(1→6)-β-D-glucan protein complex purified from the fruiting bodies of Agaricus blazei Murrill (Himematsutake)

It is revealed that (1→6)-β-D-glucan protein complex, found in Agaricus blazei Murrill (Japanese name: Himematsutake), has an excellent pharmacological effect, such as an antineoplastic effect.
In addition, Agaricus blazei Murrill polysaccharide having a β-(1→6) main chain combines with various protein,and it is known as a good polysaccharide absorbed from the digestive tract.

Agaricus blazei Murrill (Himematsutake) is known to have a polysaccharide, (1→6)-β-D-glucan protein complex (hereafter, "ABP"), which exerts its antitumor effect by enhancing the immune system. However, there are still unknown factors about the mechanism of the antitumor effect. Thus, we conducted studies in mice to clarify the effects of ABP ingestion on the growth and metastasis of lung tumors as well as their ability to form blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the tumor cells.

【Methods】

ABP was administered to mice, in which lung tumor cells were implanted in the thigh, at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg for 21 days to assess the growth of lung tumors and the number of metastases. In addition, ABP was administered to mice, in which the same lung tumor cells were implanted into the back, at doses of 20 and 100 mg/kg for 15 days to assess its effect on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It should be also noted that ABP was orally administered twice daily in the morning and evening.