The Magic Behind Mushroom Extracts

Mushroom supplements are purported to have health benefits such as modulating stress, improving gut health, and boosting immunity. The process of making mushroom extract involves extracting bioactive compounds from mushrooms and concentrating them into a potent liquid or powder. The most common method of extraction is hot water extraction, which is a traditional process that does not require the use of alcohol. However, for mushrooms with few water-insoluble compounds, dual extraction using both water and alcohol may be employed. The extraction process aims to break down the fungal cell wall, which is made of chitin, allowing our bodies to access the beneficial compounds within.

Extraction methods: Hot water, alcohol, fermentation, and dual extraction

The extraction process involves exposing raw mushrooms to a solvent, such as hot water or alcohol, to release their medicinal ingredients. This process breaks down the chitin walls of mushroom cells, making the vital compounds available to the human body, as the body cannot break down chitin on its own.

Hot Water Extraction

Hot water extraction is a traditional and common method used for preparing mushroom supplements. It involves using hot water as a solvent to extract water-soluble compounds, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, from medicinal mushrooms. The process includes grinding dry raw mushrooms into a coarse powder, adding hot water, filtering the liquid, and then concentrating it into a powder or liquid extract. The exact temperature and extraction time depend on the mushroom type. Hot water extraction is gentle, convenient, and inexpensive, preserving delicate ingredients that are water-soluble.

Alcohol Extraction

Alcohol extraction, or ethanol extraction in consumer products, uses alcohol as the solvent instead of water. This method targets alcohol-soluble compounds, such as triterpenoids, sterols, and flavonoids, that are not water-soluble. The process is similar to hot water extraction, but with alcohol as the solvent. Alcohol extraction is beneficial for mushrooms with non-water-soluble compounds, and the alcohol can be removed at the end so that the final product does not contain alcohol.

Fermentation

Fermentation is a process favoured by large-scale companies, claiming to "pre-digest" the mushroom, making bioactive compounds and vitamins more accessible and absorbable. However, fermentation does not use heat, and the mushroom cell walls are not completely broken down, limiting the release of therapeutic components.

Dual Extraction

Dual extraction combines both hot water and alcohol extraction methods to obtain a full spectrum of compounds from mushrooms. This technique is suitable for mushrooms with significant levels of both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble ingredients, such as Chaga and Reishi mushrooms. The process involves performing hot water extraction first, followed by alcohol extraction on the remaining plant material. The liquids from both extractions are then combined to form a dual extract. While dual extraction can provide a more comprehensive range of compounds, it may reduce the levels of beta-glucans due to precipitation during the filtration process.

Extraction ratios: 1:1, 6:1, 10:1, 12:1, and 15:1

In the context of medicinal mushroom products, extraction ratios are a common reference on product labels. These ratios indicate the concentration of active compounds extracted from the raw mushroom material to create the final product. For example, a 15:1 ratio means that 15 grams of mushrooms were used to produce 1 gram of extract.

Extraction ratios are important because they indicate the potency and concentration of a mushroom supplement. A higher ratio implies a more concentrated extract, potentially richer in beneficial compounds. For instance, a 10:1 ratio indicates that 10 grams of raw mushrooms are used to produce 1 gram of extract. This is considered a relatively high concentration, but it is significantly less potent than a higher ratio extract, such as 30:1.

When considering extraction ratios, it is important to note the difference between the weight of fresh mushrooms and dried mushrooms. Some mushrooms contain a significant amount of water, and drying them can remove up to 90% of their water content, affecting the extraction ratio. For example, Lion's Mane mushrooms have a high water content, and drying them can result in a 10:1 ratio without any extraction. However, extraction is still necessary to make the beneficial compounds bioavailable, as they are locked within the mushroom's structure.

The extraction process itself can vary depending on the type of mushroom and its active compounds. It typically involves using water, alcohol, or a combination of both, to break down the mushroom's cell walls and release the active compounds. The choice of solvent depends on the polarity of the compounds being extracted. For instance, hot water extraction is suitable for water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans, while alcohol extraction is used for fat-soluble compounds like triterpenes.

To achieve higher extraction ratios, specialised techniques are employed to maximise the concentration of bioactive ingredients. However, it is important to note that extremely high ratios, such as above 15-20:1, should be approached with caution. As the ratio increases, the concentration of polysaccharides, which are complex sugars, also increases, resulting in a dense syrup that is difficult to turn back into powder. Additionally, very high ratios may indicate the presence of fillers, such as starches, which can reduce the concentration of beneficial compounds.

