Glossary of Medicinal Mushrooms, Extraction and Related Terms
This glossary is brought to you out of an understanding that there is a real need for knowledge and for a clear grasp of the terms and concepts of the world of mycomedicine and dietary supplements.
The need arose for us when we began growing mushrooms and producing extracts and realized that we must pass this knowledge on and make it accessible to as many people as possible.
We believe the glossary we have written will help clarify key concepts and terms related to medicinal mushrooms, extraction processes, and their adjacent fields.
Note that the terms are organized by category for ease of navigation and understanding. Terms marked with an asterisk (*) are also defined in this glossary.
Common Medicinal Mushrooms
Agaricus blazei (Agaricus blazei Murill – ABM): A medicinal mushroom native to Brazil (the ‘sun mushroom’). Widely studied for its high beta-glucan* content and its potential effects on the immune system (immunomodulation*).
Enoki (Enoki / Flammulina velutipes): A popular edible mushroom (long, thin stems); it also contains bioactive compounds* such as FIP*-type proteins* and polysaccharides*, and is studied in the context of immune activity.
Turkey Tail (Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor): A colorful, fan-shaped mushroom. Known mainly for its protein-bound polysaccharides* (PSK and PSP) and their potential contribution to immune system support.
Maitake (Maitake / Grifola frondosa): The ‘hen of the woods.’ Grows in clusters. Studied mainly for its high beta-glucan* content (such as D-fraction) and its potential effect on immunity, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Psilocybin (mushrooms containing) (Psilocybin Mushrooms): A group of mushrooms containing psychoactive compounds (psilocybin/psilocin) that cause changes in perception and mood. They are not classic ‘medicinal mushrooms.’ They are studied only within controlled clinical research settings. Their use and possession are illegal in Israel and in most of the world.
Chaga (Chaga / Inonotus obliquus): A black, charcoal-like mass that grows on birch trees. Rich in antioxidants* (such as melanin* and betulinic acid), polysaccharides* and triterpenoids*. Studied in the context of immune function and inflammation, and in cell-based (in vitro) research.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps spp.): A genus of mushrooms known for traditional use to support energy, endurance, and lung function. Considered an adaptogen*. Contains cordycepin* and polysaccharides*.
Lion’s Mane (Lion’s Mane / Hericium erinaceus): A mushroom resembling a white mane. Studied mainly in the context of support for cognitive function*, nervous system health (promotion of NGF*), and digestive system health. It contains unique compounds such as hericenones* (mainly in the fruiting body*) and erinacines* (mainly in the mycelium*), which are associated with its ability to promote NGF*, in addition to beta-glucans*.
Reishi (Reishi / Ganoderma lucidum): A renowned medicinal mushroom, also known as ‘Lingzhi’ in Chinese medicine* (the ‘mushroom of immortality’). A woody, bitter mushroom. Considered a strong adaptogen*. Especially rich in triterpenoids* (such as ganoderic acids) and beta-glucans*, compounds widely studied in the context of its beneficial activity, which together contribute to its complex immunomodulatory* and adaptogenic* activity. Studied in the context of stress, sleep, liver, and heart.
Shiitake (Shiitake / Lentinula edodes): A popular edible and medicinal mushroom from Asia. It contains beta-glucans* (such as lentinan), eritadenine (for cholesterol), and sterols*. Has a rich umami* flavor.
Chemistry and Active Compounds
Umami (Umami): The fifth basic taste (‘savory’ or ‘meaty’), arising from glutamate and other amino acids. Found in mushrooms such as Shiitake*.
Alkaloids (Alkaloids): A group of natural organic compounds containing nitrogen, many of which have physiological activity.
Enzymes (Enzymes): Proteins* that catalyze chemical reactions in the body. Some may be preserved in cold-water extraction*.
Erinacines (Erinacines): A group of unique bioactive compounds* found mainly in the mycelium (mycelium*) of the Lion’s Mane* mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). Like hericenones*, they are widely studied for their potential ability to promote the production of nerve growth factor* (NGF), and are sometimes considered more potent* than hericenones in this context. Their production requires specific cultivation and extraction* of the mycelium*.
