SOLUTION 2: Viber's GAM Only (No Prebid)
Starters Guide 2
A Starters Guide to Mushroom Extracts
A Starters Guide to Mushroom Extracts
Welcome to the wonderful world of functional mushrooms. If you're looking to support your vitality, recharge your body and mind, and improve your overall wellbeing, you've come to the right place. The Starters Guide to Mushroom Extracts is a handy guide to help you better understand what mushroom extracts are, where they come from, and their traditional uses.
In this guide we break down Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps and Chaga mushrooms, and how to take them for the best results. These natural staples of ancient eastern medicine have been used for centuries and are gaining wider recognition today.
Unlocking the Super Powers of Mushroom Extracts
You're probably reading this because you're interested in your health and want to discover more about the power of mother nature. Amazing! Pat yourself on the back. Go on, do it. You've come to the right place.
A Starters Guide to Mushroom Extracts is a handy cheat sheet to help you better understand what mushroom extracts are, where they come from, what their traditional benefits are, and how to take them. In this guide we've focused on the four main mushroom extracts that Pure Fungi specialise in: LION'S MANE, REISHI, CORDYCEPS and CHAGA.
At Pure Fungi we deliver on our name. Our 100% vegan extracts are the purest, high-grade product possible.
So while our price per gram may be higher than other brands, you get 100% of what you've paid for. That means no blends, no fillers, no soy, no nuts, no gluten, no lactose, and totally GMO-free.
While some brands incorporate grain and fillers, we've made a conscious choice to use only the purest, most concentrated extractions from 100% organic fungi to create our capsules and powders.
All of our single-ingredient extracts are responsibly sourced, using the latest extraction methods to maximise the active compounds. Our capsules and powders are manufactured and quality control tested in the UK, and the pouch and label are fully compostable.
We hope you find this guide helpful.
Lion's Mane
Hericium Erinaceus
The Science
Research into Lion's Mane is still developing, with most studies conducted on animals, but new research is released regularly with promising results. This mushroom has been studied for its potential neurocognitive properties and its role in supporting nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
The main active compounds in Lion's Mane are Hericenones and Erinacines, which have been studied for their potential to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor synthesis, supporting overall brain health.
Lion's Mane contains neurotrophic compounds important in promoting the growth and development of neurons, a process known as neurogenesis.
Active Compounds
- Hericenones & Erinacines
- 20% soluble mushroom polysaccharides
- 2% total terpenes
The Benefits
- Traditionally associated with focus and mental clarity
- Source of antioxidants
- Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Good to Know
When companies share their extraction ratios, it indicates the quality of the extract. The extraction ratio is the amount of whole fruiting body mushroom used to make the final concentrated extract. For example, a ratio of 16:1 means 16kg of whole fruiting body mushrooms were used to make 1kg of concentrated powder.
History & Fun Facts
Lion's Mane has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and is known as the 'mountain priest mushroom' because it was used by Buddhist monks to support concentration and focus during meditation. It's also considered a delicacy in East Asian cuisine.
Where & How is it Grown?
As a wood-loving edible species, Lion's Mane can be grown on hardwood logs from trees like birch, maple, elm or oak. Lion's Mane are common saprophytic (decomposing) fungi found on decaying trees throughout the Northern United States, Canada and many parts of China and East Asia.
About Pure Fungi Lion's Mane
Pure Fungi Lion's Mane is grown on hardwood sawdust logs, sourced from master growers in China. We only use 100% fruiting body and dual extract to a ratio of 16:1. Our extracts are 100% organic, with zero pesticides, no fillers, and are independently tested in the UK.
Who is Lion's Mane for?
If you're interested in supporting your memory, concentration and overall cognitive function, Lion's Mane is a popular choice. It's also traditionally used by those looking to support a balanced mood.
How to Take Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane powder is one of the nicer tasting mushroom extracts. Its fruiting body is commonly used in gastronomic cuisine. The smell and taste is similar to dark chocolate, so you can add the powder into a drink or food. It's great in coffee or a mug of hot chocolate for a morning mind boost. You can also take it in capsule form to keep things simple.
