Wellness Revolution

For thousands of years in the Eastern World, mushrooms have enjoyed a reputation for promoting health and longevity. Mushrooms have been documented as a folk remedy in China, Japan, Korea, and Russia for thousands of years. Approximately 50 years ago, scientists began research to investigate if there are any scientific reasons for the belief that mushrooms promote health.

Research has gone on to provide significant support for the belief that mushrooms promote health. Since research began almost 50 years ago, many scientifically supported health benefits of mushrooms have been found. Interestingly, mushrooms have been found to be able to partially inhibit a variety of important human enzymes such as aromatase, 5-alpha-reductase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, cyclooxygenase, and HMG-CoA reductase. Mushrooms have been also found to contain interesting compounds like a fat that promotes healthy weight, known as conjugated linoleic acid, and a powerful antioxidant called ergothioneine.

Mushrooms are also known for having in vitro (test tube experiments) antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Compounds in Agaricus blazei have shown some degree of antiviral activity in vitro,[ref][ref] which may indicate that consumption of the mushroom may beneficially alter bacteria and virus levels in the stomach. However, of all these interesting research discoveries, research showing mushrooms may enhance aspects of the immune system, has been the most important discovery to date. Research concerning mushroom’s ability to modulate the immune system is currently a focus of international research with scientific papers being published monthly.

Research has shown that mushrooms are able to impact the immune systems of humans due to a large and diverse collection of polysaccharides contained in the mushroom. These unique fungal polysaccahrides resemble bacterial cell walls, and have been shown to be able to interact with receptors present on immune system cells, like Toll-like receptor 2, CD18, dectin-1 and scavenger receptors.[ref] For example, Agaricus blazei contains significant levels of alpha and beta glucan polysaccharides. Research has documented how these diverse and uniquely shaped polysaccharides, or “sugar chains”, enhance the activity of immune system cells and also their signaling molecules, which are known as cytokines. Of all the mushrooms examined for their ability to up-regulate the immune system, Agaricus blazei may be the most potent.

The reason why Agaricus blazei is superior to other mushrooms is only partially understood, but is believed to be due to the mushroom’s unique profile of polysaccharides. Agaricus blazei’s polysaccharides and protein-bound polysaccharides, are unique because they have been found to be at a molecular weight much lower than that of polysaccharides found elsewhere. It has been proposed, that these low molecular weight polysaccharides are more biologically usable than other beta-glucans, and in turn, more effective in modulating the immune system’s activity.

In Japan, arguably the forefront for mushroom knowledge and research, Agaricus blazei has been selected as the most potent of all mushrooms for immune system support. As of 2004, it was estimated that 500,000 people depend on this product in Japan alone. Nation-wide surveys conducted in Japan, have also shown Agaricus blazei is the leading mushroom supplement trusted for supporting the immune response.

Research with Agaricus blazei has shown the mushroom stimulates the activity of immune system cells like macrophages, NK cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and T-cells. Research has also demonstrated that Agaricus blazei can stimulate the production of interferons (an important class of cytokines), like interferons alpha, beta, and gamma. Research has also shown that Agaricus blazei can modulate interleukins (another important class of cytokines), like interleukins 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. In addition, Agaricus blazei has been shown to support the important cytokine known as tumor necrosis factor alpha or TNF-α. Aside from the immune system, additional research has noted that Agaricus blazei also supports healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

In a world filled with disease, pollution, synthetic chemicals, and increased daily stress, it is vital that the immune system is performing at its best. The immune system takes on even greater importance when considering the rapidly increasing cost of health care.

In fact, a study by the The American Journal of Medicine, lists medical debt as the number one cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States. Current estimates put U.S. health care spending at approximately 15.3% of GDP, and that number is expected to continue to rise, reaching 19.5% of GDP by 2017. Despite this huge amount of spending, the last time the World Health Organization ranked international health care systems in 2000, the United States ranked 37th in the world, behind Costa Rica and in front of Slovenia.

With the knowledge that the diet can contribute significantly to health and wellness, the Wellness Revolution is about taking your health into your own hands. Currently, the safety and efficacy of Agaricus blazei is supported by the 500,000 people (see reference on research page) who use it on a daily basis. By adding our Agaricus blazei to your dietary needs, you can be part of the Wellness Revolution. Our supplements, made from USDA organic Agaricus blazei can help you maintain a healthier life, have renewed vitality, and improve your sense of well-being in as little as 30 days.