Toei Shinyaku Publishes International Research on the Wound Healing Promotion and Skin-Beautifying Effects of King Agaricus KA21, Outdoor Cultivated Agaricus blazei / brasiliensis KA21 Strain

Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Mitaka City, Tokyo; Representative Director: Akimoto Motoi) is pleased to announce that the research findings on the wound healing promotion and skin-beautifying effects of King Agaricus KA21, outdoor cultivated Agaricus blazei / brasiliensis (KA21 strain) have been published as our 34th international paper.

King Agaricus KA21, outdoor cultivated Agaricus blazei

■Paper Title

Effect of Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 (Agaricomycetes) Cultivated Outdoors on Wound Healing and Maintaining Skin Elasticity

■Published Paper

International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 26(11):1-10 (2024)

DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2024054886

International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms

■ Co-Research Conducted by

Department of Immunology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

■ Abstract

Royal sun medicinal mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 has various beneficial pharmacological effects; however, these effects are influenced by its cultivation conditions. A. brasiliensis KA21 is rich in β-glucan, which promotes wound healing. This study evaluated the wound healing-promoting effects of A. brasiliensis KA21 and the influence of cultivation conditions on these effects. Upon evaluation of its effect on wound healing, the outdoor-cultivated A. brasiliensis KA21 (KAOD) promoted wound healing in mice, and the effect of KAOD was stronger than that of the indoor-cultivated one (KAID). In addition, A. brasiliensis KA21 promoted the synthesis of collagen I and III, which are involved in promoting wound healing; KAOD strongly induced collagen III production. Furthermore, KAOD suppressed the decrease in skin elasticity after acetone application in our mouse model, which was not observed for KAID. These results show that KAOD is useful as a supplement in surgery and injury healing for humans and animals, improving immunity against pathogens in wound areas and promoting wound healing. In addition, KAOD may be useful in the field of skin aesthetics for repairing skin damage and maintaining skin elasticity.

■ Application of Outdoor cultivated King Agaricus KA21 Strain as a Supplement for Post-Surgery Early Recovery

We have previously conducted surveys on the wound healing promotion effects of the outdoor cultivated King Agaricus KA21 strain.

Survey on Cosmetic Surgeons

In a survey conducted with cosmetic surgeons, 18 patients who underwent cosmetic surgery were administered a supplement containing 1600mg of outdoor cultivated King Agaricus KA21 for six days. The satisfaction rate among the surgeons (very satisfied and satisfied) was found to be 93.3%, indicating a very high level of satisfaction.

(Internal data)

Survey on Veterinarians and Pet Owners

In a survey involving 55 dogs and cats after surgery, they were administered a pet supplement containing 240mg of outdoor cultivated King Agaricus KA21 per 4-5kg of body weight for 7-10 days. The satisfaction rates were reported as 97.9% for veterinarians and 93.9% for pet owners at a conference.

(Presentation at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Comparative and Integrative Medicine)

Based on the findings from this paper and previous conference reports, the application of outdoor cultivated King Agaricus KA21 strain as a supplement for early recovery after surgery is highly anticipated.

■ About Agaricus blazei / brasileinsis / subrufescens

Agaricus is a type of mushroom widely used in the field of complementary and alternative medicine as a health food and supplement. It is noted that "the characteristics and content of active components differ depending on the strain, cultivation conditions, and origin," and that "the quality of Agaricus-containing products can vary greatly depending on the product."

■ Brazilian outdoor cultivated King Agaricus (KA21 Strain)

This Agaricus strain, known as King Agaricus 21 (=KA21), is cultivated under the sun in the open fields of Brazil. Compared to the commonly indoor-cultivated Agaricus grown in dark environments, the outdoor cultivated King Agaricus grows larger, contains higher levels of key components such as β-glucan and vitamin D*, and exhibits more than five times the antioxidant activity**.

Comparison of sizes: Left - Indoor-grown, Right - Outdoor-grown

β-glucan content

Difference in vitamins and minerals

Difference in antioxidant activity

Japanese Food Analysis Center findings

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2019 033173, pages 31-43

■ Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd., the manufacturer of the King Agaricus KA21, has been engaged in research and development related to the KA21 strain for over 28 years. We have published 34 international papers, obtained 3 domestic patents, and 2 US patents, demonstrating a significant record in research. We have conducted joint research with various institutions such as the School of Veterinary Medicine at Azabu University, Keio University SFC Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, University of Tokyo Food Safety Research Center, and the Department of Immunology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.

 Our research has confirmed various beneficial effects of King Agaricus KA21 

in animal experiments, including anti-tumor effects, reduction of chemotherapy side effects, liver protection, heart protection, blood glucose lowering effects, hair growth promotion, and in human clinical trials, immune-enhancing effects, fatigue reduction, hair loss improvement, and improvement of male menopause symptoms such as ED.

Company Name: Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 1-11-23 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

Representative: Representative Director Akimoto Motoi

Capital: 10 million yen

Official Website: https://www.agaricus.co.jp/

Cross border EC site: https://toeishinyaku.jp/