Emma Wilson
Mushroom extract is a natural supplement that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The process of extraction breaks down the mushroom's cell walls, releasing beneficial compounds that would otherwise be difficult for the body to absorb. Different mushroom compounds require different solvents for extraction, with beta-glucans being water-soluble, and triterpenes alcohol-soluble. The extract can be consumed in liquid tinctures or powder form, with the former being more potent and bioavailable. Mushroom extracts are often used as supplements due to their high potency, whereas mushroom powders are more commonly used in food, teas, and cosmetic products. Research has been conducted on the antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of mushroom extracts, particularly in cancer treatment. However, the market is unregulated, and not all mushroom extracts are effective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A mushroom extract is a product that uses solvents such as water and/or alcohol to break down cell walls and draw out the beneficial compounds of mushrooms. |
| Forms | Mushroom extract comes in liquid form (tinctures) or powder form. |
| Benefits | The extraction process makes the beneficial compounds in mushrooms more bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. |
| Extraction Methods | Heat-based hot water extraction, dual extraction (using alcohol and water), fermentation of mushroom fruiting bodies. |
| Considerations | Avoid mushroom extracts if you have a mushroom allergy. |
| Medical Use | Medicinal mushrooms have been used for their antitumor and immunomodulatory properties, particularly in cancer treatment and complementary therapy. |
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What You'll Learn
Extraction methods
There are three major mushroom extraction methods: hot water, alcohol, and dual extraction. Hot water extraction is a traditional mushroom extraction process and is the most common. Pure alcohol is rarely used when making extract powders. When both water and alcohol are used, this is called a dual extract.
To get the most out of the extraction process, it is recommended to dry and then chop or grind the mushrooms beforehand to increase the surface area exposed to the solvent. The mushrooms are added to a pot of water, and once the water starts to boil, the temperature is lowered to a simmer for anywhere between 30 minutes to a couple of days.
The alcohol tinctures can be boiled or simmered down, burning off the alcohol and leaving a thicker mixture. Double extraction is often considered the best way to get benefits from as many compounds as possible. However, the alcohol extraction step can sometimes cause water-soluble compounds to precipitate and be filtered out from the final tincture.
Other extraction methods include fermentation, which is a popular method for large-scale companies as it is cheaper and requires less energy. However, tests have shown that fermented mushrooms do not have significant active compound levels. Ultrasonic Technology (BHUT) is another method that uses high-amplitude ultrasonic systems to intensify the rate of extraction and replace harsh organic solvents with milder, greener, and more cost-effective alternatives.
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Health benefits
Mushrooms have been used for their health benefits for thousands of years, especially in Asia, where they have been used in traditional medicine. Today, they are often used as dietary supplements, and are among the most commonly used of all integrative, complementary, and alternative therapies.
Mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. A review of 17 cancer studies found that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. In addition, a study in Singapore found that participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms a week had a 50% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's disease.
Mushrooms are also the only type of produce that is a source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. They are naturally low in sodium, fat, calories, and sugar, and can be used as a substitute for red meat, helping to keep cholesterol levels low.
Medicinal mushrooms have been credited with at least 130 different therapeutic applications, and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antidepressant, and immune-boosting properties. For example, lion's mane mushrooms have been shown to have beneficial effects on the heart and blood vessels, and may also protect against dementia and nerve damage.
However, it is important to note that solid research on humans that ties mushrooms to specific health benefits is limited, and more studies are needed to determine the potential health benefits of mushrooms in humans. In addition, as with any supplement, there is a potential for interaction with medications or health conditions, so it is important to check with a healthcare provider before taking mushroom extracts.
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Types of mushroom extract
Mushroom supplements are available in a variety of forms, including pills, powders, teas, gummies, liquid extracts, and coffee alternatives. These supplements may contain either dried mushrooms or mushroom extracts. The extraction process involves using solvents like water and/or alcohol to break down the tough cell walls of the mushroom fruiting body, making the beneficial compounds more accessible to the human body.
There are several types of mushroom extracts, each utilising different solvents and extraction processes:
Water Extraction
Water extraction uses hot water to break down the cell walls of the mushroom and extract the beneficial compounds. This method is particularly effective for water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans, which are the main active ingredient in most medicinal mushrooms.
Alcohol Extraction
Alcohol extraction is used for compounds that are alcohol-soluble, such as triterpenes. This method involves using alcohol as the solvent to extract the beneficial compounds from the mushroom.
Dual Extraction
Some mushrooms, such as Chaga and Reishi, have super-thick cell walls, requiring a more intensive process called dual extraction. This method combines hot water extraction with ethanol to unlock the full range of active compounds in these mushrooms.
Concentrated Extraction
Concentrated extraction produces a more potent form of mushroom extract, providing a higher dose of the active compounds in a smaller quantity of the extract. For example, a 10:1 extract would provide 10 grams of mushroom goodness in just 1 gram of extract powder.
