Almond mushroom

BotanicalMedicinal mushroomBest with a meal

What is it

Almond mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens; also known as Agaricus blazei or Himematsutake) is an edible fungus native to Brazil. It is cultivated and sold for both culinary and supplemental use.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Immune modulation

Limited Evidence

Small human trials and many laboratory studies suggest immune-modulating activity, but consistent clinical benefits are not established.

How it works

The mushroom contains beta-glucans (notably 1,3-1,6 beta-D-glucan polysaccharides), lectins, and ergosterol. Beta-glucans interact with pattern-recognition receptors on immune cells (such as dectin-1) and may modulate innate immune responses in laboratory and animal models. Most research has explored immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activity, mostly in cell and animal studies. A small number of human trials suggest possible immune effects in cancer or hepatitis patients, but the data are preliminary and the supplement industry's claims often outpace the evidence.

Dosage

There is no established dose. Trials have used 1.8-5.4 g/day of dried mushroom or proprietary extracts. Standardization to beta-glucan content varies by product.

When and how to take it

Most products are taken once or twice daily, often with food to reduce mild GI upset.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried fruiting body powder

Common in dietary supplements.

Whole-mushroom form; beta-glucan content varies.

Beta-glucan-standardized extract

Used in immune-support formulas.

Concentrated extract aimed at consistent beta-glucan delivery.

Safety

Mushroom is generally well tolerated, but there have been case reports of liver injury, particularly with concentrated Agaricus extracts in hepatitis or chemotherapy patients. Stop use if jaundice or unexplained fatigue develops. Mild GI symptoms occur in some users.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Use cautiously in liver disease and in transplant patients on immunosuppressants.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with immunomodulatory drugs. Cases of liver enzyme elevation have been reported when used alongside other hepatotoxic agents, including some chemotherapy regimens. Discuss with an oncologist before use during cancer treatment.

Food sources

Fresh or dried almond mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens)

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Will almond mushroom treat cancer?⌄

No. There is no clinical evidence that it treats cancer, and some case reports describe liver injury during chemotherapy. Discuss any supplement with your oncologist before use.

Is it the same as button mushroom?⌄

No, although they are related. Almond mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens) is a different species from the common button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).

References

Almond mushroom on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Almond mushroom on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Almond mushroom (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.