Dosage
Start off with 2g (1 tsp) once or twice a day for baseline support. Dosage can vary per person. Always consult a qualified health practitioner for dosages relating to specific health concerns.
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
The Science
Reishi has been the subject of many evidence-based and clinical studies exploring its traditional wellness properties. Research has looked at the bioactive polysaccharides in Reishi for their immunomodulatory effects.
Reishi contains compounds that have been studied for their role in supporting a balanced inflammatory response. The immune system is the body's self-defence system, and Reishi is traditionally used to support immune balance.
Reishi contains triterpenes and beta-glucans, which have been studied in relation to cardiovascular health and antioxidant activity.
Active Compounds
- 25% soluble beta-glucans
- 4% triterpenes
The Benefits
- Traditionally used to support a healthy immune system
- Source of antioxidants
- Traditionally associated with calmness and longevity
Good to Know
Choose a product that includes mushroom fruiting bodies for the highest concentration of active beneficial compounds.
History & Fun Facts
A staple in eastern medicine, Reishi (or Lingzhi) is known as 'the Queen of mushrooms' or 'the mushroom of immortality' because of its long traditional use. Reishi mushrooms are typically ear- or kidney-shaped with a distinctive rust colour (red, orange and brown).
Where & How is it Grown?
Though they're mostly grown commercially these days, you would find them growing in the wild on plum trees, hardwood trees like oak and maple, and logs.
About Pure Fungi Reishi
With over 130 triterpenoid compounds and highly active polysaccharides, Pure Fungi's Reishi is grown on whole logs. We only use 100% fruiting body and dual extract to a ratio of 16:1. Our extracts are 100% organic, with zero pesticides, no fillers, and are independently tested in the UK.
Who is Reishi for?
Reishi is traditionally used by those looking to support overall wellbeing, immune balance, and a calm state of mind.
How to Take Reishi
Most people prefer to take it as an extract or tea because of the mushroom's woody texture and bitter taste. It's great with peppermint tea. You could also try it in your coffee.
Dosage
Start off with 2g (1 tsp) once or twice a day for baseline support. Dosage can vary per person. Always consult a qualified health practitioner for dosages relating to specific health concerns.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
The Science
The bioactive compounds in Cordyceps are the subject of many studies. One of these is cordycepin, a nucleoside compound molecularly similar to adenosine, which exists in all human cells. Adenosine is a principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells.
Research has explored Cordyceps' potential role in supporting energy levels, circulation and exercise performance, with studies looking at ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production.
Cordyceps is often used by athletes for its traditional association with energy and stamina.
Active Compounds
- 15% soluble mushroom polysaccharides
- 0.3% cordycepin
The Benefits
- Traditionally used to support energy and stamina
- Popular with athletes and active people
- Source of bioactive compounds
Good to Know
Keep your fungi extracts fresh by sealing the pouch properly or storing it in an airtight container away from sunlight or heat.
History & Fun Facts
There are around 400 different species of Cordyceps fungi, which have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. This glowing orange mushroom is like something out of a sci-fi movie. It's a parasitic fungi that feeds off insects, taking over the bodies and brains of the host. It looks a bit like coral, sprouting long stems that grow from the host's body.
Where & How is it Grown?
Certain types of Cordyceps are very rare in the wild. Ophiocordyceps sinensis feast only upon the caterpillars of ghost moths in the foothills of the Himalayas. Fortunately, while growing Cordyceps requires a lot of know-how, the comparable Cordyceps militaris can be grown on rice or barley substrate in buckets.
About Pure Fungi Cordyceps
Rich in nucleoside derivatives, Pure Fungi's Cordyceps militaris is grown on organic barley. We only use 100% fruiting body and water extract to a ratio of 16:1. Our extracts are 100% organic, vegan, free from GMO and nuts, and are gluten and lactose free. All our extracts are independently tested in the UK.
