Abstract: 
Medicinal mushrooms have currently become an important issue due to their various therapeutic properties. Of these, Agaricus subrufescens, formerly named A. blazei Murrill, has been used as dietary mushroom and to formulate nutraceuticals and functional foods. Since its discovery in 1893, this mushroom has been cultivated throughout the world, especially in Brazil where several strains of A. subrufescens have been developed. This mushroom is rich in the immunomodulating polysaccharides, β-glucans, and has been shown to have antitumor, anti-infection, and antiallergic/-asthmatic properties in mouse models, in addition to anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory bowel disease patients. This article presents up-to-date information on this mushroom including its taxonomy and health promoting benefits. Medicinal properties of A. subrufescens are emphasized in several studies which are reviewed here.

Keywords: Agaricus subrufescens, Allergy, Cancer, Inflammation, Immunomodulation, Agartine.