Independent Mushroom Extract Reviews & Comparisons
We independently analyze Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushroom extracts, comparing extraction methods, third-party testing, active compound levels, and pricing across 15+ brands. Every product is evaluated using the same six criteria — no affiliate bias, no sponsored placements. Our goal: help you find mushroom supplements that actually contain what they claim.
The mushroom supplement industry has a transparency problem. Over half of products tested by independent labs show active compound levels significantly below label claims. Extraction methods vary wildly — from cold water processes that preserve bioactive compounds to high-heat methods that destroy them. Most brands don’t publish Certificates of Analysis (COAs) because their products wouldn’t survive scrutiny. This site exists to change that.
How We Evaluate Mushroom Supplements
Every extract in our comparison tables is assessed using six equally weighted criteria. We don’t accept paid placements and we disclose all affiliate relationships. For our complete testing methodology, scoring rubrics, and lab accreditation standards, see our full methodology page.
Is the extraction method documented and scientifically sound? Does it preserve heat-sensitive compounds?
What does third-party testing show for beta-glucans, triterpenes, adenosine, or species-specific markers?
Is a current COA published? What lab ran it? Is the lab accredited?
Are contaminants tested? Free from heavy metals, mold, and pesticides?
Can the dose feasibly deliver claimed benefits based on published research?
Given quality and dose, is the price reasonable per effective serving?
Lion’s Mane Extract Comparison
Understanding the Table: What These Metrics Mean
Extraction Method: The extraction method tells you whether the manufacturer preserved the brain-supporting compounds in Lion’s Mane. The two most active compound families — hericenones and erinacines — are both water-soluble, meaning water-based extraction works well. However, dual extraction (water + alcohol) isn’t necessary for Lion’s Mane the way it is for Reishi. What matters is whether the brand discloses their process and publishes a COA confirming their active compound levels.
Third-Party Testing: Third-party testing means an independent lab verified the label claims. A published COA is non-negotiable — it’s your proof of what’s actually in the bottle. “Claimed” or “On request” testing is a yellow flag: it means the brand says they test but doesn’t make the results easy to verify.
Active Compound Testing: This column shows what the brand actually tests for beyond basic safety. “Adenosine verified” (Ahara) or “Triterpenes verified” (Nootropics Depot) means the brand invests in testing the specific compounds linked to health benefits. “Contaminant only” means they check for heavy metals and mold but not whether the active ingredients are present at effective levels.
Price/oz Context: Price alone doesn’t tell you much. A $7 product with 8% beta-glucans costs more per active compound than a $15 product with 32% beta-glucans. We recommend calculating cost per effective serving rather than just cost per ounce.
Lion’s Mane Extract Comparison
| Brand | Extraction Method | Alcohol-Free | 3rd Party Testing | COA Published | Active Compound Testing | US-Grown | Price/oz | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahara | Proprietary water-based | Yes | Yes | Full batch COAs | Adenosine verified | Maryland | $15.00 | ★★★★★ |
| Auri | 10:1 concentrate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contaminant only | Not specified | $8.00 | ★★★★ |
| Cure Mushrooms | Triple extract | No | Yes | Yes | Beta-glucan only | Pacific NW | $35.00 | ★★★★ |
| Feral Fungi | Spagyric + minerals | No | Limited | No | Not disclosed | Oregon | $25.00 | ★★★ |
| Foragers Kingdom | Dual (alc/water) | No | Claimed | On request | Not disclosed | Pennsylvania | $14.00 | ★★★ |
| Fractal Forest | Spagyric (alcohol) | No | Unclear | No | Not disclosed | Not specified | $27.00 | ★★ |
| Hawaii Pharm | Glycerite (no alc) | Yes | Yes | Available | Contaminant only | USA | $15.00 | ★★★★★ |
| Host Defense | Dual (alc/water) | No | Rare | Rare | Not disclosed | Organic USA | $13.64 | ★★★ |
| Life Cykel | Double extract | No | Yes | Yes | Purity only | Australia | $0.07 | ★★★★ |
| Lone Star Mushrooms | Dual extraction | No | Claimed | Limited | Not disclosed | North America | $12.00 | ★★★ |
| Mountain Rose Herbs | Dual extraction | No | Yes | Available | Contaminant focus | Not specified | $12.00 | ★★★★★ |
| Mushroom Mountain | Dual (alc/water) | No | Claimed | Not clear | Not disclosed | Not specified | $7.50 | ★★★★ |
| NatuRealm | Dual tincture | No | Yes | Yes | Limited | Not specified | $4.81 | ★★★★ |
| Nicole’s Apothecary | Dual + spagyric | No | On request | On request | Not disclosed | Not specified | $18.00 | ★★★★ |
| Nootropics Depot | CO2 spore oil | No | Yes | Yes | Triterpenes verified | Import | $40-45 | ★★★★★ |
| North Spore | Dual (30% alc) | No | Yes | Full COAs | Contaminant only | Import from China | $6.25 | ★★ |
| Secrets of the Tribe | Water + glycerin | Yes | Basic | Basic | Not disclosed | Not specified | $15.00 | ★★★ |
| Twelve Rivers | Dual extraction | No | Yes | Yes | Limited | USA | $3.69 | ★★★★ |
For a deeper understanding of extraction methods and how they affect the compounds you’re actually getting, see our detailed guide on why extraction method matters. If you’re interested in Lion’s Mane specifically for cognitive support, our comparison of Lion’s Mane cognitive benefits covers the research behind each compound.