Who is Cordyceps for?
Cordyceps is traditionally used by those looking to support athletic performance, energy levels and stamina.
How to Take Cordyceps
Add the powder into your drink or food. It's great with red berry tea.
Dosage
Start off with 2g (1 tsp) once or twice a day for baseline support. Dosage can vary per person. Always consult a qualified health practitioner for dosages relating to specific health concerns.
Chaga
Inonotus obliquus
The Science
Chaga mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which have been studied for their role in supporting the body's immune system. One way they are thought to support the immune system is by influencing the formation of cytokines, which are specialised proteins involved in immune signalling.
Chaga is high in antioxidants and has been studied for its potential role in supporting a balanced inflammatory response.
The polysaccharides in Chaga have been researched in relation to gut health and digestion.
Active Compounds
- 15% soluble mushroom polysaccharides
- 4% triterpenes
The Benefits
- Traditionally used to support the immune system
- Source of antioxidants
- Traditionally associated with digestive support
Good to Know
As with any health product or supplement, it's best to introduce mushroom extracts into your daily routine slowly.
History & Fun Facts
Known as the 'king of mushrooms', Chaga is traditionally harvested from birch in Siberia. These fungi resemble charcoal on the outside, but hidden beneath is a bright orange, nutrient-dense centre.
Where & How is it Grown?
Chaga doesn't grow up from the forest floor like most mushrooms. Rather, Chaga appears on the trunks of birch trees as a black, charcoal-like mass (called a conk) with a woody, orange interior. Chaga takes up to 20 years to fully develop on a host tree. It typically grows on birch trees, but is also found on ash, elm, beech, alder and hornbeam trees. Importantly, only Chaga from birch trees contains the plant-based sterols, betulinic acid and other constituents traditionally valued. Chaga can be found in northern regions: Canada, Russia, Siberia, northeast China, and northern areas of Europe and the United States.
About Pure Fungi Chaga
Pure Fungi's Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is rich in beta-glucans and related polysaccharides, sustainably harvested from birch in Siberia. Sclerotium dual extract at a 16:1 ratio. Manufactured and quality tested independently in the UK.
Who is Chaga for?
Chaga is traditionally used by those looking to support immune balance and overall wellbeing.
How to Take Chaga
Chaga pairs best with a hot beverage. Add it to your herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Dosage
Start off with 2g (1 tsp) once or twice a day for baseline support. Dosage can vary per person. Always consult a qualified health practitioner for dosages relating to specific health concerns.
More About Extraction
Here is an explanation of the types of extraction:
Fruiting Body
Dried and powdered fruiting bodies of the mushroom.
Mycelium (liquid fermentation)
Grown using the same liquid fermentation technology used to produce penicillin. 100% mushroom material. In some cases supplements also contain culture-medium filtrates to capture compounds secreted by the growing mushroom.
Mycelial Biomass (solid fermentation)
Grown by inoculating a sterile, grain-based substrate with mushroom mycelium. As well as mushroom mycelium, contains residual enzymatically-transformed substrate, together with extra-cellular components, especially anti-microbial compounds secreted by the mycelium into the substrate. Also referred to as 'full-spectrum'.
Hot-water extracts
These can be derived from either the fruiting body or mycelium and contain high levels of beta-glucans and related polysaccharides (crude hot-water extracts typically contain around 30% soluble polysaccharides, compared to 6-8% in the whole mushroom).
Ethanolic (alcohol) extracts or tinctures
These contain higher levels of triterpenoid compounds but low levels of polysaccharides, as the ethanol tends to precipitate the polysaccharides from solution. In some supplements they are combined with hot-water extracts to deliver high concentrations of both polysaccharides and triterpenes.
Thank You
We love talking all things fungi and wellness, and we equally love hearing from you. We would love to hear your stories, experiences, or any questions, feedback or suggestions.
Reach out at contact@purefungi.co.uk or slide into our DMs on social.