Beta-Glucans (Beta-Glucans): A type of polysaccharide* (long-chain sugars) found in the cell walls of mushrooms… Known as a central group of compounds with a beneficial effect on the immune system (immunomodulation*). The most studied type in mushrooms is beta-(1,3)(1,6)-glucan… Although beta-glucans are an important immune component shared by many mushrooms, their exact structure may vary between species, which may affect the strength and type of immune activity. A mushroom’s overall effect often stems from the combination (synergy) of beta-glucans with additional active compounds unique to it (such as triterpenoids or specific proteins*).**
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF / Nerve Growth Factor): A protein* that plays a vital role in the development, survival, maintenance, and repair of nerve cells (neurons*). Compounds found in the Lion’s Mane* mushroom (hericenones* and erinacines*) are studied for their potential ability to promote NGF production in the body. Glucans (Glucans): Polysaccharides* composed of repeating glucose units. Found in the mushroom cell wall.
Hericenones (Hericenones): A group of unique bioactive compounds* found mainly in the fruiting body* of the Lion’s Mane* mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). They are considered relatively small molecules (compared to erinacines*) and are associated in studies with the ability to promote the production of nerve growth factor* (NGF) and to support cognitive function*. Relatively soluble in alcohol and hot water.
Vitamins (Vitamins): Organic compounds essential to the body’s function.
Proteins (Proteins): Molecules essential to the structure and function of cells. They include proteins unique to mushrooms, such as FIPs*.
Triterpenes / Triterpenoids (Triterpenes / Triterpenoids): A large group of organic compounds (based on a 30-carbon skeleton) found in many medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi* and Chaga*. They are usually lipophilic* (fat/alcohol soluble) and are studied in the context of many activities, including adaptogenic* and anti-inflammatory activity, liver support (hepatoprotective*), and immune regulation, as well as in cell-based (in vitro) research. They require alcohol extraction* (tincture*).
Chitin (Chitin): A rigid structural polysaccharide* in the mushroom cell wall (similar to an insect exoskeleton). It hinders extraction* and direct digestion of active components and therefore limits their bioavailability* without a suitable extraction* process (such as the use of hot water).
Non-polar (Non-polar): A property of molecules without significant electrical polarity, which tend to dissolve in fatty/alcoholic (lipophilic*) solvents* rather than in water.
Lipophilic (Lipophilic): ‘Fat-loving.’ A property of substances that dissolve well in fats or non-polar* solvents*. Triterpenes* are an example. Melanin (Melanin): A dark pigment found in Chaga*. Known as a strong antioxidant*.
Secondary Metabolites (Secondary Metabolites): Compounds produced by organisms that are not directly essential to their existence, but that often confer the biological/medicinal activity (the bioactive compounds*).
Sterols (Sterols): A group of lipids (fats) with a ring structure. In mushrooms, ergosterol is the most common (a precursor to vitamin D2). Considered antioxidants* and soluble in alcohol.
Polysaccharides (Polysaccharides): Complex carbohydrates (long-chain sugars) built from long sugar chains. They include beta-glucans* and chitin*.
Polar (Polar): A property of molecules with electrical polarity (like water), which tend to dissolve in polar solvents*.
Phenols (Phenols) / Polyphenols: A group of organic compounds (containing a benzene ring with an OH group) known as strong antioxidants*.
Phytochemicals (Phytochemicals): Chemical compounds of plant origin with biological effects. The equivalent term for mushrooms is ‘mycochemicals.’
Flavonoids (Flavonoids): An important subgroup of plant polyphenols*.
Cordycepin (Cordycepin): A unique nucleoside compound found mainly in Cordyceps*. Studied in the context of potential antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cell-based research.
Glycosidic bonds (Glycosidic bonds): Chemical bonds that connect sugar units to form polysaccharides* such as chitin* and beta-glucans*. Their breakdown (hydrolysis*) is essential for releasing the components.
Bioactive Compounds (Bioactive Compounds): Compounds of natural origin (usually secondary metabolites*) that affect biological processes in the body and potentially contribute to health.
Extraction and Production Processes
Extraction Powder (Extraction Powder): A concentrated powder obtained by drying (usually freeze-drying* or spray-drying) a liquid extract*. It contains the soluble components extracted from the mushroom.
Chemical Characterization (Chemical Characterization): Analysis of the structure and composition of the compounds in an extract* for research and quality-control purposes.