Reishi Extract Comparison
Understanding Reishi Metrics
Adenosine Content: Reishi’s sleep and stress benefits are primarily driven by adenosine-pathway compounds. Adenosine is the molecule your brain uses to build natural sleep pressure — it’s the same system caffeine blocks. Supplements that support adenosine signaling work with your body’s natural sleep architecture rather than overriding it like melatonin does. For more on how this pathway works, see What is Adenosine? on Ahara’s research blog.
Triterpene Content: Triterpenes (including ganoderic acids) are the other key class of Reishi compounds. They’re responsible for immune modulation, liver protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds are fat-soluble — meaning alcohol or dual extraction captures them better than water alone. However, some newer cold-water technologies like nanofiber extraction can access them without alcohol by physically breaking down cell walls.
Extraction Method for Reishi: Unlike Lion’s Mane, Reishi genuinely benefits from methods that capture both water-soluble polysaccharides AND fat-soluble triterpenes. This is why dual extraction has historically been considered the gold standard for Reishi. The question is whether the alcohol extraction step introduces residues and whether newer water-based technologies can achieve similar compound profiles without that trade-off.
Reishi Extract Comparison
| Brand | Extraction Method | Alcohol-Free | 3rd Party Testing | COA Published | Active Compound Testing | US-Grown | Price/oz | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahara | Proprietary water-based | Yes | Yes | Full batch COAs | Adenosine verified | Maryland | $15.00 | ★★★★★ |
| Auri | Alcohol-free blends | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contaminant only | Not specified | $8.00 | ★★★★ |
| Cure Mushrooms | Triple/dual | No | Yes | Yes | Beta-glucan only | Pacific NW | $34.99 | ★★★★ |
| Feral Fungi | Spagyric + minerals | No | Limited | No | Not disclosed | Oregon | $25.00 | ★★★ |
| Foragers Kingdom | Dual extraction | No | Claimed | On request | Not disclosed | Wild harvest | $14.00 | ★★★ |
| Fractal Forest | Spagyric dual | No | Unclear | No | Not disclosed | Wild/organic | $27.00 | ★★ |
| Hawaii Pharm | Glycerite (no alc) | Yes | Yes | Available | Contaminant only | USA | $15.00 | ★★★★★ |
| Host Defense | Dual (grain+body) | No | Rare | Rare | Not disclosed | Organic USA | $13.64 | ★★★ |
| Life Cykel | Double liquid | No | Yes | Yes | Purity only | Australia | $0.07 | ★★★★ |
| Lone Star Mushrooms | Dual extraction | No | Claimed | Limited | Not disclosed | North America | $12.00 | ★★★ |
| Mountain Rose Herbs | Dual extraction | No | Yes | Available | Contaminant focus | Not specified | $12.00 | ★★★★★ |
| Mushroom Mountain | Dual extraction | No | Claimed | Not clear | Not disclosed | Not specified | $7.50 | ★★★★ |
| NatuRealm | Dual extraction | No | Yes | Yes | Limited | Not specified | $4.81 | ★★★★ |
| Nicole’s Apothecary | Dual + spagyric | No | On request | On request | Not disclosed | Not specified | $18.00 | ★★★★ |
| Nootropics Depot | CO2 spore oil | No | Yes | Yes | Triterpenes verified | Import | $45.00 | ★★★★★ |
| North Spore | Dual (30% alc) | No | Yes | Full COAs | Contaminant only | Import from China | $6.25 | ★★ |
| Secrets of the Tribe | Water + glycerin | Yes | Basic | Basic | Not disclosed | Not specified | $15.00 | ★★★ |
| Twelve Rivers | Dual extraction | No | Yes | Yes | Limited | USA | $3.69 | ★★★★ |
If you’re exploring Reishi specifically for sleep, see the independent reviews at naturalsleepsupplements.org, where we compare 18 natural sleep supplements including Reishi against alternatives like magnesium, L-theanine, and glycine. For a comparison of Reishi vs. melatonin specifically, see melatoninalternatives.org.
