Research Radartracking 4 published studies · 1 human · 2 clinical trials · 2 cancer pages · updated Jun 2026Open the Research Map →

Agaricus Blazei

β-glucan mushroom that activates Dectin-1/TLR2 → IL-12/IFN-γ; boosts NK/macrophage/CD8+ activity; small human studies show immune marker gains.

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Human-reviewed · How we review →

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👥⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — Multiple small human studies and strong mechanistic animal data.Agaricus blazei MurillABMHimematsutakeAgaricus subrufescens

Forms: Standardized hot-water extract (β-glucan-rich) · Fruiting body powder/capsules · Mycelial biomass extract

Educational only, not medical advice. OncoForge makes no claim that Agaricus Blazei treats, prevents, or cures any condition, beyond what the linked studies show. Evidence levels vary; effects may not translate to people, and some compounds can cause harm. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

Simple Summary

This medicinal mushroom helps wake up your immune system. It supercharges the cells that fight cancer—especially NK cells—and can help shrink tumors in early studies. Some clinical trials have shown improvements in immune markers for cancer patients who take it.

Evidence at a glance

Tier 3 · early humanMixed solid tumors (adjunct)Hematologic (supportive)

Multiple small human studies with immune marker/QoL signals plus strong mechanistic preclinical data; oncology outcome data are limited.

How it may work

Agaricus blazei is rich in β-glucans that activate Dectin-1 and TLR-2 receptors on immune cells, leading to the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ. This stimulates natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and cytotoxic T-cells. In vitro and in vivo studies show it inhibits tumor growth, induces apoptosis, and may reverse immunosuppression in cancer patients.

Targets & pathways

Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.

  • Dectin-1↑β-glucan PRR activation
  • TLR2↑Innate co-activation
  • IL-12↑
  • IFN-γ↑
  • NK cytotoxicity↑
  • Macrophage activation↑
  • CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity↑
  • Tumor growth↓Preclinical inhibition; apoptosis↑
  • Cancer-related immunosuppression↓
β-GlucanNK ↑

Often studied / combined with

Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.

Overlapping mechanisms

Safety & interactions

Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.

Risk categories
Diarrhea RiskImmunostimulant Autoimmune CautionHypersensitivity Risk
Potential interactions
  • checkpoint inhibitorsMonitorMinorTheoreticalPotentially complementary immune activation; coordinate with oncology.
  • immunosuppressantsMonitorModerateTheoreticalImmune stimulation may oppose corticosteroids/other immunosuppressants.

Timing

References

Research

No published studies for Agaricus Blazei yet

New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.

Dose: as studied, not a recommendation

These are doses as studied or reported, never a recommendation. The right amount of Agaricus Blazei depends on you, your other medicines, and your situation; decide it with your oncology team and pharmacist, not from a web page.

Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 1000–3000 mg (oral) Standardized extract; divided BID–TID; β-glucan % varies by product, Products differ widely in extraction and β-glucan content. Start low and titrate to GI tolerance..

Trials studying Agaricus Blazei

Loading current trials from ClinicalTrials.gov… Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Inclusion here is not an endorsement. OncoForge makes no claim beyond what the linked studies show. Discuss anything on this page with your oncology team before acting on it.

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