Phytochemical Testing (Phytochemical Testing): A series of analytical tests performed on plant or mushroom raw material (fresh, dried, or extract*) to identify, characterize*, and sometimes quantify* the natural chemical compounds (phytochemicals* or mycochemicals) it contains. These tests are essential for research, product development, quality control, verifying raw-material identity, and confirming the presence and concentration of key active components, as part of standardization* processes. The results of these tests often appear in the product’s certificate of analysis* (COA).
Decoction (Decoction): A hot-water extraction* method using prolonged simmering. An important step in dual*/triple* extraction for obtaining beta-glucans*.
Reproducibility (Reproducibility): The ability to produce a product (extract*) with consistent composition and quality across different production batches.
Hydrolysis (Hydrolysis): Chemical breakdown of a molecule by water, for example breaking glycosidic bonds* in polysaccharides* and chitin* during hot-water extraction*.
Optimal Harvest Time (Optimal Harvest Time): The specific time or developmental stage in the mushroom’s life cycle (and in particular of the fruiting body*) at which the concentration and profile of the desired bioactive compounds* are considered maximal or most suitable for the extraction* purpose. The mushroom’s chemical composition changes dynamically with growth and maturation, so harvesting within the correct ‘time window’ is critical to ensuring raw material of optimal potency* and quality.
Wet Material / Fresh Raw Material (Wet Material / Fresh Raw Material): The raw material (such as mushroom fruiting bodies*) used for the extraction* process in its natural state, at or near the time of harvest, without having undergone any drying process. This approach aims to optimally preserve delicate bioactive compounds*. It requires immediate processing and adjustment of extraction* ratios.
Tincture (Tincture): A liquid extract* produced by prolonged maceration in alcohol to extract* lipophilic* compounds such as triterpenes*. A step in dual*/triple* extraction.
Extraction Ratio (Extraction Ratio): The ratio between the amount of initial raw material (mushrooms) and the amount of final extract*. A high ratio indicates a higher concentration.
Lyophilization / Freeze-drying (Lyophilization / Freeze-drying): A gentle drying method that preserves heat-sensitive compounds, sometimes used to produce high-quality extraction* powders.
Sun Drying (Sun Drying): A traditional drying method that uses the sun’s heat. Slow, exposed to contaminants, and damaging to sensitive compounds. Less suitable for high-quality medicinal raw materials.
Oven Drying (Oven Drying): A common drying method using hot air. Faster than sun drying*, but the heat may still damage sensitive bioactive compounds*.
Quantification (Quantification): Measuring the precise concentration of active components (such as beta-glucans*, triterpenes*) in an extract*.
Solvent (Solvent): The liquid (such as water, alcohol) used to dissolve and extract the desired compounds in the extraction* process.
Extraction (Extraction): The process of separating and extracting desired compounds from raw material using a solvent*, in order to concentrate them and increase their bioavailability*.
Dual Extract (Dual Extract): An extraction* method combining two steps: alcohol extraction (tincture*) followed by hot-water extraction (decoction*).
Triple Extract (Triple Extract): A three-step extraction* method: cold water, alcohol (tincture*), and hot water (decoction*). Considered the most holistic and comprehensive method, capturing the widest range of compounds from the mushroom, and therefore considered to provide a true ‘full-spectrum’* extract.
Mycelium* grown on a grain substrate* – MOG (Mycelium on Grain): These products also contain the substrate
Substrate (Substrate): The material on which the mushroom (the mycelium*) grows.
Spores (Spores): The microscopic reproductive units of the mushroom.
Filtration (Filtration): Separating solids from liquid after extraction* using a filter.
Standardization (Standardization): The process of ensuring uniformity and consistency in the quality and composition of the product across production batches.
Ground Dried Mushrooms (Ground Dried Mushrooms): A powder produced by grinding the whole mushroom (usually the fruiting body) after drying.* It contains all of the mushroom’s components, including chitin* and insoluble components, unlike an extract, which contains only the soluble and concentrated components.* The bioavailability* of the compounds is limited without suitable extraction*.
Extract (Extract): The product of extraction* containing the soluble active components, in liquid or powder* form.
