Laura Smith
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for their healing properties for thousands of years, with around 40% of modern Western medicines containing mushrooms. They are a great source of protein, vitamin D, potassium, magnesium, and amino acids. To access these benefits, mushrooms need to go through an extraction process, typically hot water extraction, alcohol extraction, or a combination of both. This process breaks down the indigestible cell walls of mushrooms, releasing valuable compounds. The extracted mushrooms can then be consumed in various forms, such as tinctures, capsules, or simply cooked and added to dishes. With the rising popularity of mushroom supplements, it is important for consumers to understand the extraction methods and the quality of their mushroom products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Extraction methods | Hot water, alcohol, or a combination of both |
| Extraction process | Mushrooms are ground into powder or torn into pieces, soaked in alcohol, or boiled in water for several hours to create a tea |
| Benefits of hot water extraction | Traditional method, cost-effective, and extracts beta-d glucan, an important compound with immunomodulating properties |
| Benefits of alcohol extraction | Extracts terpenes, inositols, triterpenoids, sterols, ergosterols, and flavonoids |
| Concerns about alcohol extraction | May denature beneficial compounds and yield fewer beta-d glucans than hot water extraction |
| Dual extraction | Combines hot water and alcohol extraction to make the final product more bioavailable |
| Mushroom concentrations | Ratios like 1:1 or 8:1 indicate the amount of mushroom used to create the extract (e.g., 1:1 means 1 lb of mushrooms for 1 lb of extract) |
| Capsule ingredients | Pure mushroom extract powder is ideal; fillers or "flow aids" may be used, but natural capsules (veggie caps or pullulan) are preferred |
| Tinctures | Liquid mushroom extracts in dropper bottles; easy to use and control dosage; can be added to water, tea, or other foods |
| Culinary and medicinal mushrooms | Lion's Mane and Oyster mushrooms have both culinary and medicinal value |
| Mushroom supplements | Varied quality; consumers should research and choose trusted providers; US farms may offer more transparency |
| Mushroom farming | Artificial cultivation methods have been established due to the rarity of medicinal mushrooms in nature; traditional and substrate-based farming methods are used |
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What You'll Learn
Extraction methods: Hot water, alcohol, or dual extraction
Hot water extraction is the traditional method of processing medicinal mushrooms. This is because one of the most well-studied and important compounds in mushrooms, beta-d glucan, is water-soluble. Before modern processing facilities, hot water extraction was done by making tea. The mushrooms were sometimes ground into powder or torn into pieces to provide more surface area for extraction. They were then soaked in hot water for several hours to make the tea. The water shouldn’t boil, as it can cause the vital ingredients to evaporate. The exact temperature and extraction time depend on the type of mushroom.
The mushroom powder is repeatedly heated in hot water over a long period of time. This process gradually dissolves the hard chitin shell and protein bonds that surround the vital ingredients inside the mushroom cells. The polysaccharide content of the final extract can also be controlled by how many times the process is repeated. The final step is to remove anything that hasn’t dissolved in the water and either dry the mass into an extract or filter it into a liquid extract.
Alcohol extraction is another method for processing medicinal mushrooms. The mushrooms are soaked in large vats of alcohol, and then the liquid is dried into a fine powder. Alcohol extracts are sometimes also sold as a tincture. However, there is some concern that alcohol extraction can denature some of the other beneficial compounds and may not be as effective as aqueous extracts. Alcohol is not a cheap method, and it is highly flammable, which can be a safety hazard.
Dual extraction is done by performing both a hot water extraction and an alcohol extraction, and then combining the final product. It can be sold as a powder or as a tincture. Sometimes it is done by two separate processes, and then combined. Other times, the extraction can be performed using a water/alcohol mix in one step. Dual-extracted supplements make all the beneficial compounds in medicinal mushrooms bio-available. However, there are some drawbacks. The main concern is that these dual-extracted powders will contain fewer beneficial beta-d glucans than hot water extracts alone.
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Mushroom types: Reishi, Lion's Mane, Oyster, etc
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma mushrooms, are believed to have medicinal properties. They are large, tough and woody, and need to be prepared in a specific way. They are also believed to be one of the easiest mushrooms to identify due to their unique appearance. They are usually found growing horizontally out of the trunks of trees and have a deep red body with colours that lighten towards the edges of the cap. They are polypore fungi, meaning they have little pores that look like tiny pin dots on the underside of the cap, instead of gills. Reishi mushrooms can be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator for a few days but it is recommended to process them right after harvest. They can be dried and stored at room temperature, or frozen.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion's mane mushrooms are large, white and shaggy, resembling a lion's mane. They are native to North America, Europe and Asia, and can be purchased at local grocery stores or farmer's markets. They are believed to boost brain health and are said to protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia, while also reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. They have a mildly sweet, earthy flavour and are often used as a seafood substitute. They can be stored in a paper bag in the fridge for up to five days. To prepare, cut off the bottoms of the mushrooms and slice them into pieces before cooking in a pan over medium-high heat.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are delicate and come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, including rarer blue and pink varieties. They grow in clusters on trees, unlike common white button mushrooms, and do not usually have much soil or dirt on them. They can be cleaned with a soft towel, but should not be rinsed as the caps can fall apart. The woody stems can be trimmed off with a sharp knife and the mushrooms can be sliced or chopped. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, boiling and stir-frying.
