Agaricus Blazei (Himematsutake)
アガリクス（姫マツタケ） (Agarikusu / Himematsutake)
Why source from Japan
Japanese producers refined the himematsutake cultivar and developed the standardised beta-glucan extracts that anchor the global agaricus supplement category.
Key spec
Beta-glucan 25-45% in standardised extracts; ergosterol 0.05-0.2%; protein 30-50% (dried mushroom basis).
Typical end-product
Immune-support supplements, adjuvant nutraceuticals, functional tea blends.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg powder; 100 g – 1 kg standardised actives
- Typical lead time
- 8–12 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Mie, Niigata, Hokkaido
- Category
- Medicinal plants
- Harvest season
- Year-round (indoor cultivation)
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC notifications exist; food product status; MHLW guidance per category
- Japanese name
- アガリクス（姫マツタケ）
- Romaji
- Agarikusu / Himematsutake
About this ingredient
Cultivated medicinal mushroom (Agaricus blazei), introduced from Brazil but commercialised in Japan since the 1980s, where the cultivar has been refined and standardised under the local 'himematsutake' trade name. Major Japanese producers operate indoor cultivation in Mie, Niigata, and Hokkaido. Beta-glucan-rich extracts are positioned for immune-support supplementation domestically (FFC notifications exist) and exported substantially to North American and Asian supplement markets. Important historical caveat — early-2000s heavy-metal compliance concerns drove tighter quality standards that responsible producers have long since addressed.
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC notifications exist; food product status; MHLW guidance per category |
|---|---|
| EU | Novel Food consideration; verify EFSA Union list |
| United States | DSHEA NDI for supplements; GRAS where pre-1994 history applies |
| China | NMPA / TCM context; verify GACC import compliance |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Agaricus Blazei (Himematsutake) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Japanese Reishi Mushroom
日本産霊芝
Ganoderma lucidum; Ganoderma japonicum source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
ヨモギ
Artemisia princeps (mainland) / Artemisia indica (Okinawan Fuchiba) source; INCI Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract; MOQ from 1-100 kg (dried); 100 g – 10 kg (extract).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Dokudami (Houttuynia Cordata)
ドクダミ
Houttuynia cordata source; INCI Houttuynia Cordata Extract; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (extract); 1-100 kg (dried).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier EU regulatory path
Agaricus Blazei (Himematsutake) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in EU. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sasa Bamboo Leaf Extract
クマザサエキス
Alkaline polysaccharide 5-15%; chlorophyll-derived bioactives 0.5-2%; minimal allergen profile.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
ヨモギ
Artemisia princeps (mainland) / Artemisia indica (Okinawan Fuchiba) source; INCI Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract; MOQ from 1-100 kg (dried); 100 g – 10 kg (extract).
Simpler in EU· shares 2 categories
Dokudami (Houttuynia Cordata)
ドクダミ
Houttuynia cordata source; INCI Houttuynia Cordata Extract; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (extract); 1-100 kg (dried).
Simpler in EU· shares 2 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Disclaimer
Japan Ingredient Sourcing Platform introduces overseas buyers to Japanese ingredient manufacturers. The platform is an information service only and is not a party to any purchase, supply, or manufacturing contract between buyer and seller.
Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
The platform operator is not licensed to provide legal, regulatory, customs, tax, or professional advice. References to third-party companies, products, certifications, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) are factual and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Last updated: 2026-05-05