Mushroom Extracts Explained
Why do mushrooms need to be extracted?
In order to get the most out of functional mushrooms, an extraction process is required. This is because our bodies are unable to break down and absorb all the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw mushrooms.
The beneficial compounds we are trying to make more accessible for our bodies tend to either be water soluble (e.g. B-glucans in Lion’s Mane and Turkey Tail) or alcohol soluble (e.g. Triterpenes in Lion’s Mane and Reishi) - some only dissolve in water and others only dissolve in alcohol. If you were to cook the mushrooms you would get some of the water soluble compounds but none of the alcohol soluble compounds. Therefore, mushroom extraction is required to maximise the availability of beneficial compounds for our bodies.
What does dual extract mean?
Dual extraction means using two different solvents (e.g. alcohol and water) to extract distinct compounds from the mushroom. Using two different extraction agents makes the full spectrum of beneficial compounds available to our bodies.
Not all dual-extracts are created equally. It is important to look into the methods used to extract mushrooms, as corners can be cut (e.g. shorter extraction times) which may reduce availability of beneficial compounds, even in dual extracted products. Some products claim dual extracted without using distinct extraction solvents. For example, they use cold water and hot water to claim dual extraction when in reality these won’t extract distinct compounds - especially if the same mushroom material is used in both extracts.
How are our mushroom extraction methods unique?
We carry out our alcohol and hot-water extract on separate batches of dried mushroom material and then combine these two extracts 1:1 for our final product. Using the same material for both extractions may damage certain beneficial compounds.
For example, If carrying out both extracts using the same mushroom material, as most do, the heat above 70°C during the hot water extract will damage alcohol soluble triterpenes. Using the same mushroom material for the alcohol extract and hot water extract will reduce the number of longer chain B-glucan polysaccharides that provide immunity and microbiome benefits. By using a separate batch of mushroom material for each extract method, we extract and preserve a greater array of beneficial compounds.
The alcohol extraction process
We use 96% grain neutral spirit, diluted to 40% ABV for our alcohol extraction. In order to maximise antioxidant content, 30-40% alcohol is best.
Use of higher strength alcohol can denature delicate compounds. Some antioxidants, phenolics, and aromatic molecules will degrade in high strength ethanol.
Mushroom material is fully soaked in the alcohol mixture. This mixture is stored in a warm (18-20°C) dark room for 6 weeks, shaken regularly to help the extraction.
Once ready, the mixture is dehydrated, which evaporates off the alcohol and creates a dried powder. This alcohol extracted powder has beneficial compounds e.g. triterpenoids, sterols available as they have been dissolved during the extraction and liberated from mushroom cells.
The hot-water extraction process
Using a different batch of mushrooms to the alcohol extract, mushroom powder and water are mixed and then heated in a water bath at 85°C for 7 hours.
85°C provides enough heat to extract B-glucans and maximises antioxidant content which would degrade in temperatures above 100°C. The temperature is checked regularly with a cooking probe. Using higher temperatures can cut down extraction time needed but may damage compounds e.g. long chain polysaccharides and antioxidants.
Once complete, the extract is dried to turn it into hot-water extracted mushroom powder.
The two mushroom extracts (alcohol extract and hot water extract) are then combined in an even ratio and encapsulated for easy consumption.
Why we use these extraction methods
Using separate mushroom material for each extraction maximises beneficial compounds of interest and minimises degradation of compounds
Consuming mushroom extract powder provides beneficial fibre compared to liquid extract and results in slower release of beneficial compounds
Encapsulating the extract provides easy consumption of the correct dose with no preparation and no taste interference. Consuming daily provides maximum health benefit.
