Mushroom Species
| 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. |
Active Compounds
| 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. |
Extraction Methods
| 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 |
Lab Testing, Safety, and Purity
| 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. |
General Mycology Terms
| 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. |
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