Ingredient Spotlight: Agaricus Blazei

The medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill from the Brazilian rain forest has been used in traditional medicine for the prevention of a range of diseases, including infection, allergy, and cancer. Agaricus blazei M is rich in the immunomodulating polysaccharides, β-glucans, and has been shown to have antitumor, anti-infection, and antiallergic/-asthmatic properties These effects are mediated through the mushroom's stimulation of innate immune cells, such as monocytes, NK cells, and dendritic cells, and the amelioration of a skewed Th1/Th2 balance and inflammation.

According to regional lore, Agaricus blazei was first believed to have medicinal properties when outsiders noted that the people of Piedade rainforest of Brazil, who consumed the mushroom as part of their diet, had lower rates of aging-related disorders like cancer and heart disease.