Emily Johnson
Mushroom extractions are a process of removing certain chemical compounds from mushrooms by placing them in a solvent such as hot water, alcohol, or both. The process breaks down the cell walls of the mushroom, making the beneficial compounds more readily available to our bodies. The extractions can be consumed as a liquid tincture or in powder form. The final product and the amount of ingredients in it can vary depending on the extraction method used. Some mushrooms, like Reishi and Chaga, have super-thick cell walls and require more treatment than just hot water extraction. There are also different types of extraction methods, such as double extraction, which captures both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble constituents, and fermentation, which is a popular method among large-scale companies.
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What You'll Learn
- Extraction methods: hot water, alcohol, and dual extraction
- Extraction techniques: Spagyric, fermentation, and double extraction
- Extraction benefits: improved immunity, focus, and overall wellness
- Extraction process: breaking down cell walls, removing compounds, and creating solvent
- Extraction products: mushroom powder, liquid tincture, and capsules
Extraction methods: hot water, alcohol, and dual extraction
Mushroom extraction is a process that makes the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The fungal cell wall is made up of chitin, a tough substance that our bodies typically lack the enzyme to digest. As a result, the beneficial compounds are locked inside the cell wall. Extraction breaks down the chitin, giving our bodies easier access to these compounds.
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction is a traditional and common mushroom extraction method. It is a valid method for mushrooms with few water-insoluble compounds, as it keeps the levels of beta-glucans high. The mushrooms are cooked in hot water for a set period, and then the liquid is drained off and preserved, while the solids are discarded.
Alcohol Extraction
Alcohol is used in mushroom extraction to obtain water-insoluble compounds. After hot water extraction, the leftover solids are added to a mixture of alcohol and water and cooked for a set period. The liquid is then separated from the solids and added to the initial hot water extract.
Dual Extraction
Dual extraction uses both water and alcohol. It is important to note that not all mushrooms need dual extraction, and some may be negatively impacted by it. Dual extraction is often used to obtain a "'full-spectrum' of compounds", including triterpenes, which are an important component of certain mushrooms. A high alcohol percentage in the dual extract results in a high triterpene extract.
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Extraction techniques: Spagyric, fermentation, and double extraction
Mushroom extractions are a way to make the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The fungal cell wall is made up of chitin, a tough substance that our bodies typically lack the enzyme to digest. Therefore, mushroom extraction techniques are used to break down this chitin and give our bodies easier access to the beneficial compounds within. Here is an overview of three such extraction techniques: Spagyric, fermentation, and double extraction.
Spagyric Extraction
Spagyric extraction is a traditional method of herbal medicine preparation that involves three steps: separation, purification, and reunification. The process typically begins with the separation of the plant or mushroom material into its essential components through a physical or chemical process, such as distillation or solvent extraction. The separated components are then purified, often through fermentation or calcination, to remove any impurities. Finally, the purified components are reunited, resulting in a spagyric extract that contains the essential properties of the original material in a more concentrated and potent form.
Fermentation Extraction
Fermentation is a popular extraction technique among large-scale companies. It involves "pre-digesting" the mushroom, claiming to make the bioactive compounds and vitamins more easily accessible and absorbable by the body. However, it is important to note that fermentation does not use heat, and therefore, the mushroom cell walls are not entirely broken down. This means that the therapeutic components are not totally released during the process, resulting in lower levels of active compounds compared to other extraction methods.
Double Extraction
Double extraction, also known as dual extraction, is a technique often used to create medicinal mushroom tinctures. It involves using both water and alcohol as solvents to extract a comprehensive range of compounds from the mushrooms. Water is used to extract water-soluble compounds such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, while alcohol is used to extract water-insoluble compounds. By combining the two extracts, a more comprehensive range of beneficial compounds can be obtained from the mushrooms. The process typically involves soaking powdered or dried mushrooms in high-proof alcohol, such as Everclear, for an extended period while shaking regularly. The resulting liquid is then combined with a hot water extract, creating a tincture that contains a wide array of the mushroom's beneficial compounds.
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Extraction benefits: improved immunity, focus, and overall wellness
Mushroom extractions are a way to make the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The fungal cell wall is made up of chitin, which is a tough substance that our bodies lack the enzymes to digest. As a result, the beneficial compounds are locked inside the cell wall. However, through extraction techniques such as hot water extraction or using alcohol, we can break down the chitin and access these compounds.
Mushroom extractions offer a variety of benefits, including improved immunity, enhanced focus, and overall wellness.
