According to the most widespread origin story, in the Piedade region of the São Paulo mountains, Brazil, a community descended from Japanese immigrants drew attention for its remarkable health, with comparatively low rates of chronic disease. Its inhabitants attributed that well-being to a mushroom they took daily in broths and teas — an observation that led to the species being sent to Japan for study in the second half of the twentieth century.
The mushroom is Agaricus blazei Murrill — now also classified as Agaricus subrufescens — renamed by Japanese researchers as Himematsutake (“royal princess mushroom”) or Royal Sun Agaricus. Since then it has been one of the most studied mushrooms of the genus Agaricus for its immunomodulatory activity.
Composition: a unique combination of polysaccharides
Himematsutake contains an extraordinarily high concentration of beta-1,3-glucans and beta-1,6-glucans — among the highest of any medicinal mushroom. But what distinguishes it is not only the quantity: its polysaccharides carry specific branched configurations that make them especially effective at activating Dectin-1 family receptors on immune cells.
It also contains ergosterol, tocopherols (vitamin E), linoleic acid, and a complete protein profile with all the essential amino acids.
Immunomodulatory activity: among the most studied in the genus Agaricus
A controlled clinical trial (Ahn et al., 2004, International Journal of Gynecological Cancer) evaluated an extract of Agaricus blazei in 100 patients with cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer during chemotherapy. The group that took the extract showed significantly higher NK cell activity than the placebo group, along with an improvement in chemotherapy side effects such as appetite, mood, and general weakness; no difference was observed in LAK or monocyte activity.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1048-891X.2004.14403.x
One of its most studied mechanisms: Himematsutake activates the production of TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12 — cytokines that coordinate the adaptive immune response.
Hepatoprotection and diabetes
In traditional medicine, Agaricus blazei has been used for chronic hepatitis, and part of the research explores its hepatic effects. In type 2 diabetes, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (Hsu et al., 2007) reported that an extract of Agaricus blazei, added to metformin and gliclazide treatment, improved insulin resistance (HOMA-IR index) and raised adiponectin after 12 weeks.
Himematsutake in the Simbiosis blend
Agaricus blazei is the least-known species in our blend of 8 mushrooms, but its presence is strategic: its high concentration of beta-glucans complements and amplifies the immunomodulatory activity of Reishi and Turkey Tail, while its complete nutritional profile contributes to overall well-being. It is, in many ways, the least famous and the most potent of the group.
How to take it
- Powdered extract: 1–2 g daily. A mild, faintly almond flavor with earthy notes.
- As an infusion: Traditional in Brazil as a daily tea.
- Protocol: Cycles of 8–12 weeks with rest periods of 2–4 weeks.
Precautions
- Individuals with autoimmune diseases — medical supervision.
- Individuals with organ transplants — mandatory consultation.
- Diabetics on medication — monitor glucose (potential hypoglycemic effect).
Educational information. Not a substitute for medical diagnosis or prescription. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease (COFEPRIS notice).
References
- Ahn W-S. et al. (2004). Natural killer cell activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 14(4), 589–594. DOI: 10.1111/j.1048-891X.2004.14403.x
- Hetland G. et al. (2008). Effects of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on immunity, infection and cancer. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 68(4), 363–370. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2008.02156.x
- Hsu C-H. et al. (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. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 97–102. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2006.6054