Antioxi Supplements Glossary

Term

Description

✅ Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Known as the "mushroom of immortality," renowned for its immune-modulating and adaptogenic properties.

✅ Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Recognized for its potential to support cognitive function and nerve health.

✅ Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

A parasitic fungus found on birch trees, valued for its antioxidant properties.

✅ Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

Traditionally used to enhance energy and athletic performance.

✅ Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

Known for its immune-boosting properties, often used in complementary cancer therapies.

✅ Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Also called "hen of the woods," it supports immune function and may aid in blood sugar regulation.

✅ Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Commonly used in cuisine and supplements for its immune-enhancing properties.

✅ Agaricus blazei

Known for its potential anti-tumour and immune-boosting effects.

✅ Enoki (Flammulina velutipes)

Contains compounds that may support immune health.

Poria (Poria cocos)

Used in traditional Chinese medicine for its diuretic and calming properties.

✅ Snow Fungus (Tremella fuciformis)

Valued for its hydrating properties and potential skin benefits.

Blazei (Agaricus subrufescens)

Known for its immune-enhancing properties.

Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Contains compounds that may support cardiovascular health.

King Trumpet (Pleurotus eryngii)

Rich in antioxidants and supports immune function.

Himematsutake (Agaricus brasiliensis)

Known for its potential anti-cancer properties.

✅ Mesima (Phellinus linteus)

Used in traditional medicine for its immune-supporting properties.

Zhu Ling (Polyporus umbellatus)

Traditionally used as a diuretic and to support liver health.

Artist's Conk (Ganoderma applanatum)

Known for its antimicrobial properties.

Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina)

Historically used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cauliflower Mushroom (Sparassis crispa)

Contains compounds that may support immune health.

Term

Description

✅ Beta-D-Glucans

Polysaccharides found in fungal cell walls, known for enhancing immune responses.

✅ Triterpenes

Compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, commonly found in Reishi mushrooms.

✅ Ergosterol

A sterol present in fungal cell membranes, serving as a precursor to vitamin D2.

✅ Polysaccharide-K (PSK)

A protein-bound polysaccharide from Turkey Tail mushrooms, used as an immune system booster.

✅ Polysaccharide-P (PSP)

Another protein-bound polysaccharide from Turkey Tail, known for its immune-modulating effects.

✅ Cordycepin

A nucleoside derivative from Cordyceps with potential anti-cancer properties.

✅ Hericenones

Compounds in Lion's Mane that may stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis.

✅ Erinacines

Another group of compounds in Lion's Mane, supporting nerve regeneration.

✅ Lentinan

A beta-glucan from Shiitake mushrooms with immune-enhancing properties.

✅ Ergothioneine

An antioxidant amino acid found in various mushrooms.

Krestin

Another name for PSK, used in cancer treatment as an immune system booster.

Grifolan

A beta-glucan from Maitake mushrooms, known for immune system support.

Pleuran

A beta-glucan from Oyster mushrooms with potential immune-modulating effects.

Schizophyllan

A polysaccharide from the Split Gill fungus, studied for its anti-tumor properties.

Chitin

A structural polysaccharide in fungal cell walls, contributing to rigidity.

Chitosan

A derivative of chitin with potential health benefits, including cholesterol reduction.

Mannitol

A sugar alcohol found in mushrooms, used as a sweetener and diuretic.

Lovastatin

A compound found in Oyster mushrooms, is known for cholesterol-lowering effects.

Agaritine

A naturally occurring compound in Agaricus species, under study for its potential effects.

Phenolic Compounds

Antioxidant molecules found in various mushrooms, contributing to health benefits.

Flavonoids

Antioxidant compounds present in some mushrooms, supporting overall health.

Lectins

Proteins that bind carbohydrates, found in mushrooms and studied for various biological activities.

Term

Description

✅ Hot Water Extraction

A traditional method where mushrooms are boiled to extract water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans.

Alcohol Extraction

Utilizes ethanol to extract alcohol-soluble compounds, such as triterpenoids, from mushrooms.

✅ Dual Extraction

Combines hot water and alcohol extraction to obtain a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds from mushrooms.

