Agaricus blazei (Sun Mushroom)

Originally from Brazil (locally "cogumelo do sol") and now widely cultivated in Japan, Agaricus blazei is one of the more clinically studied functional mushrooms for supportive cancer care.

Not medical advice. Not a cancer treatment. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, discuss any supplement with your oncology team first.

What the evidence shows

Several small randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials — in gynaecological cancer, multiple myeloma, and non-small-cell lung cancer patients — have found Agaricus blazei extract improved natural-killer (NK) cell activity and quality of life (appetite, fatigue) alongside chemotherapy, without replacing it. This is genuine human clinical-trial evidence for supportive care, not for treating or curing cancer, and the trials remain small.

Evidence level: preliminary; among the better human-trial-supported mushrooms for supportive oncology care specifically.

How it's used

Fruiting-body extract, powder, capsules, and liquid extracts (often marketed under Japanese brand names like AndoSan).

Safety

Generally well tolerated in the clinical trials conducted; mild digestive upset is the most reported issue. Being strongly immune-active, use caution or avoid with immunosuppressant medication (transplant recipients, autoimmune conditions) unless directed by a treating physician — this includes during any treatment where immune suppression is medically intended. Safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient — avoid.

Quality notes

Favour fruiting-body extracts with published beta-glucan content and third-party testing; much of the clinical research uses specific standardised extracts (e.g., "Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa," "AndoSan") rather than generic powder.

Sources

Explore the other medicinal mushrooms or our full plant catalogue.