Hey fungi friend! Let’s talk about something that’s been trending in wellness circles lately: mushroom extracts. They’re in everything from lattes to face creams but there’s a debate that’s got everyone talking—the mycelium vs mushroom fruit bodies conundrum. Whether you’re new to the medicinal mushroom world or a seasoned mycophile, this is your comprehensive guide to understanding the mushroom extract world. Mushroom powder is another form of mushroom supplement that we will discuss. So buckle up and let’s get fungi!
What are Mushroom Extracts?
Mushroom extracts are concentrated forms of bioactive compounds derived from various species of mushrooms, including medicinal mushrooms. These extracts are prepared by cooking the mushroom mycelium and/or fruit bodies at a high temperature in water to extract water-soluble compounds or in alcohol to extract alcohol-soluble substances. The resulting extract is then concentrated by removing the solvents (water or alcohol) to obtain a powder with the desired concentration of beneficial substances like beta-glucans.
History of Mushroom Use
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures, for their potential health benefits. The use of mushroom extracts as dietary supplements has gained popularity in recent years due to their potential to support immune function, cognitive health, and overall well-being.
Mycelium vs Fruiting Body: The Great Fungi Debate
What do we mean by mushroom mycelium and fruiting body? Imagine the mushroom world as an iceberg. The mushroom mycelium is the big, hidden network under the soil, like the iceberg beneath the sea. It’s basically the ‘roots’ of the mushroom and it’s huge. The fruiting body is the part we love to eat and see in the wild—the cute caps popping up from the ground. Now, which part is more potent when it comes to health benefits? That’s what everyone’s arguing about. Many believe the mushroom fruit body is more potent due to its higher beta-glucan content and overall efficacy in supplements. Additionally, using the whole mushroom fruiting body in supplements is often considered superior to mushroom mycelium products, as it provides a purer and more reliable product.
Team Mushroom Mycelium!
Mushroom mycelium is like nature’s Wi-Fi, connecting vast distances underground, sharing nutrients and communicating with its environment. A key component in the production of mushroom mycelium supplements is the fermented rice substrate, which is not merely a filler but a biologically active component that works alongside mushroom mycelium to provide immune support and other health advantages. Recent research has shown that mushroom mycelium isn’t just pretty to look at; it’s full of bioactive compounds. According to a study in the Journal of Food Bioactives, mushroom mycelium is rich in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans which are known for their immune-boosting properties. Plus it grows faster and can be controlled, making it a more sustainable option for large scale production.
Team Mushroom Fruiting Body!
When you think of medicinal mushrooms it’s the mushroom fruiting body that comes to mind. It’s not just the star of Instagram-worthy gourmet dishes but it’s also full of nutrients. Mushroom fruit bodies are rich in compounds like ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D), antioxidants and yes, more beta-glucans. The fruiting body is rich in compounds like ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D), antioxidants and yes, more beta-glucans. A study in the Frontiers in Microbiology journal suggests the antioxidant activity in the fruiting body may be linked to its ability to neutralise free radicals potentially helping to reduce oxidative stress.
What's in Your Mushroom Supplements?
Here’s where things get interesting (and sometimes shady). Mushroom mycelium products are often grown on grain substrates like oats or rice. Because the grain and mycelium become intertwined during cultivation, many supplements marketed as “mycelium-based” also contain a significant amount of filler – up to 80-90% grain content. This lowers the potency of the final product, leaving you with fewer actual mushroom compounds and more starch.
In contrast, supplements made from 100% mushroom fruit bodies offer higher concentrations of key nutrients and avoid unnecessary fillers. This is why many high-quality medicinal mushroom products proudly display “fruiting body-only” labels to show they’re providing the purest extracts possible.
Additionally, medicinal mushroom powders are a popular form of mushroom supplements, known for their rich nutritional content derived from both the fruiting body and mycelium. Understanding the differences between these supplements can help consumers make informed choices about their health.
Why Companies Use Mycelium (Spoiler: It's Cheaper)
Growing fruiting bodies is tricky, requires specific conditions that can be hard to replicate. Mycelium, however, grows fast and easily on grains, making it a cost-effective option for supplement companies. This is why many products use mycelium-based extracts – it’s simply easier and cheaper to produce. While some mycelium products offer unique bioactive compounds, they generally contain far fewer beta-glucans and other valuable nutrients compared to mushroom fruiting body extracts.