✅ Double Extracted

Mushrooms go through a second round of extraction for better quality, potency and purity.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction

Employs ultrasonic waves to enhance the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds from mushrooms.

Membrane Separation Technology

A filtration method used during extraction to separate and concentrate high-molecular-weight compounds like beta-glucans.

Supercritical CO₂ Extraction

Uses supercritical carbon dioxide to extract non-polar compounds from mushrooms, preserving sensitive bioactives.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction

Utilizes microwave energy to heat solvents and enhance the extraction of bioactive compounds from mushrooms.

Enzyme-Assisted Extraction

Employs specific enzymes to break down cell walls, facilitating the release of bioactive compounds.

Fermentation

A process where microorganisms break down compounds in mushrooms, potentially enhancing bioavailability and introducing new bioactive

Term

Description

✅ Beta-Glucan Assay

A test used to measure the beta-glucan content in medicinal mushrooms to ensure potency and efficacy.

✅ Heavy Metal Testing

Laboratory analysis to detect and quantify toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in mushroom products.

✅ Microbial Testing

Screening for harmful bacteria, yeast, and mold to ensure the safety of mushroom supplements.

✅ Purity Analysis

Testing conducted to confirm the absence of contaminants, fillers, or adulterants in mushroom extracts.

✅ Megazyme Assay

A precise laboratory test for beta-glucan measurement, using enzyme-based analysis to determine fungal polysaccharide content.

✅ Dual-Extraction Testing

Quality control analysis for verifying both water and alcohol-extracted bioactive compounds in mushroom extracts.

Mycotoxin Screening

A test to detect fungal-derived toxins that can be harmful to human health.

Residual Solvent Testing

Analysis to ensure no harmful solvents remain in the final mushroom extract.

✅ Third-Party Testing

Independent lab verification of potency, purity, and safety to ensure unbiased product quality assessment.

DNA Authentication

Genetic testing to confirm the identity of mushroom species used in supplements.

Term

Description

Apothecium

A wide, open, saucer-shaped or cup-shaped fruiting body of certain ascomycetous fungi.

Ascocarp

The fruiting body of ascomycetous fungi, containing the asci and ascospores.

Ascospore

A spore contained in an ascus or that was produced inside an ascus.

Ascus

A sac-like structure in which ascospores are formed, characteristic of ascomycetes.

Basidiocarp

The fruiting body of basidiomycetous fungi, which bears the basidia.

Basidiospore

A reproductive spore produced by Basidiomycete fungi, typically borne on a basidium.

Basidium

A microscopic, club-shaped spore-bearing structure produced by certain fungi.

Chlamydospore

A thick-walled, large resting spore of certain fungi and algae.

Conidiophore

A specialized fungal hypha that produces conidia.

Conidium

An asexual, non-motile spore of a fungus.

Dikaryotic

Having two genetically distinct nuclei within each cell.

Dolipore Septum

A septal structure found in the hyphae of certain fungi, characterized by a barrel-shaped swelling around the central pore.

Gleba

The spore-bearing inner mass of certain fungi such as puffballs.

Haustorium

A specialized structure that grows into or around another structure to absorb water or nutrients, characteristic of parasitic fungi.

Hymenium

The spore-bearing surface of a fungal fruiting body.

Lamella

The gills of a mushroom, located on the underside of the cap, where spores are produced.

Peridium

The outer layer of the spore-bearing organ in some fungi.

Pileus

The cap or umbrella-like structure of a mushroom.

Rhizomorph

A root-like aggregation of hyphae in certain fungi.

Sclerotium

A hardened mass of mycelium that functions as a resting stage in the life cycle of some fungi.

Septum

A wall dividing individual cells in a fungal hypha.

Sporangium

A structure in which spores are produced.

Sporophore

The fruiting body of a fungus.

Stipe

The stem or stalk-like feature supporting the cap of a mushroom.

Trama

The inner, fleshy tissue of a mushroom's fruiting body.

Urediniospore

A type of spore produced by rust fungi during their life cycle.

Volva

A cup-like structure at the base of certain mushrooms, remnants of the universal veil.

Zygospore

A thick-walled resting spore formed by the union of two similar gametes in certain fungi.