What Makes Mushroom Extracts So Powerful?

April 16, 2025 | by EVERSIO WELLNESS

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential health benefits of mushroom extract products. These intriguing natural remedies have gained popularity for their purported therapeutic properties, prompting scientific exploration into their efficacy and mechanisms of action. As researchers delve into the realm of mycology, the study of fungi, an increasing body of scientific literature has emerged, shedding light on the fascinating science behind mushroom extracts. By delving into the science of mushroom extracts, we seek to deepen our understanding of these remarkable substances and their promising role in promoting human well-being.

What Is a Mushroom Extract?

Mushroom extracts are concentrated forms of specific mushroom species processed to isolate and enhance their bioactive components. They are obtained through various methods, such as hot water extraction, alcohol extraction, or dual extraction, which combines water and alcohol solvents. The resulting extract contains a concentrated profile of the mushroom's beneficial compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive molecules.

Mushroom extracts can be derived from diverse species with unique composition and potential health benefits. These extracts are available in different forms, such as powders or capsules, making them easily accessible for consumption. By extracting and concentrating the bioactive constituents, mushroom extracts offer a convenient and standardized way to harness the potential therapeutic properties of mushrooms.

What Is the Difference Between a Mushroom Extract and a Mushroom Powder?

While mushroom extracts and mushroom powders are derived from fungi, there are notable differences in composition and preparation. Mushroom powders are typically made by grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder, which retains the bulk of the mushroom's nutritional content and fiber. This form preserves a broader spectrum of compounds in the mushroom, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

On the other hand, mushroom extracts undergo a specific extraction process to isolate and concentrate bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids. This concentrated form maximizes the potential health benefits of the mushrooms, as it contains higher levels of specific bioactive compounds. Therefore, while mushroom powders offer a more comprehensive nutritional profile, mushroom extracts provide a targeted and potent dose of bioactive components. The choice between the two depends on the desired outcome and the health benefits one seeks from mushrooms.

Why Do Mushrooms Need to Go Through an Extraction Process?

The extraction process plays a crucial role in unlocking the therapeutic potential of mushrooms. While mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, these beneficial constituents are often bound within the cell walls or present in low concentrations. Through extraction, these compounds can be liberated and concentrated, enhancing their bioavailability and efficacy. The extraction process breaks down the mushroom's cellular structure, allowing for the release of bioactive molecules such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds. 

Additionally, extraction methods can selectively isolate specific compounds of interest, ensuring a standardized and potent product. By undergoing an extraction process, mushrooms transform into concentrated extracts that offer enhanced bioactivity, increased stability, and improved absorption. This extraction step is essential to maximize the therapeutic potential of mushrooms and make their bioactive components readily accessible for human consumption.

What Do Mushroom Extraction Ratios Mean?

Mushroom extraction ratios are an important consideration when evaluating mushroom extract products. The extraction ratio refers to the ratio of the raw mushroom material used to produce a specific quantity of extract. For example, an extraction ratio of 10:1 means that 10 kilograms of mushrooms were used to produce 1 kilogram of extract. The extraction ratio provides insights into the concentration and potency of the final extract. A higher extraction ratio typically indicates a more concentrated product, as a larger amount of mushrooms is required to produce a smaller quantity of extract. 

What Are the Types of Mushroom Extractions?

Hot Water Extraction

Hot water extraction involves simmering the mushroom material in water for an extended period. Heat helps break down the cell walls, facilitating the release of water-soluble compounds such as polysaccharides. This method is particularly effective for extracting beta-glucans, a class of polysaccharides known for their immunomodulatory properties. Hot water extraction is widely used and regarded as a traditional method for preparing mushroom extracts.

Alcohol Extraction

Alcohol extraction, on the other hand, utilizes alcohol solvents, such as ethanol or methanol, to extract both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds. This method can effectively extract a broader range of bioactive molecules, including triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and certain polysaccharides. Alcohol extraction is known for its ability to yield extracts with higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, making it suitable for extracting a diverse array of beneficial constituents.

Dual Extraction

Dual extraction combines the benefits of both hot water and alcohol extraction methods. In this approach, the mushroom material is subjected to sequential extraction using both water and alcohol solvents. This method aims to capture a wider spectrum of bioactive compounds present in mushrooms, including both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble components. Dual extraction is often preferred when targeting a comprehensive range of beneficial compounds and maximizing the potential health benefits of the mushroom extract.

