Toei Shinyaku Presents Research on the Hair Growth and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Improvement Effects of Outdoor Cultivated Agaricus blazei KA21 at the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology Annual Meeting

Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Mitaka, Tokyo; CEO: Motoi Akimoto) is pleased to announce that the research findings on the hair growth and erectile dysfunction (ED) improvement effects of our Outdoor cultivated Agaricus blazei (A. brasiliensis / A.subrufescens) KA21 strain were presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology (hereinafter, “the Society”).

King Agaricus KA21 strain cultivated outdoor in Brazil

Presentation Title

“Improvement of Hair Loss and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) by Outdoor Cultivated Agaricus blazei (KA21 Strain): Application to Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) Treatment”

Collaborative Research Institutions

eHealth Clinic Shinjuku

Faculty of Health Science, Shigakkan University

Purpose of the Study

Agaricus (Agaricus blazei, brasiliensis, subrufescens) is a medicinal mushroom native to Brazil, rich in β-glucans, with various reported physiological activities.Previous studies on the Outdoor cultivated Agaricus blazei KA21 fruiting body (hereinafter, KA21) grown in Brazil have reported:

●Hair growth effects in alopecia model mice,

●Improvements in coat quality and luster in senior dogs and cats,

●Reduction of hair loss in human clinical trials (male and female).

In this study, we conducted a human clinical trial to evaluate the effects of KA21 on hair loss and ED. Based on these findings, we presented clinical applications including combined use with AGA medications at the Society.

Trial Data

In a clinical study, 24 men aged 50 to under 70 years orally consumed 900 mg/day of KA21 for two months. Results showed:

●Significant improvements in AMS (Aging Male Symptoms) scores such as anxiety, depressed mood, decreased libido, and reduced sexual ability.

●Trends toward improvement in sleep and morning erections.

●Statistically significant improvements in erectile dysfunction (p＜0.05) and hair loss (p＜0.05).

Discussion

This trial confirmed the improvement effects of KA21 on both hair loss and ED.When KA21-containing supplements are combined with AGA medications, not only additive hair growth effects are expected, but also potential preventive effects against side effects such as ED and decreased libido, which are concerns with AGA drugs (finasteride, dutasteride).

About Agaricus blazei

Agaricus is a mushroom widely used as a health food and supplement in complementary and alternative medicine. Its characteristics and active ingredients vary depending on strain, cultivation conditions, and origin. Accordingly, the quality of Agaricus-containing products differs greatly between manufacturers.

Source: Excerpt from the National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, “Information on the Safety and Effectiveness of Health Foods.”

■King Agaricus KA21, outdoor cultivated Agaricus in Brazil

King Agaricus KA21 (King Agaricus 21 strain) is cultivated outdoors under natural sunlight in Brazil. Compared to ordinary indoor-grown Agaricus cultivated in dark greenhouses, KA21 grows larger and contains higher levels of key components such as β-glucans and vitamin D*. It also exhibits over five times higher antioxidant activity**.

Left: Indoor culttivated Agaricus, Right: Outdoor cultivated Agaricus

Difference in β-glucan content

Difference in vitamins and minerals

Difference in antioxidant activity

* Analysis: Japan Food Research Laboratories

** IntJMedMushrooms.2019033173, pages 31-43

■About Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

As the manufacturer of the KA21 strain, Toei Shinyaku has conducted over 29 years of research and development on KA21. The company has published 34 international research papers (the top-class record among Agaricus manufacturers), and holds 4 Japanese patents and 2 U.S. patents.

We have conducted collaborative research with leading institutions including:

●Azabu University School of Veterinary Medicine

●Keio University SFC Research Institute

●National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

●Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine

●University of Tokyo Food Safety Research Center

●Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences (Department of Immunology)

●Harvard University (USA)

Research outcomes have demonstrated:

●Antitumor effects,

●Reduction of chemotherapy side effects,

●Hepatoprotective and fatty liver improvement effects,

●Cardioprotective effects,

●Blood glucose-lowering effects,

●Hair growth promotion,

●Gut microbiota improvement, including proliferation of Akkermansia muciniphila,

【human clinical trials】

●Immune enhancement, 

●reduced fatigue, improvement of hair loss, better sleep, and stress relief.