A Lion's Mane mushroom farmer inspecting fruiting bodies. The farmer is outdoors, carefully examining the mushrooms laid out on a drying rack. The backdrop features a rural setting with mountains and a partially obscured structure.

our approach

Mushroom supplements demand precision.

“We create innovative, evidence-based mushroom supplements that may help support overall well-being.”

Rooted in nature. Refined by Science.

Map of Asia with mushrooms marking locations, showcasing our premium mushroom sourcing from the best regions for optimal quality and purity.
01

Cultivation Excellence and Strain Selection

Our functional mushrooms thrive in carefully chosen regions renowned for their purity and ideal climates, such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Siberia, and Mongolia. We meticulously select strains recognized for their traditional use or researched properties that may help maintain a balanced lifestyle and continually refine substrates. From organic sawdust and wheat bran for Lion’s Mane to natural wood logs for Reishi, our approach ensures the cultivation of larger, more potent fruiting bodies.

Drawing of a mushroom farm in China, highlighting our sustainable and high-quality mushroom cultivation practices in the region.
02

Research, Validation, and Farm Selection

Our mushroom extracts are cultivated based on extensive research. Careful farm and region selection is integral to our process, sourcing Chaga from the Siberian forests and cultivating Lion’s Mane and Tremella in GuTian County, FuJian Province, celebrated for its ideal microclimate and traditional expertise.

Drawing of a mushroom being milled into powder in a milling machine, illustrating the process of creating fine mushroom extracts.
03

Extraction Methods

We employ various extraction methods:

  1. Water Extraction: Ideal for beta-glucans, heating functional mushrooms in water to release compounds. Suited for Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Tremella, and Shiitake.
  2. Ethanol Extraction: Excels at extracting non-water-soluble compounds; evaporation techniques ensure a pure product. Suitable for comprehensive extracts.
  3. Dual Extraction: Combines water and ethanol methods for Reishi, Chaga, and Lion's Mane, providing a potent extract.
Drawing of mushroom powder being mixed into a container of water, depicting the water extraction process for mushroom extracts.
04

Extraction Process

The process is as crucial as the method used. Whole dried functional mushrooms are ground into powder and extracted in hot water, ethanol, or both, over several hours. We conduct two 90-minute extraction rounds at 80 degrees Celsius for thorough extraction. Finally, a purification stage increases solubility and removes impurities, a step often skipped by other companies.

Drawing of a person adding a prize certificate to a mushroom, symbolizing the award-winning quality of our mushroom products.
05

Rigorous Quality Assurance

We adhere to FSSC 22000 standards and ensure product purity under both US and European protocols. With extensive testing for ethylene oxide (ETO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), pesticides, microbials, heavy metals, and other contaminants, making our mushroom supplements a trusted choice.

Drawing of a microscope analyzing a mushroom sample, highlighting the rigorous testing and quality assurance of our mushroom products.
06

Independent Potency Verification

We conduct independent potency verification to ensure the highest quality of our mushroom supplements. Our testing includes measuring beta-glucans and verifying the absence of contaminants. Reputable labs such as Alkemist, Eurofins, and Helix conduct our testing, ensuring unbiased and reliable results.

01

Cultivation Excellence and Strain Selection

Our functional mushrooms thrive in carefully chosen regions renowned for their purity and ideal climates, such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Siberia, and Mongolia. We meticulously select strains recognized for their traditional use or researched properties that may help maintain a balanced lifestyle and continually refine substrates. From organic sawdust and wheat bran for Lion’s Mane to natural wood logs for Reishi, our approach ensures the cultivation of larger, more potent fruiting bodies.

02

Research, Validation, and Farm Selection

Our mushroom extracts are cultivated based on extensive research. Careful farm and region selection is integral to our process, sourcing Chaga from the Siberian forests and cultivating Lion’s Mane and Tremella in GuTian County, FuJian Province, celebrated for its ideal microclimate and traditional expertise.

