Agaricus subrufescens

Peck

Almond-flavoured mushroom, Almond mushroom

Agaricaceae Edible: Mushroom, Fungus Potential hazards — see below 280 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Agaricus subrufescens (syn. Agaricus blazei, A. brasiliensis or A. rufotegulis) is a species of fungus, commonly known as the almond mushroom. It is edible for most people, with a somewhat sweet taste and a fragrance of almonds.

Description

A mushroom.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The mushroom is edible for most people, with a somewhat sweet taste and an almond aroma resulting from benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, benzonitrile, and methyl benzoate. Used in traditional and alternative medicine for its supposed anti-cancer effects, Agaricus mushrooms have not been assessed by sufficient high-quality clinical research to define safety and biological properties upon consumption as a food, dietary supplement, or drug.

Traditional Uses

The fruiting bodies are eaten.

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Known Hazards

Preliminary research indicates Agaricus products may have toxic effects on liver function marked by increased serum level of liver enzymes, especially in people with ovarian cancer, and may cause allergic reactions. Contrary to concerns about possible hepatotoxicity, multiple peer-reviewed studies suggest that A. subrufescens (A. blazei Murill) exhibits hepatoprotective effects rather than toxicity in both human and animal models. Clinical Study in Hepatitis B Patients: A 12-month open-label clinical study observed that 1,500 mg/day of A. blazei extract significantly reduced serum liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST) in chronic hepatitis B patients, indicating improved liver function without any adverse effects. No liver toxicity or renal abnormalities were reported in the patients throughout the study period. Animal Studies on Alcohol and CCl4-Induced Liver Injury: Experimental models in rats demonstrated that ABM extract has protective and antioxidant effects against liver injury caused by alcohol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). These studies reported normalization of liver enzymes, increased antioxidant levels (GSH, vitamins C and E), and reduced lipid peroxidation, without evidence of liver toxicity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to companies marketing Agaricus supplement products with unproven health claims of suggesting disease treatment or prevention, but these actions were based on regulatory compliance and not on evidence of toxicity.

Distribution

It is a temperate and tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Brazil, China, Himalayas, Japan, Nepal, North America, South America, USA,

Other Information

It is a cultivated food plant.

Notes

There are about 300 Agaricus species.

Synonyms

Agaricus braziliensisAgaricus rufotegulis

References (8)

Boa, E. R., 2004, Wild edible fungi and their importance to people. FAO Non Wood Forest Products Booklet 17
Dongol, et al, 1995, Edible Mushrooms in Nepal
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 249
Imai, S., 1938, Studies on the Agaricaceae of Hokkaido. 2. Jour. Facul. Agr., Hokkaido Imp. Univ., Sapporo, Vol. XLIII, Pt. 2, August, 1938
Kiple, K.F. & Ornelas, K.C., (eds), 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food. CUP p 318

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