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Mushroom forms: Tinctures, capsules, or powders
Tinctures
Tinctures are a popular method of processing medicinal mushrooms. They are made by creating a concentrated liquid extract through soaking mushrooms in an alcohol-based solvent. This solvent extracts the medicinal compounds from the mushrooms, leaving a potent liquid that can be consumed in small doses. The mushrooms can be dried before being soaked in alcohol, or fresh mushrooms can be used. The tincture can be made using a single type of mushroom or a blend of several varieties, each with its own unique health benefits.
Capsules
Another way to consume medicinal mushrooms is in capsule form. These capsules are filled with mushroom powder and offer a convenient, portable, and precise way to take a consistent dose of mushrooms. They are easy to make at home, though it can be time-consuming. The process involves grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder, filling the capsules, and then sealing and storing them in an airtight container.
Powders
Powders are a versatile form of medicinal mushrooms. They can be used to make tinctures or capsules, or simply added to foods and drinks. To make a powder, mushrooms are dried and then ground into a fine powder using a food processor or spice grinder. The powder can be stored in an airtight container and will last for at least a year if kept in a cool, dark, and dry place.
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Mushroom sourcing: Wild harvested, farmed, or artificial cultivation
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional and folk medicines. Ancient societies such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all documented the use of mushrooms for their medicinal properties.
Today, medicinal mushrooms can be sourced in a few different ways: wild harvesting, farming, or artificial cultivation. Each method has its own advantages and considerations.
Wild harvesting involves foraging for mushrooms that grow naturally in the wild. This can be done by individuals for personal use or by experts who supply to markets and stores. Wild mushrooms can be found in forests, on tree trunks, and in other natural settings. However, it is important to only consume wild mushrooms if you are certain of their identification, as many edible mushrooms have poisonous lookalikes.
Farmed mushrooms are those that are cultivated on farms, specifically for medicinal or culinary purposes. This method ensures a consistent supply of mushrooms with known properties and benefits. Farmed mushrooms may be sold fresh, dried, or processed into supplements and extracts. Reputable companies with years of experience in mushroom cultivation, such as Real Mushrooms, offer transparent sources of functional mushrooms that have been verified for their medicinal compounds.
Artificial cultivation is a more controlled method of growing mushrooms. This typically involves cultivating mushrooms in a laboratory setting, using techniques such as mycelium-based cultivation or mushroom fruiting body cultivation. This method allows for specific compounds and benefits to be isolated and enhanced. However, it is important to note that marketing and advertising heavily influence the mushroom supplement industry, and consumers should be cautious and do their own research.
Overall, the method of sourcing medicinal mushrooms depends on various factors, including availability, intended use, and personal preference. Wild-harvested mushrooms offer a natural source of medicinal compounds, while farmed and artificially cultivated mushrooms provide more controlled and consistent options. It is important to prioritize reputable sources and proper identification to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicinal mushrooms.
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Mushroom supplements: Quality, concentration, and marketing
The global functional mushroom market is projected to reach USD 65.83 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2024 to 2030. The market is influenced by various factors, including regulations, product innovation, and consumer preferences.
Regulations play a crucial role in shaping the industry, ensuring quality, safety, and transparency in labelling and marketing claims. In a recent study, criticisms were made regarding the lack of control in importing mushroom supplements and inconsistencies between product composition and labelling. As a result, there have been calls for more rigorous quality control and testing to protect consumer health. This includes ensuring the absence of hazardous compounds and contaminants, such as mycotoxins and heavy metals, and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for consistent product quality.
To meet evolving consumer preferences, companies have expanded beyond traditional supplement formats. Functional mushrooms are now available in various convenient forms, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and infused products like coffee and teas. Consumers are increasingly drawn to concentrated and potent forms of functional mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps, which offer immune support, cognitive benefits, and enhanced energy levels.
Marketing campaigns play a significant role in the mushroom supplements industry. Companies in North America, such as Four Sigmatic and Optima Health Corp., have undertaken strategic initiatives to strengthen their market presence and expand consumer reach. These campaigns emphasise the historical healing role of medicinal mushrooms and highlight their commitment to quality and research-based products.
When purchasing mushroom supplements, consumers should be cautious of dubious concentration claims and ensure that the products are made from actual mushrooms. The extraction method, such as hot water or alcohol extraction, also plays a crucial role in determining the bioavailability of beneficial compounds. Tinctures, which are liquid extracts, are a popular option due to their ease of use, versatility, and long shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to process medicinal mushrooms is through extraction. This can be done through hot water extraction, alcohol extraction, or a combination of both. The extraction method determines which compounds are most bioavailable.
Medicinal mushrooms are boiled for several hours in water to extract their medicinal properties. The mushrooms can be ground into a powder or torn into pieces to provide more surface area for extraction. They are then steeped in hot water to make a tea.
The mushrooms are soaked in alcohol and then dried into a powder. Alcohol extracts can also be sold as tinctures.
