# Chhatraka

> Chhatraka (Agaricus campestris L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Agaricaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants; edible mushrooms generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use; Chhatraka referenced in Charaka Samhita as cold in potency, heavy, and sweet in taste.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Agaricus campestris L.
- **Family:** Agaricaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants; edible mushrooms generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use; Chhatraka referenced in Charaka Samhita as cold in potency, heavy, and sweet in taste

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Chhatraka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Agaricus campestris L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Ergothioneine](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ergothioneineergothioneine)
- Beta-glucans
- [Ergosterol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ergosterol) (provitamin D2)
- Tyrosinase
- Vitamin B complex ([riboflavin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#riboflavin), niacin, pantothenic acid)
- [Selenium](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#selenium)
- Polyphenoloxidase
- [Lectins](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lectins)
- Conjugated linoleic acid
- Trehalose

## How does it work?

- Beta-glucans activate innate immune cells (macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells) through binding to Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3), enhancing immune surveillance
- [Ergothioneine](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ergothioneineergothioneine) acts as a potent intracellular [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/), accumulating in tissues via the organic cation transporter OCTN1, protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage
- Lectins from A. campestris exhibit insulin-mimetic activity by activating insulin receptor substrate (IRS) phosphorylation and enhancing cellular [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) uptake through GLUT4 translocation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity validated through pharmacological studies demonstrating insulin-releasing and insulin-like effects in diabetic animal models
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and [rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenating) properties partially validated through beta-glucan research supporting traditional Ayurvedic description as a strength-promoting food

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Gray AM, Flatt PR 1998. [Insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity of Agaricus campestris (mushroom)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9659289/). *The Journal of endocrinology*. PMID [9659289](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9659289/) · [doi:10.1677/joe.0.1570259](https://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1570259)  
  A. campestris demonstrated antihyperglycaemic, insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity, countering hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-diabetic mice - a landmark study validating antidiabetic potential.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Field mushrooms (A. campestris) are edible and widely consumed with long history of safe dietary use; however, misidentification with toxic Amanita species poses a significant safety risk
- Agaritine, a naturally occurring hydrazine derivative in Agaricus species, has raised theoretical carcinogenicity concerns, though levels in A. campestris are much lower than in A. bisporus and are largely destroyed by cooking
- Individuals with mushroom allergies or autoimmune conditions should exercise caution; immunostimulatory beta-glucans may exacerbate autoimmune responses

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (dried mushroom powder), Capsule, Tablet, Extract concentrate, Soup/decoction

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g dried mushroom powder; 500mg-1g extract capsule; 300-500mg concentrated extract; as culinary mushroom: 50-100g fresh

**Bioavailability:** Mushroom beta-glucans have limited direct absorption but exert immunomodulatory effects via gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) interaction with Dectin-1 receptors. Ergosterol (provitamin D2) converts to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure—bioavailability enhanced with fat. Hot water extraction releases beta-glucans from chitin matrix (raw mushroom has low bioavailability). Cooking or decoction is essential for bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals; decoction/soup anytime; capsules before meals for immune support

**Standardized Extract:** Dried mushroom extract standardized to beta-glucans NLT 30%; ergosterol NLT 0.3%. UV-treated powder: vitamin D2 NLT 400 IU/g.

**Shelf Life:** 2-3 days (fresh); 2 years (dried powder); 3 years (extract capsule)

**Storage:** Fresh mushrooms refrigerated (2-5°C). Dried material in airtight containers protected from moisture (highly hygroscopic). Temperature below 25°C. Protect from light if UV-treated for vitamin D2.

**Marker Compounds:** Beta-glucans (1,3/1,6), Ergosterol, [Ergothioneine](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ergothioneineergothioneine), Lovastatin (trace, in certain species), Chitin, Lectins, Vitamin D2 (if UV-treated)

### Extraction Methods

- Hot water extraction for beta-glucan enrichment (100°C, 2-4 hours)
- Dual extraction: hot water followed by ethanol for combined polysaccharide-triterpene extract
- Spray drying of aqueous extract for stable powder
- UV-C irradiation of dried mushroom for vitamin D2 enhancement
- Traditional decoction/soup preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immunomodulatory synergy
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and immune combination
- With Amalaki for antioxidant-immune formulations
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory immune support

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/chhatraka/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.