Agaricus blazei, an unusual mushroom that deserves your full attention.

Among the four functional mushrooms in the Hymne range, Agaricus blazei is undoubtedly the least known to the general public. Yet, its history is fascinating. Originally from the Brazilian forests of Piedade, it has been consumed for decades in Japan under the name himematsutake. Let's take a closer look at this unique mushroom that deserves your attention.

A rare geographical origin

Agaricus blazei Murill grows naturally in a specific region of Brazil, near the city of Piedade in the State of São Paulo. It was in the 1960s that an American researcher, Dr. W.J. Murrill, botanically identified it. It was then exported to Japan, where its cultivation developed massively from the 1970s onwards.

Today, Agaricus is cultivated in several countries in Asia and Latin America using controlled cultivation techniques on natural substrates. Its selection and traceability are crucial criteria for the quality of the final product.

A composition rich in polysaccharides

Agaricus blazei contains a high proportion of beta-glucans — natural fibers from the polysaccharide family. Its beta-1,3 and beta-1,6-glucan content is among the highest in the family of functional mushrooms studied. It is this natural biochemical richness that has attracted the interest of many research teams since the 1980s, particularly in Japan, Korea, and Brazil.

As with all functional mushrooms, it should be noted that, under Swiss law, agaricus does not benefit from specific health claims authorized by the OALDal. It is valued by Hymne for its natural richness in biochemical compounds – without making therapeutic promises.

Agaricus in Hercule: a duo with reishi

In the Hercule formula, Agaricus blazei is combined with reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). These two mushrooms with complementary biochemical profiles form the fungal core of Hymne's morning formula. They are complemented by vitamin C and zinc — whose functional claims are legally recognized by the FSVO:

• ✅ Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system
• ✅ Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress