When it comes to medicinal Mushroom extracts, there's a lot of misinformation floating around—some of it incomplete, some downright misleading. As someone deeply invested in health and wellness, I've spent years researching and testing mushroom supplements to separate fact from fiction. Let me clear up one of the most critical truths about medicinal mushrooms: the bioavailability of mushroom supplements is poor unless they have been extracted.
It might sound surprising, but unprocessed mushrooms—even the dried and powdered forms you'll often see on store shelves—are far less effective than their extracted counterparts. Let's explore why extraction is essential, its science, and how choosing the right mushroom supplement can transform your health.
The Problem with Unprocessed Mushroom Supplements
Here's the plain truth: most people cannot properly digest raw or unprocessed mushrooms. Research suggests that up to 80% of people struggle to fully break down the cell walls of mushrooms and absorb their beneficial compounds. Why? It all comes down to a tough compound called chitin.
Chitin is the structural component of fungal cell walls. While it's fantastic for giving mushrooms their form, it's not so great for human digestion. Unlike animals such as insects, we lack the enzymes needed to break down chitin. As a result, the bioactive compounds—such as beta-glucans, hericenones, and triterpenoids—remain locked inside the mushroom's cells, rendering most of their benefits inaccessible to our bodies.
This is where extraction comes in.
Why Extraction is Critical
Extracting medicinal mushrooms is the key to unlocking their full potential. Extraction breaks down the chitin structure, releasing the active compounds and making them bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed and utilised by the body.
Extraction Makes Mushrooms Up to 10x More Potent.
Studies have shown that extracts are significantly more potent than raw mushroom powders. Hot water or alcohol-extracted mushrooms are approximately 10 times more bioavailable. For instance, research published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms highlights that hot water extracts are more effective than ground mushroom powders in activating immune cells, such as TLR2, and inducing TNF-α, key processes for immune modulation and reducing inflammation.
Here's a direct quote from the study:
“Hot water mushroom extracts are more potent than ground mushroom products in activating TLR2 and inducing TNF-α.”
In simple terms, when you choose an extracted supplement, you're not just getting more bang for your buck—you're unlocking the full therapeutic potential of the mushroom.
The Science Behind Extraction Methods
Let's discuss how extraction works and its importance. The two most common extraction methods are hot water extraction and alcohol extraction. Each method serves a specific purpose, and the best supplements often use a combination of both.
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction involves boiling the mushrooms to break down the chitin and release water-soluble compounds, such as beta-glucans and polysaccharides. These compounds are responsible for many of the immune-boosting benefits associated with medicinal mushrooms.
Alcohol Extraction
Alcohol extraction, on the other hand, targets fat-soluble compounds, such as triterpenoids. These compounds are vital for cognitive support, liver health, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dual Extraction: The Gold Standard
The most effective supplements use a dual extraction process, combining both water and alcohol extractions to capture the full spectrum of bioactive compounds. This ensures you're getting all the benefits medicinal mushrooms have to offer, not just a partial profile.
Not that the kind of extraction depends on the strain of mushroom; Lion's Mane, for example, only requires a hot water extraction.
The Risks of Non-Extracted Mushroom Powders
If you're using non-extracted mushroom powders, you're not only wasting money but also exposing yourself to potential risks. Here are a few issues with raw or ground mushroom products:
1. Low Potency
As mentioned earlier, the bioavailability of raw mushrooms is minimal. You'd need to consume impractical amounts of raw powder to get the same benefits as an extract—and even then, your body may still struggle to absorb the compounds.
2. Allergic Reactions
Raw mushrooms, especially powders that include mycelium or spores, carry a higher risk of triggering allergic reactions. The unprocessed compounds can irritate sensitive systems, leading to respiratory or skin issues.
3. Mycotoxins and Contaminants
Non-extracted mushrooms are more likely to contain harmful substances like mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by fungi. Extracting the mushrooms—especially using hot water—neutralises these toxins, making the final product safer for consumption.
4. Gut Irritation
The chitin in raw mushrooms can be hard on the digestive system, causing bloating, discomfort, or even gut inflammation in some individuals. Extraction eliminates this issue by breaking down the chitin structure.
My Go-To: Why I Only Use Extracted Mushroom Supplements
When I first started exploring medicinal mushrooms, I made the mistake of buying cheap, non-extracted powders. I didn't notice much of a difference and assumed mushrooms didn't work for me. It wasn't until I switched to a high-quality dual-extracted supplement that I experienced the full benefits: improved focus, better energy, and a stronger immune system.
Here's what I look for in a mushroom supplement:
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Dual Extraction Process: Both hot water and alcohol extractions for a full spectrum of bioactives.
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Fruiting Body Only: Avoid mycelium-based products, as they often contain grain fillers and lack potency, unless grown in what is called water culture.
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Third-Party Testing: Independent lab tests to verify purity and potency.
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Transparent Labelling: A clear breakdown of beta-glucan content and extraction ratios.
The Mycogenius Standard
At Mycogenius, we take pride in offering medicinal mushroom supplements that meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy. Our products are:
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Made from Organic Fruiting Bodies: No fillers, no grain, no-nonsense.
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Dual-Extracted: We use both hot water and alcohol extractions to ensure maximum bioavailability when needed.
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Third-Party Tested: Every batch is tested for purity, potency, and safety.
Our Lion's Mane extract, for example, is crafted using a 1:1 extraction process, ensuring you get all the cognitive and immune benefits this incredible mushroom has to offer.
Final Thoughts: Why Extraction is Non-Negotiable
Medicinal mushrooms are powerful tools for health, but only if they're prepared correctly. Choosing a high-quality extract over raw powder isn't just about getting better results—it's about ensuring safety, bioavailability, and value for your money.
If you're serious about experiencing the benefits of mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, or Cordyceps, always opt for an extracted supplement. Your brain, body, and immune system will thank you.
Ready to upgrade your health with high-quality mushroom extracts? Check out our Organic Lion's Mane Extract Capsules and experience the Mycogenius difference for yourself.