Agarikon
Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis)
An ancient medicinal mushroom with potent antiviral and immune-supporting properties, historically called the 'elixir of long life'.
Agarikon is one of the oldest mushrooms used medicinally, with references dating back to ancient Greek physician Dioscorides who called it the 'elixir of long life.' It grows on old-growth conifer trees and is now quite rare. Laboratory studies have revealed antiviral compounds, but human clinical evidence is very limited — most research remains preclinical (in-vitro and animal studies).
Mechanisms of Action
Antiviral Compounds
Contains multiple antiviral molecules
Immune Modulation
Supports immune system function
Recommended Dose
500-1500mg extract daily
Loading: Not established
Optimal Timing
- With or without food
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Agarikon extract
Alternatives: Capsules, Tincture
Due to rarity, ensure products come from sustainable, verified sources.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Relatively rare and expensive mushroom. Quality sources are important.
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Immune Support
Enhanced immune defenses
Antiviral Protection
May help protect against viral infections
Limited Human Research
Most evidence is from laboratory studies — most evidence is from animal and in-vitro studies
Limited human safety data; use with appropriate caution
Who Should NOT Take This
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Agarikon or related compounds
Drug Interactions
May counteract immunosuppressive effects due to immune-stimulating properties
Medicinal mushrooms may affect blood clotting; use caution
May affect blood sugar levels; monitor glucose
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Warnings
- Limited human clinical trials
- Ensure sustainable sourcing - species is rare
- Most evidence is from laboratory studies
Top studies from 10+ peer-reviewed papers
Muszyńska B et al. • Chemistry & biodiversity (2020)
“It has been proved that both crude extracts and the compounds isolated from F. officinalis have a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial effects.© 2020 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.”
Key Findings:
- Because of its valuable biological properties and its use in 18th and 19th-century pharmacy, Fomitopsis officinalis used to be mass-collected.
- Moreover, the large demand for larch wood and non-wood materials (resin) caused an excessive exploitation of larch forests, which directly contributed to the disappearance of F. officinalis from its natural environment.
- The qualities of medicinal preparations obtained from the F. officinalis fruiting bodies are determined by the unique composition of its bioactive compounds, such as: triterpenoids, polysaccharides, organic acids, coumarins and phenolic compounds.
- It has been proved that both crude extracts and the compounds isolated from F. officinalis have a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial effects.© 2020 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.
Shen Y et al. • International journal of biological macromolecules (2024)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- The following mechanism examination discovered that FOBP50-1 interacted with TLR-4, PD-1, and VEGF to activate immunity and inhibit angiogenesis according to a series of cell, transgenic zebrafish, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments.
- The KD values indicating the association of FOBP50-1 with TLR-4, PD-1, and VEGF, were 4.69 × 10-5, 7.98 × 10-6, 3.04 × 10-6 M, respectively, in the SPR experiments.
- All investigations have demonstrated that the homogenous fungal polysaccharide FOBP50-1 has the potential to be turned into a tumor immunotherapy agent.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
- All rights reserved.
Liu W et al. • International journal of biological macromolecules (2024)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- The following mechanistic analysis discovered that the in vivo antitumor effect was linked to immune activation and angiogenesis inhibition.
- These effects were mediated by the interactions of FOBP90-1 with TLR-2, TLR-4, PD-L1, and VEGFR-2, as determined through a series of experiments involving cells, transgenic zebrafish, molecular docking simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
- All the experimental findings have demonstrated that FOBP90-1, a purified fungal polysaccharide, is expected to be utilized as a cancer treatment agent.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
- All rights reserved.
Altannavch N et al. • Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry (2022)
“This study reports that Fo3-chloroformic extract is rich in antitumor activity, which was previously not investigated in cancer.”
Key Findings:
- This study reports that Fo3-chloroformic extract is rich in antitumor activity, which was previously not investigated in cancer.
- To develop the impact of F. officinalis among natural products to treat/prevent oxidative stress disorders or cancers, further examinations of F. officinalis are needed to develop new natural drugs to treat cancer.
- However, this study assessed only one extract, Fo3-chloroformic, which has a significant impact against cancer cell lines.
Jakopovic B et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2020)
“This data provides good basis for an expanded translational study.”
Key Findings:
- AGARIKON.1 and AGARIKON PLUS exhibited immunostimulatory and antiangiogenic properties in vivo which resulted in significantly increased survival and reduction in tumor volume.
- The administration of AGARIKON.1 and AGARIKON PLUS did not show genotoxic effect.
- This data provides good basis for an expanded translational study.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.