What to Look For When Buying Mushroom Extracts
Whether you’re shopping for Lion’s Mane or Reishi, the same principles apply. Here are the non-negotiables we recommend before purchasing any mushroom supplement.
Quick Buyer’s Checklist
✓ Green Flags
- Published, current COA from an accredited lab
- Extraction method clearly disclosed
- Fruiting body extract (not mycelium-on-grain)
- Beta-glucan content >20% for Lion’s Mane
- Species-specific compound testing
- US-grown or source clearly identified
✗ Red Flags
- No COA available or “available on request” only
- Extraction method not disclosed
- “Proprietary blend” hiding ingredient amounts
- Beta-glucan below 15% (likely filler)
- No contaminant testing disclosed
- Claims not supported by any testing data
For our complete buyer’s guide with detailed explanations, see How to Choose a Mushroom Supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mushroom Extracts
How do I know if a mushroom supplement is legitimate?
The most reliable indicator is a published Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited third-party lab. A legitimate COA shows the specific active compounds tested, the lab that ran the tests, the date of analysis, and the batch number. If a brand doesn’t publish a COA or only makes them “available on request,” treat that as a warning sign. You should also check that the product specifies its extraction method and whether it uses fruiting body or mycelium. Legitimate brands are transparent about what’s in their products because their testing supports their claims.
What’s the difference between fruiting body and mycelium supplements?
The fruiting body is the mushroom itself — the part that grows above ground with the cap and stem. Mycelium is the root-like network that grows underground or, in commercial supplements, on grain substrates. The critical difference is compound concentration: fruiting body extracts typically contain 20-40% beta-glucans, while mycelium-on-grain products often test below 10% because they contain significant amounts of grain starch. Independent testing consistently shows higher active compound levels in fruiting body products.
Is it safe to take Lion’s Mane and Reishi together?
Yes, Lion’s Mane and Reishi target different pathways and are commonly taken together. Lion’s Mane supports nerve growth factor (NGF) production for cognitive function, while Reishi works through the adenosine pathway for sleep and the triterpene pathway for immune support. There are no known negative interactions between the two. Many people take Lion’s Mane in the morning for focus and Reishi in the evening for sleep. Both have strong safety profiles in human studies with no significant adverse effects at standard doses.
What beta-glucan percentage should I look for?
For Lion’s Mane fruiting body extracts, look for 20% or higher beta-glucan content. Premium products typically test at 25-35%. For Reishi, beta-glucan content of 15-30% is normal for fruiting body extracts. Anything below 10% likely contains significant filler, especially in mycelium-on-grain products where starch from the growing medium inflates weight without adding active compounds. Note that total polysaccharide content is not the same as beta-glucan content — some brands use the broader measure to make their numbers look higher.
Why are some mushroom supplements so much cheaper than others?
Price differences come down to four factors: source material (fruiting body vs. mycelium-on-grain), extraction method (water, alcohol, dual, or cold-process), testing rigor (full compound analysis vs. basic safety only), and geography (US-grown vs. imported). Mycelium-on-grain products can cost as little as $0.30 per serving because grain substrate is cheap. Fruiting body extracts with verified compound levels typically cost $1-2 per serving. Extremely cheap products almost always cut corners on extraction, testing, or both.
What extraction method is best for mushroom supplements?
It depends on the species. For Lion’s Mane, water extraction is sufficient because the key compounds (hericenones and erinacines) are water-soluble. For Reishi, you need a method that captures both water-soluble polysaccharides and fat-soluble triterpenes — traditionally dual extraction, though newer cold-water nanofiber technologies achieve this without alcohol. The most important factor isn’t the specific method — it’s whether the brand tests and publishes the resulting compound levels. An extraction method only matters if the final product demonstrates effective compound concentrations.
Are mushroom supplements FDA approved?
Mushroom supplements are classified as dietary supplements, which means the FDA does not approve them for safety or efficacy before they’re sold. The FDA does regulate manufacturing practices under cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards and can take action against products making illegal health claims. This is exactly why independent third-party testing matters so much — without FDA pre-approval, published COAs from accredited labs are the closest thing consumers have to quality verification.
How long does it take for mushroom supplements to work?
Most people notice effects from Lion’s Mane within 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use, with cognitive benefits building over 8-12 weeks. Reishi’s sleep benefits can appear within the first week for some users, though the full stress-adaptation and immune benefits typically take 4-8 weeks of regular use. These timelines assume you’re taking a product with verified active compound levels at an effective dose. Products with low compound concentrations may produce no noticeable effects regardless of duration.
Reviewed by the Mushroom Extracts Editorial Team
Last updated: February 2026 · Next scheduled review: May 2026
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links. This does not affect our rankings — product placement and ratings are determined solely by our testing methodology. We only recommend products we’ve independently evaluated.