The Nutrient Breakdown: Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium
If you’re looking for the highest concentration of beneficial compounds, the mushroom fruit bodies take the cake. Research shows that fruiting bodies contain up to 500 times more 1,3 1,6 beta-glucans than mushroom mycelium. Beta-glucans are powerful prebiotic fibers known for boosting immune function, something mushroom mycelium-based products typically lack because they need to stay light and porous for nutrient absorption during growth.
Fruiting bodies are also rich in triterpenoids, compounds that support liver health and combat inflammation. Mushroom mycelium, on the other hand, has antibacterial and antifungal properties thanks to its need to fend off competing organisms underground. While both parts contain beneficial compounds, the fruiting body’s nutrient density makes it the top choice for most functional mushroom supplements.
Additionally, bioactive compounds from the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus promote the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is linked to neuroprotective and neurotropic effects. This makes NGF significant in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairments.
Nutritional Highlights of Fruiting Body
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Beta-Glucans: These polysaccharides are recognized for their ability to enhance immune system function. Fruiting bodies of mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, and lion’s mane are particularly rich in these beneficial compounds. Using the whole mushroom fruiting body in supplements ensures a purer and more reliable product compared to mushroom mycelium products, which can sometimes contain more grain than actual mushroom content. -
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Antioxidants: The fruiting body contains various antioxidants that combat oxidative stress within the body, potentially preventing chronic diseases. -
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Vitamins and Minerals: Fruiting bodies are known to provide essential vitamins such as B vitamins and minerals like selenium, which are critical for overall health. -
Nutritional Highlights of Mushroom Mycelium
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Chitin: Mushroom mycelium has a higher concentration of chitin, a complex carbohydrate that provides structure to the fungus and boasts potential digestive benefits.
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Fermented rice substrate: The use of fermented rice substrate in mushroom mycelium production enhances its nutritional content. This substrate is not merely a filler but a biologically active component that works alongside mushroom mycelium to provide immune support and other health advantages.
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Metabolites: Mushroom mycelium contains a different spectrum of bioactive compounds compared to the fruiting body, including antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, which may contribute to gut health.
The Science Behind Mushroom Extracts
Mushroom Life Cycle
Mushrooms have a unique life cycle that involves three distinct stages: spores, mycelium, and fruiting body. The mushroom mycelium is a root-like system of tiny threads that wrap around or bore into tree roots, nourishing the fruiting body. The fruiting body is the stem and cap of the mushroom, which contains various beneficial plant compounds and nutrients. Mushroom extracts can be derived from either the mushroom mycelium or the fruiting body, or a combination of both.
How to Choose the Right Mushroom Extract for You
Your Mushroom Extract Checklist ✅ ✏️
Not all mushroom supplements are created equal, so you need to be a savvy shopper. Here’s what to look for when picking a supplement:
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Check for Beta-Glucans: Make sure the product lists the percentage of 1,3 1,6 beta-glucans. These compounds are only found in significant amounts in fruiting bodies, so this is a good indicator of quality.
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Read Labels Carefully: If a product mentions “mycelium biomass” or “myceliated grain,” you’re likely getting a mix of grain and mycelium with reduced potency.
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Look for Extraction Methods: Dual-extraction (using both water and alcohol) ensures you get the full range of bioactive compounds, especially triterpenoids and polysaccharides.
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Avoid Products with High Starch Levels: A high carbohydrate content often indicates a product heavy on fillers like grains rather than mushroom material.
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Opt for Quality and Certification: Research brands with quality certifications. Reputable companies often have third-party testing to verify the potency and purity of their supplements.
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Check the Dosage: Ensure the extract provides a clinically relevant dosage, as many products contain varying concentrations that affect effectiveness.
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Consider Mushroom Powder: Whole mushroom powder offers a range of nutritional benefits, including higher bioavailability of nutrients compared to extracts derived from mushroom mycelium. Products made from fruiting bodies are generally of superior quality.