Therapeutic benefits: Anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic

Mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years, especially in Asian countries, for the treatment of infections. They are also being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties.

Anti-tumor

Medicinal mushrooms have been used as an adjunct to standard cancer treatments in Asian countries like Japan and China for over 30 years. Laboratory and animal studies have been conducted to test the anti-cancer effects of mushrooms, and they have shown promising results. For example, in a study conducted in Japan, patients with benign colorectal tumors were given an extract of the mushroom G. lucidum mycelia (MAK). After 12 months, a follow-up colonoscopy showed a decrease in the number and size of the tumors in the group that received MAK. Another well-known active compound, Polysaccharide K (PSK), derived from turkey tail mushrooms, is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan.

Anti-inflammatory

Mushrooms contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including terpenes, triterpenes, peptides, polysaccharides, sterols, fatty acids, and phenols. These compounds have been found to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and prostaglandins. For example, the triterpene extract of Ganoderma lucidum has been shown to suppress the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2.

Anti-allergic

Mushroom allergy occurs when the body's immune system attacks the mushroom proteins by releasing IgE antibodies and histamine. Symptoms of a mushroom allergy can include watery eyes, skin irritation, hives, and rashes. In more severe cases, swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat can occur, leading to difficulty breathing and a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The best way to treat a mushroom allergy is to avoid mushrooms and other similar products that may trigger a reaction. Once diagnosed with a mushroom allergy, individuals should always carry anti-allergic medications, such as nasal steroids or antihistamines, to manage their symptoms.

Bioactive compounds: Alkaloids, vitamins, polysaccharides, and polyphenolic compounds

Mushrooms are a rich source of a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, polysaccharide-protein complexes, peptides, proteins, terpenoids, sterols, and phenolic compounds. These compounds are responsible for the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms, which have been recognised and utilised by humans since ancient times.

Polysaccharides, a type of sugar polymer, are one of the major bioactive compounds found in mushrooms. They exhibit anti-tumour, immune-stimulating, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects, as demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo studies. The polysaccharides found in mushrooms include β-glucans, which are known to activate macrophages, leading to the production of cytokines with antitumor activity.

Vitamins are also present in mushrooms, contributing to their nutritional value. The application of heat during the extraction process is essential to release these heat-labile compounds, such as vitamins and beta-glucans, from the thick cell walls of mushrooms. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cordyceps tonics, for example, have long utilised hot water in their preparations.

Alkaloids, such as erinacines and hericenones, are another group of bioactive compounds found in mushrooms. These compounds can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and exhibit neurotropic and neuroprotective effects, making them valuable in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment.

Additionally, polyphenolic compounds, including phenolic acids and phenolic aldehydes, are present in mushroom extracts. These compounds contribute to the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities of mushrooms.

The extraction methods used to obtain these bioactive compounds vary and include hot water extraction, dual extraction with ethanol, and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) with solvents like methanol and ethanol. The choice of method depends on the specific mushroom and the targeted compounds.

Mushroom types: Shiitake, maitake, oyster, and lion's mane

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are edible fungi native to Japan and China. They contain a chemical called lentinan and are the second most commonly consumed mushrooms worldwide. Shiitake mushrooms are often cooked and eaten in food amounts, but they can also be consumed as an extract called AHCC, which may be safe in doses of 3-6 grams daily. However, larger amounts may cause stomach discomfort and other side effects.

Maitake mushrooms have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to reduce blood sugar and influence cholesterol metabolism and blood pressure. Maitake D-Fraction is an extract often used in supplements, and research suggests it may have anti-cancer properties by reducing tumour size and improving outcomes for different cancers. However, more recent human-based studies are needed to verify these findings.

Oyster mushrooms are known for their culinary uses, with all parts being edible. They contain powerful plant compounds and have potential health benefits, including anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, and gut health-promoting properties. A 2016 test-tube study found that oyster mushroom extract inhibited oxidative damage to human artery cells and prevented the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Lion's mane mushrooms have been studied for their potential brain health benefits. They contain compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which can stimulate the growth of brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region involved in memory and emotional responses. Animal studies suggest that lion's mane extract may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and protect against Alzheimer's disease. However, more human research is needed to confirm these effects.

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