Advanced Extraction Technologies (UAE, MAE, SFE): Modern extraction* methods (ultrasound, microwave, supercritical fluid).
Medicinal/Biological Effects and Properties
Medicinal/Biological Effects and Properties
Adaptogen (Adaptogen): A natural compound that helps the body cope with physical and mental stress and maintain balance (homeostasis).
Immunomodulation (Immunomodulation): Regulation of immune system* activity – strengthening it when needed or calming it in states of overactivity, in order to achieve balance. It is important to note that the effect on the immune system is not uniform across the different mushrooms. They act through different mechanisms and bioactive compounds*; while beta-glucans* are a central group, triterpenoids*, proteins* (such as FIPs*), and additional compounds also contribute to the unique immunomodulatory activity of each mushroom.
Hepatoprotective (Hepatoprotective): The ability to protect liver cells from damage.
Bioavailability (Bioavailability): The degree and rate at which an active substance is absorbed and reaches its site of action in the body.
Lymphocytes (Lymphocytes): A central type of white blood cell, forming a vital part of the immune system*, especially in the adaptive immune response. They include T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK*) cells.
Microbiome (Microbiome): The collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and more) inhabiting a particular environment, and in particular the human gut. It greatly influences health. Mushroom components can affect it (for example as a prebiotic*).
Immune System (Immune System): The complex network of cells (such as lymphocytes*, macrophages*, dendritic cells*), tissues, and organs that acts to protect the body from foreign invaders and abnormal cells.
Macrophages (Macrophages): A type of large white blood cell (part of the immune system*) that engulfs and digests pathogens and cellular debris. An important target for beta-glucan* activity.
Antioxidants (Antioxidants): Substances that neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Neurons (Neurons / nerve cells): The basic cells of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting nerve signals.
Mushroom Synergy (Mushroom Synergy): The principle that the combined effect of different components (within one mushroom or from a combination of mushrooms) is greater than the sum of their individual effects (‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’). This phenomenon highlights the potential advantage of using full-spectrum extracts or formulas that combine several mushrooms, compared to using isolated components.*
Cytotoxic (Cytotoxic): A toxic effect on cells (in research, sometimes selective toward specific cell lines studied in the laboratory).
Cognition (Cognition): The higher mental processes (thinking, learning, memory, etc.). Related to brain health.
Potency (Potency): The strength or degree of effect of a substance at a given dose.
Prebiotic (Prebiotic): Components that nourish beneficial gut bacteria and contribute to the health of the digestive system and microbiome*.
Proteins* unique to mushrooms with the ability to regulate the immune system*
Natural Killer cells (NK / Natural Killer cells): A type of lymphocyte* in the innate immune system* that eliminates abnormal or virus-infected cells.
Dendritic Cells (Dendritic Cells): Specialized cells in the immune system* that present antigens and activate the adaptive immune response.
Traditional Medicine and Related Fields
Ayurveda (Ayurveda): An ancient traditional Indian system of medicine.
Biohacking (Biohacking): The use of various methods (nutrition, supplements, technology) for self-improvement of health and function.
Herbalism (Herbalism) / plant medicine: The use of plants for medicinal purposes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM / Traditional Chinese Medicine): An ancient and comprehensive Chinese system of medicine.
Mycomedicine (Mycomedicine): The field concerned with the medicinal and health-related use of mushrooms, combining traditional knowledge and scientific research.
General Terms (Mushroom Biology)
Fruiting Bodies (Fruiting Bodies): The visible reproductive structure of the mushroom (the ‘mushroom’ we see).
Mycelium (Mycelium) / mycelium: The network of threads, underground or within the substrate*, that constitutes the vegetative body of the mushroom.
Full Spectrum (Full Spectrum): A term (often used in marketing) describing an extract intended to contain the full range of natural compounds found in the original mushroom, reflecting its natural complexity.* The goal is to reflect the mushroom’s chemical complexity and to harness the synergistic potential among its components.* Triple extraction* is often considered the best method for achieving this goal.
Regulatory and Standards Terms
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices): Mandatory quality standards for the consistent and safe production of medicines, food, and supplements.
Certificate of Analysis (COA / Certificate of Analysis): A laboratory document detailing the results of the tests performed on a product (identity, purity, concentration of active ingredients).