03

Extraction Methods

We employ various extraction methods:

  1. Water Extraction: Ideal for beta-glucans, heating functional mushrooms in water to release compounds. Suited for Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Tremella, and Shiitake.
  2. Ethanol Extraction: Excels at extracting non-water-soluble compounds; evaporation techniques ensure a pure product. Suitable for comprehensive extracts.
  3. Dual Extraction: Combines water and ethanol methods for Reishi, Chaga, and Lion's Mane, providing a potent extract.
04

Extraction Process

The process is as crucial as the method used. Whole dried functional mushrooms are ground into powder and extracted in hot water, ethanol, or both, over several hours. We conduct two 90-minute extraction rounds at 80 degrees Celsius for thorough extraction. Finally, a purification stage increases solubility and removes impurities, a step often skipped by other companies.

05

Rigorous Quality Assurance

We adhere to FSSC 22000 standards and ensure product purity under both US and European protocols. With extensive testing for ethylene oxide (ETO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), pesticides, microbials, heavy metals, and other contaminants, making our mushroom supplements a trusted choice.

06

Independent Potency Verification

We conduct independent potency verification to ensure the highest quality of our mushroom supplements. Our testing includes measuring beta-glucans and verifying the absence of contaminants. Reputable labs such as Alkemist, Eurofins, and Helix conduct our testing, ensuring unbiased and reliable results.

Map of Asia with mushrooms marking locations, showcasing our premium mushroom sourcing from the best regions for optimal quality and purity.Drawing of a mushroom farm in China, highlighting our sustainable and high-quality mushroom cultivation practices in the region.Drawing of a mushroom being milled into powder in a milling machine, illustrating the process of creating fine mushroom extracts.Drawing of mushroom powder being mixed into a container of water, depicting the water extraction process for mushroom extracts.Drawing of a person adding a prize certificate to a mushroom, symbolizing the award-winning quality of our mushroom products.Drawing of a microscope analyzing a mushroom sample, highlighting the rigorous testing and quality assurance of our mushroom products.

92%

of the companies we've reviewed do not display or share their lab results.

Our Lab Tests

Recognizing the unique challenges in the nutraceutical industry, we go above and beyond to ensure the highest safety and potency. Our expert board rigorously tests and continually enhances our mushroom supplements, upholding unparalleled standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

An analytical report from Eurofins for Antioxi Ltd, confirming that the Organic Lion's Mane Extract sample was tested for heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, all of which were found to be within safe limits.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals can accumulate in mushrooms, which is why testing is crucial:

  • Why It Matters: Mushrooms are known bioaccumulators, absorbing heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which may pose health concerns.
  • Our Focus: We comply with the EU’s strict safety thresholds to maintain high standards of purity.
  • Did You Know? The EU’s heavy metal limits are among the toughest globally, helping protect vulnerable populations.
  • Interesting Fact: Regularly consuming untested mushroom products could increase the risk of toxic metal buildup, which is why rigorous testing is essential.
An analytical report from Eurofins for Antioxi Ltd, confirming that the Organic Lion's Mane Extract sample tested negative for pesticides. The analysis shows that the sample is free from detectable pesticide residues, ensuring product safety and compliance with quality standards.

Pesticides

Pesticides can be a hidden concern in mushroom products. Here’s why our testing matters:

  • Why It Matters: Mushrooms can absorb pesticides. Thorough testing helps identify and minimize potential contaminants.
  • Our Focus: There are short and extensive pesticide tests. We opt for comprehensive testing—beyond basic checks—to uphold strict safety standards.
  • Interesting Fact: Dual-extracted functional mushrooms can concentrate pesticide residues. Watch out for companies trying to cut corners with short tests
An analytical report from Eurofins for Antioxi Ltd, confirming that the Organic Lion's Mane Extract sample tested negative for ethylene oxide and related compounds, ensuring product safety and compliance with quality standards.

Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide (used in sterilization) can leave residues if not properly tested. Here’s why it matters:

  • Why It Matters: Residual ethylene oxide may pose safety concerns.
  • Our Focus: We carefully test products from regions where its use is more common.
  • Interesting Fact: Dual extraction processes can sometimes concentrate residual compounds, making comprehensive testing crucial.
An analytical report from Eurofins for Antioxi Ltd, confirming that the Organic Reishi Extract sample tested negative for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analysis shows that the sample does not contain detectable levels of Benz(a)anthracene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Chrysene, or the sum of these PAHs, ensuring product safety and compliance with quality standards.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

PAHs are environmental pollutants that may contaminate mushrooms. Here’s why testing counts:

  • Why It Matters: PAHs can present potential health concerns.
  • Our Focus: They can form during drying or processing, so we employ robust testing measures.
  • Little-Known Fact: Dual-extraction can sometimes concentrate PAHs, underscoring the need for rigorous testing.
Certificate of analysis showing that Antioxi's Lion's Mane Extract has passed microbiological testing with low levels of total plate count and yeast and mold, and no presence of E.coli or Salmonella, indicating a safe product.

Microbials

Microbial contamination can occur during cultivation or processing.

  • Why It Matters: Microbes may survive in dried and powdered forms, so testing helps safeguard product quality.
  • Our Focus: We perform thorough microbial testing to ensure our mushrooms meet strict safety standards.
A certificate of analysis from Eurofins for Antioxi Ltd, detailing the potency test results of an Organic Turkey Tail extract sample. The analysis reports that the sample contains 3.60% Alpha Glucan, 62.8% Beta Glucan, and a total Glucan content of 66.4%.

Beta D Glucan

Beta-D-glucans are a key indicator of mushroom supplement potency.

  • Why It Matters: Beta-D-glucans are studied for their potential immune-supporting properties. Measuring them helps gauge supplement quality.
  • Our Focus: We prioritize high beta-D-glucan levels. Grain-based mycelium products often lack these levels.
  • Little-Known Fact: Many brands don’t test for beta-D-glucan content, leading to inconsistent potency.
  • Our Standards: We test carefully for beta-D-glucans, recently raising our threshold from 30% to 40%.
A certificate of analysis from Eurofins for Antioxi Ltd, detailing the potency test results of an Organic Turkey Tail extract sample. The analysis reports that the sample contains 3.60% Alpha Glucan, 62.8% Beta Glucan, and a total Glucan content of 66.4%.

Alpha Glucans

Alpha-glucans can signal lower mushroom purity.

  • Why It Matters: High alpha-glucan levels often indicate starchy fillers like grain-based mycelium rather than true mushroom fruiting bodies.
  • Our Focus: By minimizing alpha-glucans, we aim to maintain optimal product purity and potency.
  • Little-Known Fact: Many companies skip testing for alpha-glucans, which can mask lower-quality mushroom content.
Certificate of analysis for Antioxi's Chaga Extract, showing negative results for the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, confirmed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Microscopic Analysis, ensuring the absence of this contaminant.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) can artificially increase beta-glucan measurements.

  • Why It Matters: Its presence may mislead consumers about actual mushroom beta-glucan content.
  • Two Forms: Regular yeast and purified yeast differ by DNA detectability.
  • Our Focus: We avoid both forms to keep our mushroom supplements as authentic as possible.
  • Industry Insight: Some brands may use Saccharomyces cerevisiae to boost beta-glucan measurements to 75%. Always check labels carefully!

board of specialists

Given the newness of mushroom supplements in the West, we've assembled a growing board of specialists to continually enhance our offerings, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

Antioxi Mushroom supplements for pets - board of specialists - professional vet

Veterinarian - Dr Linda Barker-Singh

Dr Linda Barker-Singh MVB MRCVS is a locum veterinary surgeon who has worked in London for the past 11 years. She graduated top of her class in small animal medicine from UCD, Dublin. She is currently a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Antioxi Mushroom supplements for pets - board of specialists - nutritionist

Nutritionist - Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor BSc, MSc, RNutr is a Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition. She holds a first-class MSc in Personalised Nutrition and brings extensive experience in dietary supplements and wellness to Antioxi's Scientific Advisory Board. She emphasizes using top-quality ingredients to maximise the benefits of their mushroom supplements, ensuring each product meets the highest standards.

Antioxi Mushroom supplements for pets - board of specialists - herbal vet

Veterinarian Herbalist - Dr. Shelley Doxey

Shelley, a UK veterinary surgeon for over 20 years, runs an integrative practice using herbal medicine, including functional mushrooms. She tutors in veterinary herbal medicine and is a Charter Fellow of the American Association of Veterinary Botanical Medicine.