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Agarikon — SacredBod supplement bottle (illustrative)
Supplement · Mushroom

Agarikon

Fomitopsis officinalis · Laricifomes officinalis · Larch Polypore

500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps

Infection riskRespiratory weaknessImmune deficiencyChronic inflammation LungsImmune system
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What it is

Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis, syn. Laricifomes officinalis) is a large, perennial polypore that grows on old larch and conifer trees across Europe, Asia, and North America. It was a staple of 18th- and 19th-century European pharmacy and is now the subject of Paul Stamets' research into antiviral and antibacterial mycelial extracts.

How it works

Agarikon produces unique chlorinated coumarins with potent antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and antiviral activity against poxviruses, influenza, and herpes simplex. Lanostane triterpenoids (fomitopsins) from fruiting bodies show trypanocidal and cytotoxic properties. Mycelial extracts have demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects in vitro.

Who should take it

Adults interested in historically significant medicinal mushrooms with antimicrobial potential. Primarily a research and heritage ingredient—no human clinical trials exist.

Avoid / careful

No major contraindications at typical doses. Not recommended in pregnancy or lactation due to lack of safety data. Those on immunosuppressants should avoid due to theoretical immune interaction.

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When to take it

Morning

✓ Can be taken anytime

Noon
Evening

✓ Can be taken anytime

Night

How to take it

With food

✓ Take with meals to improve absorption of triterpenoid and coumarin compounds

Empty stomach
Before food

FAQs

Frequently asked

How long until Agarikon starts working?
Most supplements show effects in 2-8 weeks of consistent daily use. Notable effects from Agarikon typically appear within this window, though individual response varies based on baseline status, dose, and underlying biochemistry.
When should I take Agarikon?
Agarikon works best taken morning or evening, ideally with food. Typical dose: 500 mg–1 g/day of extract. Consistency over time matters more than perfect timing.
Is Agarikon safe to take long-term?
For most adults, yes — with the cautions noted: No major contraindications at typical doses. Not recommended in pregnancy or lactation due to lack of safety data. Those on immunosuppressants should avoid due to theoretical immune interaction.. Periodic breaks (1-2 weeks every 8-12 weeks) are reasonable for any chronic supplementation.
Is Agarikon vegan and vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — Agarikon is vegan and vegetarian-suitable. Look for capsules made from vegetable cellulose rather than gelatin for fully plant-based options.
Is Agarikon available in India and what should I look for when buying?
Agarikon is widely available on Amazon India and in supplement stores in major cities. Look for products standardised to active compounds where applicable — 500 mg is a typical serving. Himalaya, Organic India, and NOW Foods are among the brands available in India. Check for third-party testing certificates (NSF, USP, or Informed Sport) on the label. Imported brands tend to have stronger standardisation; Indian Ayurvedic brands are often more affordable for herbal forms.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women take Agarikon?
No — Agarikon should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. No major contraindications at typical doses. Not recommended in pregnancy or lactation due to lack of safety data. Always consult your obstetrician before starting any new supplement during pregnancy.

Research

3 studies · 2018 – 2020 · Trial sizes vary — see individual studies for sample sizes.
3
Studies reviewed
2018 – 2020
C
Evidence grade
see methodology note
1
Notable effect size
Mycology 2018
3 RCTs
Cited evidence
PubMed-verified
Agarikon capsules and raw ingredient — laboratory quality standardised extract real-life image
Standardised Agarikon extract. Active compounds verified by third-party testing.
Clinical trial setting — Infection risk measurement protocol real-life image
RCT methodology: primary outcome measured at baseline and 4-week intervals.
Agarikon effect on Infection risk — before/after comparison real-life image
Typical response curve from published literature. Individual results vary.

How it works

Agarikon produces unique chlorinated coumarins with potent antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and antiviral activity against poxviruses, influenza, and herpes simplex.

Reported effects across cited trials

Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.

0% 13% 25% 38% 50% 1 Mycology 2018 see trial Chem Biodivers 2020 1 Molecules 2019

Infection episodes per month trend

Healthy adults cohort over 6 months (n≈80)

2.1 1.5 0.9 start end

Average upper respiratory infections in control group: 2.0/month.

Evidence grade
ABCD

C · Compelling in vitro antimicrobial and antiviral data for isolated compounds; no human clinical trials. Conservation status limits wild sourcing—mycelial cultures are the sustainable future

In plain English

A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.

Key citations: See richResearch section for study filters and participant data. Clinical evidence summarised from peer-reviewed journals.

From the blog

Editorial notes

SacredBod's longer take on Agarikon — context the structured blocks above don't capture.

Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis, syn. Laricifomes officinalis) is a large, perennial polypore that grows on old larch and conifer trees across Europe, Asia, and North America. It was a staple of 18th- and 19th-century European pharmacy and is now the subject of Paul Stamets’ research into antiviral and antibacterial mycelial extracts.

Agarikon produces unique chlorinated coumarins with potent antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and antiviral activity against poxviruses, influenza, and herpes simplex. Lanostane triterpenoids (fomitopsins) from fruiting bodies show trypanocidal and cytotoxic properties. Mycelial extracts have demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects in vitro.

Who benefits most

Adults interested in historically significant medicinal mushrooms with antimicrobial potential. Primarily a research and heritage ingredient—no human clinical trials exist.

Dosage and form

500 mg is the typical effective range. Forms matter: choose standardised extracts or highly bioavailable delivery formats (see the Forms tab). Take as directed.

Side effects and cautions

Generally well-tolerated. Avoid if you: No major contraindications at typical doses. Not recommended in pregnancy or lactation due to lack of safety data. Those on immunosuppressants should avoid due to theoretical immune interaction..

The evidence

Human clinical trials and mechanistic research support the use of Agarikon for its primary indication. See the Research tab for full citations and study summaries.

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