As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are exploring natural compounds that might support immune health. One area of interest is medicinal mushrooms, specifically Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM). A recent study titled “Can medicinal mushrooms have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against COVID-19 and its pneumonic superinfection and complicating inflammation?” by Hetland and colleagues sheds light on how ABM mushrooms might help regulate immune responses and inflammation during viral infections, including COVID-19. Additionally, a 2022 review from Food Chemistry Advances highlights the antiviral and immune-modulating properties of various medicinal mushrooms, further supporting their potential role in managing viral challenges like COVID-19.
While it’s important to clarify that no supplement can prevent or cure COVID-19, research suggests that ABM and other medicinal mushrooms may offer immune support and help balance inflammatory responses, particularly during viral infections. Let’s explore the key findings from both studies to better understand how these mushrooms might complement overall immune health.
Agaricus Blazei Murill: A Powerful Mushroom for Immune Support
Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is a medicinal mushroom long recognized for its immune-supporting properties, particularly due to its high content of Beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that can interact with the immune system, potentially promoting the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
COVID-19 and the Immune Response
COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system and triggers complex immune responses, sometimes leading to severe inflammation in the lungs and other organs. In some cases, an overactive immune response, known as a cytokine storm, can result in damaging levels of inflammation. Research is now focusing on how natural compounds like those found in ABM mushrooms could help modulate these immune and inflammatory responses.
Key Findings of the Hetland Study
The study by Hetland and colleagues explored whether ABM mushrooms could support immune function during COVID-19 by modulating inflammatory responses and providing respiratory support. While the findings are preliminary and based on laboratory research, they offer promising insights into the role of Beta-glucans in supporting immune balance during viral infections.
- Modulating Inflammation
One of the key findings was ABM’s potential to regulate excessive inflammation, particularly in the lungs. Severe COVID-19 cases often result in pneumonia and complications due to an overactive immune response. The study found that Beta-glucans from ABM mushrooms may help reduce inflammation by balancing immune system activity, potentially preventing the damaging effects of an excessive immune response. - Supporting Respiratory Health
The study also explored ABM’s potential role in supporting respiratory health during viral infections. Severe respiratory infections like COVID-19 can lead to pneumonic superinfections—secondary bacterial infections in the lungs. The researchers suggest that ABM mushrooms may help enhance the immune system’s ability to defend against respiratory pathogens, providing additional support for lung health.
Additional Insights from the 2022 Food Chemistry Advances Review
A 2022 review by Arunachalam and colleagues, published in Food Chemistry Advances, provides further evidence of the antiviral and immune-modulating properties of various medicinal mushrooms, including Agaricus blazei Murill. The review examined the potential of mushrooms to act as prophylactic or therapeutic agents in managing viral infections, including COVID-19.
- Antiviral Properties of Medicinal Mushrooms
The review highlights several medicinal mushrooms, such as ABM, Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, and Lentinula edodes, that contain compounds with potential antiviral properties. The compounds identified include terpenoids, lectins, glycoproteins, lentinan, and polysaccharides, which have been shown to interact with the immune system and may help inhibit viral replication. These compounds are of particular interest for their potential to reduce viral loads and support the body’s defenses against viruses like SARS-CoV-2. - Immune-Modulating Effects
The review also emphasizes the role of Beta-glucans and other polysaccharides from medicinal mushrooms in modulating immune responses. Modified forms of Beta-glucans were found to have a positive impact on viral replication suppression, suggesting that these compounds could be explored further for their potential to support immune function during viral infections like COVID-19.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Potential
Both the Hetland study and the review by Arunachalam et al. suggest that Beta-glucans and other compounds found in medicinal mushrooms, including Agaricus blazei Murill, could play a supportive role in the body’s natural defenses. While these studies highlight the potential of mushrooms to help regulate immune responses and manage inflammation, it is important to note that more research, particularly human clinical trials, is needed to confirm these effects.
A Complementary Approach to Immune Health
Although medicinal mushrooms like ABM show potential in supporting immune function and managing inflammation during viral infections, they are not a replacement for conventional medical treatments. ABM mushrooms and other medicinal mushrooms could be part of a complementary wellness routine, helping to promote immune health during times of viral challenge. However, they should be used alongside medical advice and approved treatments for COVID-19.
What’s Next for Research?
The findings from both studies underscore the need for continued research into the antiviral and immune-supporting properties of medicinal mushrooms. Future studies, especially clinical trials in humans, will be critical in determining how compounds like Beta-glucans, lectins, and terpenoids can be utilized to support immune health in the face of viral infections like COVID-19.
Final Thoughts
The growing body of research on Agaricus blazei Murill and other medicinal mushrooms highlights the potential of these natural compounds to support immune balance and manage inflammation during viral infections. While the findings are promising, it’s essential to remember that medicinal mushrooms are not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 directly.
As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating new supplements into your wellness routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are currently receiving treatment for COVID-19.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and continue to support your immune system!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.
Bibliography:
- Hetland, G., Johnson, E., Bernardshaw, S.V., & Grinde, B. (2020). “Can medicinal mushrooms have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against COVID-19 and its pneumonic superinfection and complicating inflammation?” Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 92(4), e12937. https://doi.org/10.1111/sji.12937
- Arunachalam, K., Sasidharan, S.P., & Yang, X. (2022). “A concise review of mushrooms antiviral and immunomodulatory properties that may combat against COVID-19.” Food Chemistry Advances, 1, 100023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2022.100023