title: The Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill Elicits Medicinal Effects on Tumor, Infection, Allergy, and Inflammation through Its Modulation of Innate Immunity and Amelioration of Th1/Th2 Imbalance and Inflammation.
abstract: The medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill from the Brazilian rain forest has been used in traditional medicine and as health food for the prevention of a range of diseases, including infection, allergy, and cancer. Other scientists and we have examined whether there is scientific evidence behind such postulations. Agaricus blazei M is rich in the immunomodulating polysaccharides, β-glucans, and has been shown to have antitumor, anti-infection, and antiallergic/-asthmatic properties in mouse models, in addition to anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory bowel disease patients. 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular Therapy, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Ullernchaussen 70, 0130 Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Geir
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hetland
authors.forename: Egil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Torstein
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lyberg
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kvalheim