Mushroom Supplements
Fruiting Bodies and Mycelium Explained
Introduction
There is some contention in the mushroom supplement market about which part of the fungi is best used in products - the fruit body or the mycelium?
In this article we’ll explain the differences between them, including the beneficial compounds, scientific research and UK regulations.
As with every aspect of the business, we take a science backed, evidence based approach which has shown that:
Mycelium and fruiting bodies contain distinct compounds
More scientific research (human clinical trials) has been carried out on ‘fruit body only’ rather than mycelium
Key compounds for neurological health are found in both Lion’s Mane fruit body and mycelium
Choosing a high quality Lion’s Mane supplement with clearly listed ingredients and proper extraction methods will provide the greatest benefit.
What is the difference between mycelium and fruiting body?
Mycelium is the non reproductive part of fungi and makes up the “underground” portion that is able to break down things like wood, manure and insects for food. Most of a fungi’s life cycle will be spent as mycelium.
When conditions are right (high humidity, air flow, presence of light), mycelium will decide to produce fruiting bodies. These are what we typically think of and know as mushrooms and are a means for the fungi to reproduce. When fruiting bodies mature, they release spores which can travel long distances (via wind, insects or on clothes) and, when they arrive in a suitable environment, will grow as another patch of mycelium.
The fruiting body is the part of the fungi which is typically consumed. However, both mycelium and fruiting body are packed full of nutrients and beneficial compounds. Our bodies struggle to efficiently digest raw mushroom fruiting bodies which is why mushrooms are typically cooked and why mushroom supplements require proper extraction. Mycelium is actually easier for our bodies to break down but still requires extraction to maximise the bio availability of beneficial compounds. Learn more about mushroom extraction here.
What compounds are found in the mycelium of Lion’s Mane?
In Lion’s Mane mycelium, you find erinacines which are not found in the fruit bodies. Erinacines have been shown in animals to increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which are both important in maintaining neuronal function. Erinacines potentially contribute to the neuroprotective, cognitive enhancing effect of Lion’s Mane. However, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm this.
It is challenging to produce large amounts of pure mycelium so it is most commonly grown on a substrate which is then included as part of mycelium based products (this is often called ‘mycelial biomass’). Research suggests that this mycelial biomass has beneficial effects and so purified mycelium is not always essential. For example this study found Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) fermented wheat product extract had neuro-protective and neuro-restorative effects on zebrafish.
What compounds are found in the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s Mane fruiting body also contains unique compounds - namely hericenones. Hericenones function similarly to erinacines and have been shown to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which both contribute to cognitive function. Clinical trials using ‘fruit body only extract’ have shown cognitive improvements, demonstrating the effectiveness of hericenones. Hericenones also have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects.
Beta-glucans are present in Lion’s Mane fruit bodies at much higher levels than in the mycelium (typically 30-40% in fruit body, 5-10% in mycelium). Beta glucans support immunity and gut health. Lion’s Mane fruiting body is also high in a range of antioxidants, flavanoids and phenolic compounds, which contribute to the health benefits of this mushroom. Therefore, Lion’s Mane fruit bodies contain a range of compounds that contribute to other areas of health such as immunity and gut health, in addition to the cognitive benefits supported primarily by hericenones.
Regulation surrounding mushroom supplements
Due to regulations in the UK, mycelium based mushroom products are now classed as a “Novel Food”.
The Food Standards Agency have declared that mushroom mycelium ‘was not consumed to a significant degree prior to 1997’ and therefore will require a rigorous safety assessment for it to be approved as safe to consume.
This has been a massive blow to the UK mushroom businesses. Many other countries (e.g. U.S.A, Canada, Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan) have mycelium based products approved and available for consumers. There is quite a large body of research supporting mushroom mycelium extracts. However, it may take considerable time and investment before these are legally available in the UK and Europe.
There are still businesses in UK that are selling mushroom mycelium when they shouldn’t be. If you’re looking for a mycelium based product, it is important to use a trustworthy supplier that explains their mycelium production process, as quality can vary considerably.
Fortunately, Lion’s Mane and Reishi fruiting bodies show a long history of being consumed and do not fall under the Novel Foods regulations!
Summary
From looking at the research, both mushroom fruit body and mycelium provide promising health benefits.
Fruiting bodies are currently supported by more human clinical trials. Fruit bodies also provide a greater balance of benefits as they contain much higher beta-glucan content while also being rich in hericenones which demonstrate cognitive benefit.
These well studied benefits of fruit body extracts, alongside the current UK regulation surrounding mycelium products means our products are made with 100% UK grown dual-extracted mushrooms.
This aligns with our goal of bringing effective, affordable and locally produced mushroom products to you that provide the maximum amount of benefit. Backed by science, not buzzwords.
