How Does Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Modulate The Immune System?
Agaricus blazei Murill, or AbM for short, is a type of Brazilian mushroom that has immune-boosting properties when used as an extract or dietary supplement. The part of the immune system that deals with immediate defense mechanisms1, called innate immunity, is mainly controlled by phagocytes which are the body’s first line of protection against viruses and other invading organisms. Agaricus blazei Murill mushrooms contain beta glucans and proteoglucans in their cell walls which help to activate these protective cells and other important immune support systems. The mushroom does this by stimulating the release of white blood cells, which attack and kill intruders that are potentially harmful to the immune system. The ability of Agaricus blazei Murill to serve as an immunomodulator through this system is illustrated by many studies conducted on humans and mice.
One in-vitro AbM study examined the effect of the mushroom’s extract in human white blood cells and umbilical vein endothelial cells. The results showed that the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines, or signaling molecules released from immune cells to promote inflammation, was increased in cells with doses of AbM. Another study was conducted to research the immunomodulatory effects of Agaricus extract in living mice. These researchers found that doses of Agaricus blazei Murill caused an increase in spleen cells producing antibodies, an increase in T-cell count, and an increase in phagocytic capacity of white blood cells in these mice, all of which help to boost the immune system. Finally, yet another study administered Agaricus blazei Murill extract to mice through vaccines, and it was shown to successfully prevent common viruses and infections by increasing antibody responses and T-cell proliferation.
The results of these three studies are not surprising, however, because of the known immunomodulatory effects of Agaricus blazei Murill. Immune supporting supplements, such as Agaricus Bio, containing this mushroom have been shown to successfully improve immune responses against a variety of diseases and viruses because of the critical immune processes this mushroom has been shown to upregulate and downregulate. First, AbM extract has been shown to cause an increase in CD11b/c, which promote strong attachment of white blood cells to inflamed tissues in the body and allows them to fight infection more efficiently. The mushroom also increases expression of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide, both of which are reactive oxygen species that help to destroy invading micro-organisms. Lastly, Agaricus blazei Murill causes an upregulation of genes involved in cell signaling, cellular transcription, and the cell cycle. These properties give it the ability to reduce inflammation, decrease the side effects of radiation, and protect against unhealthy cells, viruses, and infections in a natural, safe, and effective way.
If you're looking for an Agaricus blazei supplement to try for yourself, we highly recommend Agaricus Bio. It's made from certified organic Agaricus blazei Murill mushrooms and contains all the vital immune-enhancing compounds that you'd want in an immune support supplement.
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