Toei Shinyaku Files Patent for Ovarian Function Improvement Effect Through King Agaricus KA21 Intake

Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Mitaka, Tokyo; CEO: Akitomo Motoi), in collaboration with the Institute of Natural Medicine at Toyama University and the Department of Health Science at Shigakkan University, has confirmed the ovarian function improvement effect of the King Agaricus KA21 strain (hereafter referred to as Agaricus KA21), which is a medical mushroom "Agaricus blazei, brasilensis, subrufescens" cultivated outdoor in Brazil. Following the results of this study, we are pleased to announce that we have filed a patent application for an "Ovarian Function Improvement Composition and Pharmaceuticals, Foods, and Feeds Containing It."

Overview

Patent Application Number: 2024-147585

Date of Submission: August 29, 2024 (Reiwa 6)

Inventors: Kazunori Akagi, Hirobumi Tada, Akitomo Motoi

Applicants: Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd., Shigakkan University, National University Corporation Toyama University

Title of the Invention

"Ovarian Function Improvement Composition and Pharmaceuticals, Foods, and Feeds Containing It"

Technical Field

This invention relates to a composition for improving ovarian function, and pharmaceuticals, foods, and feeds containing it.

King Agaricus KA21, Agaricus blazei cultivated outdoor in Brazil

Background of the Study

With the declining birthrate and aging population, particularly in developed countries, there is a growing demand for the development of medicines and foods that exhibit anti-aging and anti-reproductive aging effects. Previous joint research with the Institute of Natural Medicine at Toyama University and the Department of Health Science at Shigakkan University revealed that the intake of our outdoor cultivated King Agaricus KA21 by female Drosophila flies extended their lifespan. During the process of clarifying the mechanism of this effect, it was suggested that King Agaricus KA21 might act on the ovaries.

Test Data

Female Drosophila flies were fed food containing 5% dried fruiting bodies of the outdoor cultivated King Agaricus KA21 strain for 35 days, during which changes in ovarian size were observed through microscope imaging. Additionally, the number of eggs laid by each individual within 24 hours was measured. The results confirmed that 1) ovarian size tended to increase (the decline in ovarian size due to aging was suppressed), and 2) the number of eggs laid tended to increase significantly (the decline in egg-laying due to aging was suppressed). These findings confirmed that administering the processed fruiting bodies of King Agaricus KA21 improves ovarian function.

Applications in Supplements

Given the suppression of ovarian function decline due to aging, the following applications are expected:

1. Application as a supplement in the field of human infertility treatment*

*Due to a recent patent application aimed at improving conditions such as ED and reduced libido, this product can be used by both men and women.

https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/401642 (July 9, 2024)

2. As it slows the decline in ovarian function, it is expected to have a symptom-relieving effect for menopause when used as a supplement.

3. It is also expected to be utilized as a supplement or feed to increase the number of births in pets and livestock.

■ 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

Difference in β-glucan content

Difference in vitamins and minerals

Difference in antioxidant activity

(*1) According to Japan Food Research Laboratories

(*2) IntJMedMushrooms.2019033173, 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/