Improved Immunity:
Mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties, with certain varieties exhibiting anticancer effects due to their high antioxidant content. For example, the turkey tail mushroom contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), which stimulates the immune system and is an approved anticancer drug in Japan. Additionally, mushrooms are a rich source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevent or slow down cellular damage. Vitamin D-rich mushrooms, such as maitake, also contribute to a healthy immune system by assisting with cell growth and reducing inflammation.
Enhanced Focus and Cognitive Function:
Certain mushroom extracts, such as lion's mane, have been studied for their neurotrophic properties and potential benefits on cognitive function. Research suggests that lion's mane may improve mild cognitive impairment and have antidepressant-like effects.
Overall Wellness:
Mushroom extractions can contribute to overall wellness in several ways. For example, mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones. Additionally, mushrooms can be a good substitute for red meat, helping to minimize calories, fat, and cholesterol. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are known to keep cholesterol levels low by inhibiting their production and absorption.
It is important to note that not all mushroom extracts on the market are effective, and some companies may use marketing tactics to exaggerate their product's concentration. Fermentation, for instance, is often used to "pre-digest" the mushroom, but it does not break down the cell walls effectively, resulting in inferior products. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating mushroom extractions into your diet, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications.
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Extraction process: breaking down cell walls, removing compounds, and creating solvent
The process of mushroom extraction involves breaking down the cell walls, removing unwanted compounds, and creating a solvent to make the natural, beneficial compounds more readily available to our bodies.
The cell walls of mushrooms are made of chitin, a tough substance that our bodies lack the enzyme to digest. This means that when consuming raw mushrooms, the beneficial compounds are locked inside the cell walls. To break down these cell walls, mushrooms are often ground into a coarse powder to increase the surface area, and then soaked in a solvent such as hot water or alcohol.
Hot water extraction involves cooking the mushroom powder in hot water for a set period of time, which extracts the water-soluble compounds. The liquid is then drained and preserved, while the solids are discarded. This method is similar to making coffee, tea, bone broth, or soup stock. However, hot water extraction does not extract water-insoluble compounds.
To extract water-insoluble compounds, alcohol extraction is used. The leftover solids from the hot water extraction are added to a mixture of alcohol and water and cooked again. After cooking, the liquid is separated from the solids and added to the hot water extract. This combined liquid can then be consumed as a liquid tincture or dried to create a powder containing bioactive compounds.
Ultrasonication is another technique used in mushroom extraction to break down cell walls and release bioactive compounds. It involves using high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles, which, when collapsed, generate intense localized shear forces that break down the cell walls and release their contents into the solvent. Probe-type ultrasonicators are considered more efficient than bath-type ultrasonicators due to their ability to provide more uniform and thorough extraction.
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Extraction products: mushroom powder, liquid tincture, and capsules
Mushroom extractions are a way to make the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The fungal cell wall is made up of chitin, a tough substance that our bodies lack the enzyme to digest. Therefore, the beneficial compounds in mushrooms we eat end up locked inside the cell wall. By using extraction techniques, we can break down this chitin and access these compounds.
Powder
Mushroom powder is created by removing the solvents used in the extraction process (usually water and ethanol) and leaving behind a dry powder containing bioactive compounds. This powder can be added to tea, smoothies, shakes, or coffee. It is also available in capsule form. Mushroom powders are often made from a blend of different mushrooms, such as Chaga, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi. These blends are advertised as having various health benefits, including immune system boosts, improved brain function, and increased energy.
Liquid Tincture
A liquid tincture is created when the solvents used in the extraction process are left behind to create a liquid containing the beneficial compounds. This liquid can be consumed directly or added to hot coffee or tea. To create a mushroom tincture, dried and powdered mushrooms are soaked in alcohol for two weeks, regularly shaken, and then strained. The mushroom solids are then soaked in hot water for 12 hours, strained again, and the infused alcohol is added to create a 3:1 water-to-alcohol ratio. This process can be repeated with fresh mushrooms for a double extraction.
Capsules
Mushroom capsules are another convenient way to consume mushroom extracts. They are often formulated with a blend of different mushroom extracts, such as Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and more. These capsules are advertised as having various health benefits, including improved memory, focus, and seasonal defenses. They are also touted as natural ways to improve calmness and reduce stress.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom extractions are a process of removing certain components from mushrooms to make beneficial compounds more readily available to our bodies.
There are three types of mushroom extractions: hot water, alcohol, and dual extraction.
The process of mushroom extraction involves drying, chopping or grinding the mushrooms, and then placing them in a solvent such as hot water or alcohol. The compounds dissolve in the solvent, and the leftover fungus is discarded.
Mushroom extractions can provide various health benefits, including improved immunity, focus, digestive health, and sustained energy. They can also be used to create medicinal tinctures.
