Agaricus Blazei Murill (ABM) mushrooms are a prominent cancer treatment in Japan. Although the first reports of this mushroom date from the forties, only after its discovery in Brazil in 1965 by Mr. Furumoto, a Japanese farmer from Piedade, a large interest of the scientific community was aroused, mainly in Japan (country that received the first samples), United States and China.
Since then, several researches have been accomplished, demonstrating the qualities and benefits of Agaricus. In Brazil, the production of Agaricus Blazei Murill (ABM) in commercial scale just begun in 1989, when the Iwade Laboratory of Japan, signed a cultivation contract with SB Cristal (Kazumasa Abe). Finally, more than 20 years after, the mushroom was back to its homeland.
Considering the nutritional and physiologic importance of the Agaricus mushrooms, Kazumasa Abe requested in 1998, through National Biosciences and Human Technology Institute from the Industrial technology Agency of the Ministry of International and Industrial Trade of Japan, the patenting of Agaricus Blazei Murill BM8, in the Budapest Agreement about the International Recognition of Microorganism Deposit, with the number FERM BP-6480.
Agaricus in nature contains 85 to 87% water. After the dehydration, it is rich in proteins and
carbohydrates and it contains considerable amounts of vitamins - B1, B2, B3 and ergo sterol, that it is transformed into vitamin D2 after exhibition to light and cooking, lipids (represented mainly by poliunsaturated greasy acids), minerals - potassium (about 2%), phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, sodium, copper, zinc, iron and molybdenum.
In chemical composition, besides the mentioned nutrients, scientists have found glycoprotein, steroids and polysaccharides complexes with proteins that, when analyzed in laboratories, presented properties that potentializes the immune system, the homeostasis and improve the physical conditions of the organism, besides producing pronounced antitumor activity.
Agaricus originates from Piedade, which is located in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The climatic conditions in Piedade include temperatures that soar to 35º during the day and dip to between 20º and 25º at night, with a humidity that averages 80%. The place also experiences regular rainfall towards the evening. Agaricus thrives only under these conditions, suggesting that its survival is significantly affected by these external conditions.
Some 30 years ago, a US researcher noted that, the rate of occurrence of adult diseases in the Piedade region is extremely low, and found that it was because of the Agaricus that was a part of the regular diet of the inhabitants of this area. Around the same time, Agaricus was introduced to Japan. Dr. Shoji Shibata, who at the time was a professor in the Pharmacological Department of Tokyo University, and Dr. Tetuo Ikegawa of the National Cancer Center, jointly researched the pharmacological effects of Agaricus. The research results were released at the general convention of the Japan Pharmacological Association and the Japan Cancer Association. The experience with mice verified that the Polysaccharide Beta-Glucan contained in Agaricus significantly activated the immune system.
As Agaricus grows only in certain conditions, its production in Brazil remained unstable. Moreover, Agaricus was mostly consumed locally, and importing it into Japan was extremely difficult. Despite efforts in Japan over many years to cultivate Agaricus under artificial conditions, it proved extremely difficult, and failed to guarantee a stable production output. However, in 1992, Kyowa Engineering achieved a world first when it successfully mass-produced Agaricus by taking advantage of the company's biotechnological expertise. Consequently, the company was able to provide a stable supply of Agaricus to the health food
market.
Immunity and Agaricus Blazei Murill (ABM)
Living organisms are equipped with an immunity system which expels pathogens, toxic chemicals and tumorous cells generated through mutation. When tumorous cells attach to form a simple protein lump, it is decomposed by microorganisms such as bacteria. Thanks to this function, which is called immunity, bodies can maintain their health by fighting off harmful micro-organisms, stopping them from entering tissue or discharging them from tissue.
When their immune systems work properly, humans remain healthy. However, the immune systems in many people are weakened by stress, poor eating habits and pollution, such as air pollution. These people can suffer from a number of diseases.
It is widely believed that cancer is caused by a decline in the immune system caused by aging and other factors. It is also known that atopic dermatitis asthma, pollinosis and rheumatism result from an excessive immuno reaction. The AIDS virus destroys immuno cells and triggers diseases.
To keep the immune system functioning properly, it is vital to follow the practices listed below:
• Do not allow yourself to be overcome with stress.
• Avoid fatigue and get enough sleep.
• Do not smoke or drink excessively.
• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Take moderate exercise.
However, adopting all of these habits can be quite difficult. Agaricus Blazei Murill (ABM), which is enjoying growing attention, contains a large amount of polysaccharide, which is believed to enhance immunity. It does not only bolster immunity but reduces excessive immuno reactions to maintain a balance. Of all fungi, Agaricus Blazei Murill (ABM) is particularly rich in polysaccharides, and has shown particularly strong results in treating and preventing cancer. We believe that Agaricus Blazei Murill (ABM) is the ideal food for the people of today, who are exposed to a difficult living environment.