A 2020 study published in Translational Psychiatry used the gold standard of clinical research design—randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled—to test whether Lion’s Mane extract enriched with erinacine A improves cognitive function. Study Design Participants received either Lion’s Mane extract enriched with erinacine A (a specific compound from the mycelium) or a placebo, without knowing which they…
A 2010 study published in Biomedical Research examined the effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) supplementation on depression and anxiety symptoms over a 4-week period. Study Design Researchers administered Lion’s Mane supplements to participants and measured changes in depression and anxiety symptoms using standardized assessment tools over the 4-week study period. Key Findings Participants taking…
What Spagyric Extraction Actually Involves The term “spagyric” derives from Greek words meaning “to separate” and “to combine.” It originates from Paracelsus, the 16th-century Swiss physician-alchemist who developed this approach as part of his medical philosophy. Traditional spagyric extraction follows a three-stage process: Stage 1: Fermentation – The plant (or fungal) material is macerated and…
When you brew a mushroom tea or decoction, you’re following the same fundamental process that traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used since at least 200 BCE. Modern science has caught up to explain the mechanism, but the method itself requires no technology beyond heat and water. The History: Traditional Use Across Cultures Traditional Chinese Medicine…
This isn’t about tinctures being “bad.” It’s about understanding what you’re actually getting when you choose an alcohol-based mushroom product versus other extraction methods. The tradeoffs are real, and they matter for different use cases. What Alcohol Does to Mushroom Compounds Alcohol (ethanol) is an excellent solvent for many herbal preparations. It extracts alkaloids, volatile…
Dual extraction means using both water and alcohol to capture the full spectrum of mushroom compounds—but the term has become meaningless marketing language. Without standardized ratios, sequences, or temperatures, “dual extraction” tells you almost nothing about what’s actually in your supplement. Two products both claiming “dual extraction” can have completely different compound profiles. The concept…
Water extraction pulls out polysaccharides and beta-glucans. Alcohol extraction captures triterpenes. The extraction method you use determines which beneficial compounds actually end up in your supplement—and which ones get left behind or destroyed. This fundamental difference explains why two mushroom supplements from the same species can have completely different effects on your body. Understanding extraction…
Lions Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has gained significant attention in recent years, and for good reason. This unique-looking fungus with its cascading white spines offers a range of potential benefits that have made it one of the most popular functional mushrooms on the market. Cognitive Function and Brain Health The most well-known benefit of Lions…
If you have ever wondered what makes mushroom supplements different from eating regular mushrooms, you are not alone. Mushroom extracts have become increasingly popular, but many people are not sure what they actually are or why they matter. The Simple Explanation A mushroom extract is a concentrated form of mushroom that has been processed to…
When shopping for mushroom supplements, you will encounter two main product types: extracts and powders. Understanding the difference between these formats can help you choose the right product for your needs and budget. Each has distinct advantages depending on what you are trying to achieve. What Is Mushroom Powder? Mushroom powder is simply dried mushroom…