Abstract Summary
Objective
This research aimed to determine the most effective extraction method for creating mushroom extract powders that retain key bioactive compounds. It also assessed how these powders compare to traditional mushroom powders in terms of health benefits, shelf life, and bioavailability.
Context
Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps are known for their ability to enhance cognitive performance, reduce stress, and strengthen immune response. However, their beneficial compounds—like beta-glucans and triterpenes—are locked within rigid cell walls made of chitin. Advanced extraction processes are essential to unlock these nutrients and make them more accessible to the body.
Methods Used
Approach
Researchers reviewed over 40 studies involving different extraction techniques, including hot water, alcohol, and dual extraction methods. The goal was to evaluate which process yields the highest amount of active compounds while maintaining nutrient integrity and product stability.
Data Collection
Mushrooms were dried using either freeze-drying or low-heat air-drying, ground into fine material, and subjected to water, alcohol, or a combination of extractions. The resulting liquid was spray-dried into powder form. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other lab tools were used to analyze the compounds in 15 mushroom species, focusing on beta-glucans and triterpenes.
Researchers' Summary of Findings
Impact on Health
The dual-extraction method proved most effective, preserving a broader range of bioactive ingredients and increasing their absorption by the body. Water extractions retained higher levels of polysaccharides, which are critical for immune support, while alcohol extractions extracted more triterpenes, which contribute to anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing benefits.
Health Implications
Daily supplementation with mushroom extract powder, especially those produced through dual extraction, may enhance immune resilience, improve cognitive sharpness, and regulate stress levels more effectively than single-method extracts or raw powders.
Sustainability
Sustainable harvesting and organic cultivation of mushrooms, coupled with the use of eco-friendly alcohols and energy-efficient drying techniques, make mushroom extracts a low-impact choice for both human health and the planet.
DOI
10.1016/j.jff.2023.105457
