Lion's Mane 10: 1 Extracto

10:1 extract - concentrated form of extract to ensure bioavailability of raw material

100% Natural - no unnecessary additives or fillers

Vegetable capsules - suitable for vegans and vegetarians

100% Fruiting bodies - no mycelium mixed with grain

Grown on wood - fruited on enriched sawdust to ensure high synthesis of active compounds

High beta-glucan content - tested in independent laboratories to ensure high beta glucan content

If you are having difficulty dissolving the yellow lacquer mushrooms, we recommend adding the extract to the bottom of the cup and then gradually pouring in the coffee/tea, stirring all the time.

You can also use a handheld milk frother to dissolve the mushrooms.

We only use the fruiting bodies of the mushroom. This is due to the desire to obtain a pure mushroom extract. When dealing with mycelium-based supplements, unfortunately it may turn out that up to 60-70% of such an extract will be starch instead of mushroom without the health-promoting effects attributed to mushrooms.

This is due to the inability to separate the mycelium from the medium on which it grew. Once the fungus has colonised the medium, the whole thing is ground up and subjected to extraction processes. This is a cheap and quick way of growing mushrooms without bringing them to the fruiting stage.

Our mushroom extracts are not standardised to a specific amount of polysaccharides, as this is not an indicator of the quality of the extract.

Mushroom-based products contain many types of polysaccharides (polysaccharides), such as chitin, alpha glucans or beta glucans.

Alpha glucans are compounds that do not have the properties attributed to fungi. They are usually derived from the starchy medium on which the fungus grows. They are used in mycelium products or mushroom biomass, which is a mixture of mycelium and fruiting bodies.

Active substances are also polysaccharides, but in a different configuration - Beta-D-glucans 1-3 and 1-6. These are found in the fruiting bodies of mushrooms.

For more on beta-glucan and a survey of our mushrooms, see the article:

Dried mushroom fruiting bodies are ground to a fine dust and then extracted using hot water and alcohol.

The water dissolves the cell walls of the mushrooms, which are made of chitin, and extracts compounds such as beta glucans (biologically active polysaccharides in mushrooms). Since we do not have an enzyme that can effectively digest chitin - hot water extraction is fundamental to the bioavailability of fungal preparations. Alcohol, on the other hand, allows the extraction of water-insoluble compounds such as triterpenes.

Once the extract has been concentrated, spray drying follows, leaving a final dry extract. Spray drying is the optimum dehydration process for wet extracts - keeping nutrient losses to a minimum.

Extraction is the optimal way of processing mushrooms to extract the active substances. These are encapsulated in the cell walls of the mushrooms, which are made up of chitin.

We do not have an enzyme that is able to digest chitin and for this reason mushrooms must be subjected to extraction processes. Extraction makes the raw material fully assimilable by our body.

Lion's mane and Cordyceps, as mushrooms support alertness and increase energy levels, are best taken in the first part of the day or before a workout. If you're adding mushrooms to your coffee, it's a good idea to limit your coffee intake to between 13:00 and 14:00. This will reduce the negative effects of caffeine on sleep quality. A good alternative to coffee is to drink mushrooms in tea.

Reishi, due to its tonic and calming properties on the nervous system, is worth taking in the evening, preferably with green tea or cocoa.
In the case of Chaga mushrooms, the time of consumption does not matter.

Beta-D-glucans are a type of complex sugar made from long chains of glucose molecules. They are found in nature, especially in mushrooms, and are known for their strong ability to support and regulate the immune system. Beta-D-glucans from mushrooms are considered to be more beneficial than those sourced from cereals like oats and barley, yeasts, or certain algae. This is due to their distinct structural features and the health advantages they offer. At Solve Labs, we exclusively utilise mushroom-sourced Beta-D-Glucans for these reasons. There are two key attributes that are particularly noteworthy about mushroom beta-d-glucans:

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE=HIGHER BIO ACTIVITY

Beta-D-glucans from mushrooms have a complex branching structure with β-(1,3) and β-(1,6) linkages. These is different from those found in grains, yeasts and algae. This branching pattern is believed to be responsible for their biological activity and potential health benefits.

The unique molecular structure of mushroom beta-d-glucans allows them to interact with specific receptors in the immune system and exert immunomodulatory effects.

Lion's Mane, derived from the Hericium erinaceus mushroom, contains a variety of bioactive compounds known for their numerous health benefits. Here are the primary active compounds found in Lion's Mane Mushroom:

1. Polysaccharides:
   The most notable polysaccharides in Lion's Mane are β-glucans. These compounds have significant immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. They help boost the immune system, reduce oxidative stress, and promote overall health (David & Williams, 2023).
2. Hericenones and Erinacines:
   These are unique compounds found in the fruiting bodies and mycelium of Lion's Mane. Hericenones are known to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports the growth and maintenance of neurons. Erinacines, primarily found in the mycelium, also promote NGF synthesis and have shown potential in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (Spelman et al., 2017).
3. Phenolic Compounds:
   Lion's Mane contains various phenolic compounds that exhibit strong antioxidant activities. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases (Szydłowska-Tutaj et al., 2023).
4. Sterols:
   Sterols such as ergosterol and cerevisterol are found in Lion's Mane and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds also play a role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and function (Li et al., 2017).
5. Dilinoleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DLPE):
   This compound is known for its neuroprotective properties and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. DLPE aids in brain health and cognitive function, making it a key compound in supporting neurological health (Basko & Dohmen, 2023).
6. Aromatic Compounds:
   Compounds such as hericenone C and hericene A have shown potential anti-cancer activities. These compounds inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis, making Lion's Mane a potential adjunct in cancer therapy (Li et al., 2015).
7. Vitamins and Minerals:
   Lion's Mane is a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve function and overall metabolic health (Teng et al., 2014).

The debate between the efficacy of fruiting bodies versus mycelium in mushroom supplements is ongoing. However, several studies highlight the superior benefits of fruiting bodies over mycelium. Here’s why:

1. Higher Concentration of Bioactive Compounds:
   Fruiting bodies generally contain higher concentrations of key bioactive compounds compared to mycelium. For example, triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which contribute to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of mushrooms, are more abundant in the fruiting bodies (Lin et al., 2013).
2. Better Antioxidant Properties:
   Studies show that the antioxidant capacity of fruiting bodies is often significantly higher than that of mycelium. This is evident in the effective concentration values needed to achieve antioxidant effects, with fruiting bodies consistently performing better in DPPH scavenging assays (Prasad et al., 2015).
3. Enhanced Bioavailability:
   The bioactive compounds present in fruiting bodies are more readily bioavailable, meaning they can be more effectively absorbed and utilised by the human body. This has been demonstrated in studies where higher levels of cordycepin and other beneficial compounds were found post-digestion in fruiting bodies compared to mycelium (Jędrejko et al., 2022).
4. Richer Nutrient Profile:
   Fruiting bodies contain a broader and richer profile of nutrients, including essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This comprehensive nutrient composition enhances their overall health benefits compared to mycelium (Ulziijargal & Mau, 2011).
5. Higher Phenolic Content:
   Phenolic compounds, which are critical for their antioxidant activity, are found in higher concentrations in fruiting bodies. This leads to more potent antioxidant effects, protecting cells from oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases (Prasad et al., 2015).
6. Efficacy in Traditional Medicine:
   Fruiting bodies have a long history of use in traditional medicine, indicating their effectiveness and reliability. Mycelium, while easier to produce, does not have the same extensive historical usage, suggesting that fruiting bodies have been preferred for their superior medicinal properties over centuries (Sommano et al., 2022).