver disease: There is some concern that agaricus mushroom might cause liver disease or make it worse. Don't use it if you have liver disease.
Surgery: Agaricus mushroom might lower blood sugar. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop using agaricus mushroom at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications used for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Agaricus mushroom might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking agaricus mushroom along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.