● Species profile
Almond Mushroom
Agaricus subrufescens
Photo: Alan Rockefeller, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A Brazilian relative of the button mushroom that smells like almonds, sometimes sold as Agaricus blazei. Small human studies look at immune function and insulin response. Popular in Japan as a supplement.
Historical Use and Context
In Brazil it is cogumelo do sol, the "mushroom of the sun." The story goes that in the 1960s researchers noticed people around Piedade, near São Paulo, had low rates of certain illnesses and ate the mushroom regularly.
Japanese researchers brought samples home, and Japan became its largest market. It is now cultivated mainly in Brazil, Japan, and China.
The Short Answer
May help insulin resistance and immune balance; small trials, with some liver risk.
Almond mushroom (often sold as Agaricus blazei) has several small human trials showing a modest effect on insulin resistance, and unclear effects on gut symptoms. It has also been linked to serious liver injury in a few case reports, so it is not risk-free.
How Strong Is the Research?
Small human trials
How to Take It
Capsules or Powder
A fruiting body extract, taken with meals, and stopped right away if you notice signs of liver trouble.
Liquid Extract
Several trials used a liquid extract taken daily.
Cooked, as Food
The mushroom is edible and tastes of almond, but always cook it, since raw Agaricus mushrooms contain agaritine, a compound of concern.
How Much
The diabetes trial used 1,500 mg a day of extract for 12 weeks. The Crohn's disease trial used 60 mL a day of a liquid extract (AndoSan) for 3 weeks.
When You Might Notice
Changes in insulin resistance showed up after 12 weeks. The Crohn's trial measured symptoms after 3 weeks and found no clear difference from placebo.
⚠ Who Should Skip It or Ask Your Doctor First
- Liver disease or heavy drinking: a few case reports describe severe liver injury in people taking almond mushroom, some of them fatal.
- Diabetes medicines: in a trial it improved insulin resistance on top of metformin and gliclazide, so blood sugar could drop further than expected.
- People on cancer treatment: the liver injury reports were in cancer patients, so only use it with your oncologist's okay.
- Immunosuppressants or autoimmune disease: it changes immune activity, and one liver case looked like autoimmune hepatitis.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: there is no safety data, so skip it.
What to Look for in a Product
1
Fruiting Body, Not Mycelium on Grain
The label should say fruiting body; grain-grown mycelium products are mostly starch.
2
Beta-Glucan % Listed
Good brands list beta-glucan content (the main active carbohydrate), not just total polysaccharides, which can include starch.
3
Third-Party Testing
Look for a certificate of analysis (a lab report) for heavy metals, since Agaricus mushrooms can collect cadmium from soil.
Where to Buy
Independent picks, chosen against the checklist above. Brands never pay for placement.
Capsules
Agaricus Bio Organic Agaricus blazei Capsules
Organic, US-grown almond mushroom extract; check the label for fruiting body and beta-glucan content before buying.
Check price on Amazon →Liquid extract
Agaricus Bio Super Liquid
Listed on Amazon as a fruiting body beta-glucan liquid extract.
Check price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, Shroomer earns from qualifying purchases. Commissions never change our scores.
The Research in Plain English
2007 · 72 adults with type 2 diabetes · RCT
People already on metformin and gliclazide took 1,500 mg a day of Agaricus extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. The Agaricus group had better insulin resistance scores and higher adiponectin (a hormone linked to better blood sugar control). Small and short. Read the study ↗
2016 · 50 adults with Crohn's disease · RCT
People took 60 mL a day of AndoSan (a liquid extract that is mostly almond mushroom, plus small amounts of lion's mane and maitake) or a placebo for 3 weeks. Symptoms improved in the AndoSan group, but the difference from placebo was not significant. Fatigue and quality of life improved about the same in both groups. Small and single-blinded. Read the study ↗
2006 · 3 adults with cancer · Case reports
Three cancer patients developed severe liver damage while taking almond mushroom extract, and two of them died. In one patient, liver tests got better after stopping it and worse after restarting it. The authors said this strongly suggests the extract caused the damage. Read the study ↗
This Almond Mushroom guide summarizes published research for general education and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you take medication.
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