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Customize Your Mushroom Experience: If you want to boost focus and cognitive function lion’s mane might be your best bet. For stress relief and immune support reishi or turkey tail might be more suitable. Fruiting body extracts are more potent in terms of active compounds but more expensive. Mycelium is a more cost effective and potentially more sustainable option.
So you’re on the mushroom bandwagon—but how are people actually using these in their daily lives? Let’s take a look at some cool ways mushroom extracts are being added to modern wellness routines.
Sipping Smart: Mushroom Coffees and Lattes ☕️ ⚡️
Yep, you guessed it—mushroom coffee is a thing. Mushroom powders are commonly used in mushroom coffees and lattes, providing a convenient way to incorporate the health benefits of mushrooms into your daily routine. Brands like Four Sigmatic and Mud/Wtr are shaking up the coffee scene by blending mushrooms with your morning coffee. Chaga and lion’s mane add earthy notes with an immune boost, no coffee jitters. Perfect for the wellness crowd.
Skincare Routines with a Fungus Twist 🧴 💄
Mushroom extracts are making their way into the beauty industry too! Nerve growth factor (NGF) derived from the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus promotes NGF synthesis, which is beneficial for skin health by supporting neuroprotective and neurotropic effects. Known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties they help soothe and protect the skin. Dr. Andrew Weil’s Mushroom Skincare line for Origins has been super popular, featuring reishi to calm irritation and boost skin resilience.
Tasty Tonics: Mushroom Gummies and Supplements 💊 🍄
Don’t like cooking with mushrooms or drinking them in your coffee? No worries. Companies are creating mushroom supplements and gummies for easy consumption. Mushroom powders are also widely used in these products, offering a convenient way to incorporate the nutritional benefits of mushrooms. Supplement giants like Host Defense offer capsules that extract the benefits of various mushrooms making it easy to add them to your daily routine.
Where to Get Your Mushroom Extracts
The extract market is booming and it’s easier than ever to get your hands on some high quality mushroom extracts. Mushroom powder, available in health stores and online, offers a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of whole mushrooms. From health stores to online boutiques you’re spoiled for choice.
Online Health Stores
Choose reputable online stores with certifications to back it up. Mushroom powders are widely available in online health stores, offering a convenient option for those looking to incorporate mushroom supplements into their diet. Amazon does carry supplements but a significant majority of sellers currently don’t have acceptable testing standards. This is something amazon is working on to improve.
Local Health Stores
Don’t forget your local health food store! Mushroom powders are often available in these stores, providing a convenient option for those looking to explore various forms of mushroom supplements. They often carry well reviewed brands and can give you hands on advice you won’t get online. Always nice to support small business while stocking up on your wellness needs.
Grow Your Own Mushrooms
Don't worry, growing mushrooms at home is alot easier than you think! Zombie Mushrooms provides convenient mushroom grow kits and pre-sterilized mushroom grow bags which you can grow over 3 pounds of mushrooms per bag (or 3+ oz dried mushrooms). This cuts down 95% of the work, and you will get a verified pure product by doing it yourself and you will also experience the joy of cultivating mushrooms. Many people report natural calming effects and meditative benefits from growing mushrooms, because it is therapeutic to watch your project grow day by day. Just like growing a plant or finishing a puzzle, mushroom cultivation is very rewarding. Once you have your mushrooms, you can dehydrate them and store them for quite a long time.
If you find out you enjoy the mycology hobby, then you can go pretty deep down the proverbial rabbit hole. Collecting mushroom genetics, cleaning & expanding mushroom cultures behind a HEPA Flow hood on our agar petri dishes, and expanding your genetics into a liquid culture jar. There is always something to do in the advanced mycology world.
The Future of Medicinal Mushrooms in Wellness
Whether you’re all about the mushroom mycelium, the fruiting body or both the mushroom world is full of possibility and full of life—literally and figuratively. The nerve growth factor (NGF) derived from bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms like Hericium erinaceus shows promise in promoting NGF synthesis, which could have significant future applications in wellness, particularly in treating neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairments. Next time you sip on a mushroom latte or pop a mushroom gummy remember you’re part of a centuries old tradition that’s moving into the future with innovation and flair. So go ahead, get into the world of mushrooms—they’re not just for pizza toppings anymore!