Functional Mushrooms with a Single Extract

Cordyceps Mushroom 

Cordyceps is a unique mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known for its potential to enhance athletic performance, improve respiratory function, and boost energy levels. Research suggests that Cordyceps extracts contain bioactive compounds like cordycepin and adenosine, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties [1]. These compounds have shown promise in various areas, including supporting cardiovascular health, combating fatigue, and potentially aiding in the management of certain chronic conditions [1,2].

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey Tail is a widely studied mushroom renowned for its immune-enhancing properties. Its extract contains a diverse range of polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which stimulate immune cell activity and modulate the immune response [3]. Numerous studies have explored the potential of Turkey Tail extract as an adjunctive therapy for cancer patients, showing promising results in terms of immune system support and potential anticancer effects [3,4].

Tremella Mushroom

Tremella, often referred to as the "beauty mushroom," has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential to nourish and moisturize the skin. Tremella extracts are rich in polysaccharides and possess notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [5]. Research suggests that Tremella extract may support skin health by enhancing moisture retention, promoting collagen synthesis, and protecting against oxidative stress [5,6]. Additionally, it has been investigated for potential immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects [5]. 

Functional Mushrooms with a Dual Extract

In addition to single extract functional mushrooms, there are several notable mushrooms that are commonly extracted using a dual extraction method, which combines both hot water and alcohol extractions to capture a wider range of bioactive compounds. 

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi dual extract is rich in triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds. Research suggests that Reishi extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, making them potentially beneficial for immune system support, stress reduction, and overall well-being [7,8]. Moreover, Reishi has been studied for its potential anticancer effects and its ability to support cardiovascular health [7,9]. 

Lion's Mane Mushroom 

Lion's Mane extract has garnered attention for its potential cognitive and neurological benefits. Dual extract preparations of Lion's Mane are rich in bioactive compounds such as erinacines and hericenones. These compounds have shown neuroprotective properties and may promote nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, which is vital for maintaining and regenerating neurons [10]. Studies suggest that Lion's Mane extracts have potential in supporting cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health [10,11].

Chaga Mushroom

Chaga is a unique mushroom that primarily grows on birch trees in cold climates. Its dual extract contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and melanin derivatives. Chaga extracts have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities [12]. Research suggests potential benefits of Chaga extract in immune system regulation, supporting gastrointestinal health, and possibly exerting anticancer effects [12,13].

What Are the Terpenoids in Dual Mushroom Extract Products?

Terpenoids are a class of compounds found in various plants and fungi, including mushrooms. In dual mushroom extract products, these bioactive compounds are known for their diverse pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities.

In dual mushroom extracts, several terpenoids have been identified and studied. For example, ganoderic acids are terpenoids commonly found in Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) extracts. These compounds have shown potential in supporting immune function, inhibiting tumor growth, and reducing inflammation [14].

Another terpenoid of interest is erinacine, which is found in Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) extracts. Erinacines have demonstrated neuroprotective properties and the potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining and regenerating neurons [15]. 

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) extracts also contain various terpenoids, including betulinic acid. Betulinic acid has exhibited diverse biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects [16].

Where to Buy Quality Mushroom Extract Products

Although the market for functional mushrooms is wide, it is important to be mindful of what is inside of the products you are buying. If you find the words “full spectrum”, “mycelial biomass”, or “extracellular compounds” on the label, this means the product is made from the grain substrate the mushrooms are grown on, and potentially the primordia and fruiting body, all combined and often not in extract form. Full spectrum is often advertised as a beneficial aspect of the product by some companies, but you’d need to consume much more of it to achieve the same benefits as you would from a product containing 100% fruiting body. 

Eversio Wellness carries 100% fruiting body only Canadian mushroom extracts, and they consistently practice transparency to their consumers by sharing the COAs (Certificate of Analysis) of each product. The COAs reassure consumers that the percentage of compounds that are claimed to be in the products is scientifically confirmed through lab testing. Not only does the COA confirm the percentage of beneficial constituents, but it also tests the heavy metal and microbial contents so you can be sure that your mushroom product is safe. 

We hope you have found this article informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!