The mushroom Agaricus blazei, often marketed as Himematsutake in Japan and Cogumelo do Sol in Brazil, is highly regarded for its immune-modulating potential. While widely cultivated and consumed in these countries, it was originally described as Agaricus subrufescens by American mycologist Charles Peck in 1893. How did this North American species come to be more culturally and commercially entrenched in Japan and Brazil? The answer lies in rediscovery, research, and cultural resonance.
Rediscovery and Misidentification in Brazil
In the 1960s, Agaricus blazei was rediscovered growing in Piedade, Brazil, where Japanese-Brazilian farmer Takatoshi Furumoto began cultivating it. Mistakenly identified as Agaricus blazei Murrill, the mushroom’s local popularity surged due to anecdotal health benefits. Although genetic sequencing later confirmed its equivalence to A. subrufescens (Kerrigan, 2005), the name "blazei" remained in commercial use, contributing to its mystique and marketability.
Japan: A Fertile Ground for Functional Mushrooms
When Furumoto sent samples to Japan, researchers quickly took interest. Japan's long-standing use of functional foods and medicinal mushrooms, such as shiitake, maitake, and reishi, created a receptive environment. In fact, PSK derived from Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) was approved in Japan as an adjunctive treatment in cancer care.
By the 1990s, nearly 500,000 Japanese consumers were using Agaricus blazei as a health supplement. A nationwide survey in Japan reported that about 60% of cancer patients using complementary therapies reported consuming Agaricus blazei mushroom products at the time of the study (Hyogo et al., 2005; Firenzuoli et al., 2007).
Clinical studies in Japan showed immune-enhancing effects such as increased natural killer (NK) cell activity and modulation of cytokines like IL-12 and IFN-γ (Lima et al., 2011). These findings contributed to its classification as a CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) agent in Japan, particularly among cancer patients.
Cultural and Economic Fit in Brazil
Brazil's agricultural diversity and openness to alternative health practices allowed A. blazei to flourish. It became a popular export product and was often marketed to older adults for immune support and vitality. The name "Cogumelo do Sol" ("Mushroom of the Sun") added to its appeal as a natural health product.
Scientific Validation and Health Applications
Peer-reviewed research has identified multiple bioactive compounds in A. blazei, including β-glucans, ergosterol, and proteoglucans. These compounds have demonstrated several physiological effects:
- Immune modulation: Enhances macrophage and NK cell activity (Lima et al., 2011)
- Cytokine regulation: Increases levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 (Wang et al., 2013)
- Metabolic support: Supports healthy blood glucose and lipid levels (Hsu et al., 2007; Vincent et al., 2013).
- Hepatoprotection: May protect liver tissue from oxidative stress
In Japan, a 2005 nationwide survey found that 60.6% of cancer patients using CAM reported taking Agaricus blazei mushroom products, making it the most frequently consumed medicinal mushroom in that population.
Why North America Missed the Trend
Despite originating in North America, Agaricus blazei has not become a mainstream supplement in the U.S. or Canada, yet. Possible reasons include:
- Culinary focus: The U.S. culinary mushroom market prioritized Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom), which is commonly used for pizzas, hamburgers, and salads.
- Lack of awareness: Minimal marketing around Agaricus blazei mushrooms.
- Weaker CAM adoption: Compared to Japan and Brazil, North America has a more conservative medical culture regarding CAM
Conclusion
Agaricus blazei’s journey from a forgotten North American species to a CAM staple in Japan and Brazil is a testament to the power of cultural context and scientific curiosity. Backed by peer-reviewed research, it continues to serve as an example of how rediscovery and validation can transform a humble mushroom into a global nutraceutical.
It took roughly 30 ~ 40 years from the time of chemical synthesis for Vitamin C to become widely recognized and used as a consumer supplement, and nearly a century from its nutritional discovery to today's global mainstream status.
Nobel prize winner, Dr. Linus Pauling’s public advocacy in the 1970s was the single turning point in transforming Vitamin C from a pharmaceutical nutrient into a mass-market health supplement. Given its scientific interest and traditional use, some have compared Agaricus blazei’s emerging role in integrative wellness to the rise of Vitamin C in the 20th century.
Clinical Note (For Practitioners)
Agaricus-based supplements are widely used in integrative oncology in Japan. Given their β-glucan content, they may be appropriate as adjunct immune modulators. Monitor patients for mild digestive issues at high daily dosages and possible interactions with conventional medications that may be affected by their immunomodulating, antiplatelet, or metabolic effects.
References
- Firenzuoli, F., Gori, L., & Lombardo, G. (2007). The medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4(3), 347–352.
- Kerrigan, R. W. (2005). Agaricus subrufescens, a cultivated edible and medicinal mushroom, and its synonyms. Mycologia, 97(1), 12–24.
- Lima, C. U. J. O., et al. (2011). Agaricus blazei Murrill and inflammatory mediators in elderly women. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 73(4), 336–341.
- Wang, H., et al. (2013). The medicinal values of culinary-medicinal Royal Sun Mushroom. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 842619.
- Hyodo, I., et al. (2005). Nationwide survey on complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients in Japan. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23, 2645–2654.
- Hsu, C. H., Liao, Y. L., Lin, S. C., Hwang, K. C., & Chou, P. (2007). The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill in combination with metformin and gliclazide improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 97–102. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.6054