Toei Shinyaku Announces International Research Publication on the Effects of Outdoor-Cultivated Agaricus blazei KA21 = King Agaricus KA21 on Fungal Infections in Dogs and Cats (Canine Malassezia)

Potential Application as a Pet Supplement for Fungal Infections in Dogs and Cats (Malassezia Dermatitis, Otitis Externa, and Dermatophytosis)

2024.05.24 09:30

Toei Shinyaku Co.,Ltd.

Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Mitaka, Tokyo; President: Akimoto Motoi) Announces Publication of Research on Outdoor-Cultivated Agaricus blazei KA21 = King Agaricus KA21 for Fungal Infections (Canine Malassezia) in the Company's 33rd International Paper.

Outdoor-Cultivated Agaricus blazei KA21 = King Agaricus KA21

Title of the paper

Effects of Outdoor-Grown Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 (Agaricomycetes) Fruiting Body on Canine Malassezia Dermatitis

Publication: International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 26(6):13 - 23 (2024)

URL :https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38801085/

International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms

Co-Research Institution

Department of Immunology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

Mori no Inu Neko Hospital (Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture)

[Main Content of the Paper]

In this study, outdoor-cultivated Agaricus blazei / brasiliensis KA21 strain was administered to dogs (n=9, weight 1.9-6.9 kg) suffering from fungal infections (Malassezia) at a dose of 300 mg (1 capsule) per day for three months.

As a result, a significant increase in antibody titers against fungal β-glucan in the blood and an improvement in clinical symptoms were observed in the group not taking oral steroids.

These results suggest that the intake of KA21 can alleviate symptoms of Malassezia and other fungal infections, potentially aiding in the prevention of recurrent infections with continuous intake. It may also help reduce the dosage of oral steroids or facilitate steroid withdrawal.

[Application of Outdoor-Cultivated Agaricus blazei KA21 as a Pet Supplement for Fungal Infections in Dogs and Cats]

In the past, we administered outdoor-cultivated Agaricus blazei KA21 to dogs and cats (n=94) with fungal infections (Malassezia dermatitis, otitis externa, dermatophytosis) and confirmed significant alleviation of symptoms such as itching and hair loss. The satisfaction rate among veterinarians was also high, ranging from 80.6% to 93.1%, as reported at the 25th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Veterinary Dermatology.

Based on the content of this paper and past conference data, the efficacy of outdoor-cultivated King Agaricus KA21 for fungal infections (Malassezia dermatitis, otitis externa, dermatophytosis, etc.) in dogs and cats is expected.

[About Agaricus blazei]

Agaricus blazei / brasiliensis / subrufescens is a type of mushroom widely used as a health food and supplement in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. Its properties and constituents vary depending on the strain, cultivation conditions, and place of origin. The quality of Agaricus blazei -containing products also varies significantly among different products.

*Excerpt from the National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition "Safety and Efficacy Information on Health Foods"

[Brazilian Outdoor-Cultivated Agaricus balzei KA21 strain = King Agaricus KA21]

Agaricus balzei cultivated outdoors under the sun using the King Agaricus 21 (KA21) strain in Brazil. Compared to conventional house-cultivated Agaricus blazei grown in dark conditions, this outdoor-cultivated variety grows larger and contains higher amounts of key components such as β-glucan and vitamin D*. It also has over five times the antioxidant activity**.

Left: house-cultivated Agaricus blazei, Right: Outdoor-cultivated

Difference in β-glucan content

Comparison of vitamins and minerals

Comparison of antioxidant activity

** According to the Japan Food Analysis Center

** IntJMedMushrooms.2019033173, pages 31-43

Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd., the manufacturer of the KA21 strain, has conducted research and development on the KA21 strain for over 28 years. The company has published 33 international papers, obtained 3 domestic patents, and 2 US patents, showcasing extensive research achievements. Collaborative research has been conducted with institutions such as Azabu University School of Veterinary Medicine, Keio University SFC Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, University of Tokyo Food Safety Research Center, and Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences Department of Immunology.

Animal experiments have demonstrated various beneficial effects of the KA21 strain, including anti-tumor effects, reduction of chemotherapy side effects, liver protection, heart protection, blood sugar reduction, and hair growth promotion. Human clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy in immune enhancement, fatigue reduction, and improvement of hair loss.