Fermentation Extraction
Fermentation extraction is a popular method among large-scale companies as it is a cheaper and more energy-efficient process. It involves fermenting the mushroom fruiting bodies, claiming to "pre-digest" the mushroom and make the bioactive compounds more accessible. However, tests have shown that this method does not effectively break down the cell walls, resulting in inferior products with lower levels of active compounds.
It is important to note that not all mushroom extracts on the market are effective, and the quality and concentration of the extracts can vary significantly between different manufacturers. When choosing a mushroom supplement, it is essential to consider the extraction method, quality, and concentration to ensure you are getting the most benefit from these functional fungi.
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Mushroom powder vs. extract
Mushroom powder and mushroom extract are two different products. Mushroom powder is made by drying and grinding mushrooms into a fine powder. It may feature a blend of mushrooms or a single variety. On the other hand, mushroom extract is created using solvents such as water and/or alcohol to break down cell walls and draw out beneficial compounds. The extraction process helps break down the cell walls, making the beneficial compounds easily absorbable.
The compounds that give mushrooms their "superpowers" (beta-glucans, triterpenes, etc.) are locked up inside the tough cell walls of the mushroom fruiting body. Our stomachs are not designed to break these walls down. In other words, if you were to eat the mushrooms whole, the beneficial compounds would simply pass through your body.
Extraction is a process that breaks down the cell walls of the mushroom using either hot water, alcohol, or both, depending on the mushroom. This extra step "extracts" the beneficial compounds, making them available for your body to use. Both mushroom extract and mushroom powder contain the same compounds, but the chitin (cell walls) of mushrooms makes it difficult for our bodies to break down these compounds. That means they pass right out of the body. In extraction, the beneficial compounds are extracted from the cell wall, making them easily absorbed.
Mushroom extracts are typically found in supplements due to their high potency, whereas mushroom powders are more commonly used in a wider variety of products, including food, teas, and cosmetic products. Tinctures are typically alcohol-based, so all of the mushroom's beneficial compounds might not be as bioavailable. This is because while alcohol is ideal for extracting non-water-soluble compounds like triterpenes, hot water is the best solvent for water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans – the main active ingredient in most medicinal mushrooms.
Some mushroom extracts are also "concentrated," meaning you get more of the compounds in a smaller dose. For instance, in a 10:1 extract, you’d get 10 grams of mushroom per 1 gram of extract powder. However, not all mushroom "extracts" on the market are effective. Fermentation of mushroom fruiting bodies is a favourite among large-scale companies as it is cheaper, but tests have shown that fermented mushrooms do not have significant active compound levels.
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Clinical trials
UCSF is conducting clinical trials with psilocybin, aiming to test its effects on depression in Parkinson's patients and its potential in relieving chronic low back pain. Their trials will involve 120 healthy participants aged 21 to 70, who will be randomized into four study arms, receiving either a placebo or a 25mg oral dose of psilocybin. This multicenter, triple-blind, phase 2, randomized controlled trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of psilocybin therapy compared to an active control group.
Additionally, the UCSF trial will include preparatory sessions, dosing sessions, and integration sessions to discuss experiences and follow up. The investigators aim to understand the interaction effects between the oral dose of psilocybin and the surrounding context. By repeatedly assessing brain and body reactions under the influence of psilocybin using MRI technology, they hope to gain insights that will inspire future research and inform therapeutic actions.
Other clinical trials have explored the potential of mushroom extracts for cancer treatment and immune system modulation. For example, a clinical trial conducted by Twardoski et al. observed the effects of tablets containing fungal extract from six different types of mushrooms on patients with colorectal cancer. The results showed a decline in PSA levels and an increase in baseline IL-15 levels, indicating potential antitumor properties. Another trial by Torkelson et al. evaluated the maximum tolerated dose of powdered mycelium of C. versicolor, noting improvements in social, emotional, physical, and cognitive parameters, as well as a reduction in symptoms associated with disease progression.
While these studies show promising results, it is important to note that purposeful clinical trials for mushroom extracts should be well-designed, efficiently executed, and analyzed using statistically valid processes. This includes considerations such as appropriate blinding of studies, statistical design for participant numbers, and professional expertise in conducting multicenter trials.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom extract is a process that breaks down the cell walls of the mushroom using either hot water, alcohol, or both, depending on the mushroom. This extra step "extracts" the beneficial compounds, making them available for the body to use.
Mushroom powder is made by simply drying and grinding the mushroom, whereas mushroom extract involves using solvents such as water and/or alcohol to break down cell walls and draw out the beneficial compounds.
Mushroom extracts are typically found in supplements due to their high potency. They are more bioavailable than non-extracted mushroom powders, meaning the compounds are more easily absorbed by the body. Some studies have also shown that mushroom extracts have antitumor and immunomodulatory properties, making them a potential adjuvant in cancer treatment.
