What Is Mushroom Extract?
Extraction is a process in which the beneficial compounds are extracted from the fruiting bodies or mycelium of mushrooms by applying a solvent and possibly heat. The extraction process helps break down the cell walls, allowing the full benefits of the mushrooms to be released. A mushroom extract is processed differently from whole mushroom ground into a powder (although extracts come in powder form).
What are the types of mushroom extracts?
Medicinal Mushroom Categories
These medicinal mushrooms are available in multiple formats, including raw powders, extracts, ultrafine powders, and various ratios to suit different product applications.
Organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Known for boosting immunity and reducing stress, Reishi is valued for its adaptogenic properties.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (10%-50%)
- Triterpene extract (1%-20%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1,20:1
Organic Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Supports cognitive function and nerve health, promoting mental clarity and focus.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (10%-50%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Hericenones up to 1% and other Lion's Mane-specific compounds
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1,20:1
Organic Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
A powerful antioxidant known to support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (10%-50%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Triterpenes up to 1% and other functional compounds
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1
Organic Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Enhances energy levels and improves respiratory health and endurance.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (10%-50%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Cordycepin up to 99% and other functional compounds
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1
Organic Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
Known for immune modulation and gut health support.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (10%-50%)
- Beta-glucan extract (30%-50%)
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1
Organic Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Helps regulate blood sugar and supports immune function.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (10%-50%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1
Organic Tremella (Tremella fuciformis)
Known for hydrating the skin and promoting anti-aging benefits.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (30%-50%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1
Organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Supports immune function and heart health, with antiviral and antioxidant properties.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (10%-30%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1
Organic Agaricus Blazei
Supports immune health and helps regulate cholesterol levels.
Available Specifications:
- Dried fruiting bodies (whole or sliced)
- Raw powder, ultrafine powder
- Polysaccharide extract (20%-40%)
- Beta-glucan extract (10%-50%)
- Ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 20:1
What Are the Health Benefits of Mushroom Extract?
The practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine have both relied on mushrooms for many health benefits.
Some of the most important are:
Immune system support. Most functional mushrooms, including reishi mushroom, turkey tail, chaga, and lion's mane mushroom, offer immunomodulatory effects that can help support a healthy, balanced immune response.
Antioxidants. Mushrooms like turkey tail, cordyceps, shiitake, maitake, reishi, and lion's mane all have antioxidant properties that allow them to help protect the body against oxidative stress.
Adaptogenic mushrooms, like cordyceps and reishi, are able to help the body fight the effects of stress and support regulated levels of hormones like cortisol.
Cognitive support. Lion's mane mushroom, traditionally used by Buddhist monks to enhance brain power and focus during meditation, has been shown to support better cognitive function and neurological health.
The benefits of each individual mushroom vary, but considering a mushroom supplement is a natural and holistic way to help support your body. Because mushrooms are so popular, you can often find them available as mushroom teas, powders, and supplements.