Extraction isn’t straightforward, and there are several ways to do it. With raw mushroom powders, your body is left to do most of the work, which often results in lower absorption and weaker effects.
Below, we explain what extraction actually is, how it works, why it affects quality, and what to look for on a label.
What is the Mushroom Extraction Process?
The mushroom extraction process has two main purposes:
- Separate the “good stuff” from the indigestible fibre
- Concentrate the active ingredients
Fungal cell walls are made of chitin, the tough substance used by crustaceans (think crabs and lobsters) for their shells. Our bodies lack the enzyme chitinase that digests chitin. So, most of the mushroom remains insoluble. That’s great for our gut, but it prevents us from getting at the beneficial compounds locked up inside.
The extraction process breaks down the chitin, making the mushroom compounds bioavailable. Now, with just a few drops of the extracted mushroom concentrate, you get more benefits than eating several of the mushrooms themselves.
Why Do Mushrooms Need Extraction?
Why bother? Well, as explained, humans simply can’t digest most of the mushrooms. That’s why most cultures historically brewed mushroom teas. It was the simplest way to break down the tough cell walls. But while that’s more effective, it still leaves many of the compounds behind.
With extraction (especially dual extraction), you get better absorption, higher potency, and more consistent dosing. Think of it like brewing tea instead of eating leaves. Only it’s even more effective and accurate.
Types of Mushroom Extraction Methods
The mushroom extraction process has three variations:
- Hot water extraction
- Alcohol extraction
- Dual extraction
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction is basically the traditional approach: make a tea. Modern-day techniques typically boil the mushrooms for much longer and at higher temperatures. Think of it more like making a stock than a tea.
The mushrooms are often ground up to increase surface area, and the temperature and pressure are closely controlled to standardise the process. The final liquid can either be consumed as a tea or dried into a powder. It’s rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharides that are mainly responsible for immune and gut support.
Alcohol (Ethanol) Extraction
The problem with hot water extraction? Some compounds are fat-soluble, meaning even if you boil them forever, they’re not going to dissolve in the water.
Alcohol extraction gets around this problem. The fruiting body is cut up and soaked in alcohol. It can sit there for a few hours until the compounds dissolve. This method is commonly used for mushrooms like reishi and chaga, which contain compounds such as triterpenes and sterols (including inotodiol and trametenolic acid). These compounds aren’t water-soluble and are linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Note: the triterpenes in reishi give it a bitter taste, so if your supplement isn’t bitter, it has low levels of these compounds.
Dual Extraction (Water + Alcohol)
Dual extraction is the best of both worlds.
Hot water extraction comes first. The dried mushroom is simmered to draw out the water-soluble compounds. Then, after a certain amount of time, the leftover mushroom material is soaked in alcohol — usually ethanol. This pulls out the remaining compounds that water cannot extract.
The two extracts are then combined into a single liquid that’s filtered, concentrated, and either dried into a powder or bottled as a liquid extract.
Lucetic exclusively uses dual extraction for all our extracts to give you a broader, more complete profile of what each mushroom has to offer.
What to Look for on Supplement Labels
Reading a supplement label can feel like you need a PhD in chemistry. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it first appears.
There are a few things you want to check for:
- Clear extraction method listed.
- Fruiting body vs mycelium. Fruiting body extracts are usually stronger and more concentrated.
- No vague language. Terms like “full-spectrum” without evidence usually don’t mean anything.
- Lab testing is mentioned. Ideally, the product should be tested by a 3rd party lab.
- Other ingredients. Filler ingredients are a red flag. Lucetic only adds apple cider vinegar and wildflower honey.
- Gluten-free, vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and no preservatives. Most brands don’t provide this information, but it’s a sign of the best extracts.
Want a Proper Mushroom Extract?
If you’re going to take mushroom supplements, it makes sense to choose ones that are extracted properly. Lucetic’s range uses dual extraction across all its products, with no fillers and full transparency on what’s inside. Worth a look if you want to do this properly.
Explore Lucetic’s mushroom extracts.
Further Reading
- What is a Mushroom Extract? I Extract Guide | Real Mushrooms
- Mushroom Tinctures Explained: Everything You Need to Get Started | Mushroology
