Complete spectrum, biomass, double extraction ▷ Understanding the lexicon of supplements
Reishi -based supplements, lion hair, chaga, cordyceps... These names, before family only for some, are now heard beyond the scientific community. However, behind its great popularity the challenge of decipher the labels of the products that contain them.
Terms like "Complete spectrum", "biomass", "mycelium" either "Primordios"They often appear without any real explanation. Behind certain expressions, practices that undermine the quality of the product are hidden, deceiving the consumer about the real value of their purchase. Why this article? Because in Hifas da Terra we firmly believe that the power of fungi resides above all in their quality, in the way they occur and in their precise composition. Our mission is to provide the keys to decipher this jungle of terms and allow you to distinguish a Good food complement of a product that is based more on the accumulation of words than on evidence.
Decipher mycotherapy terminology
To navigate without fear of the ocean of mushroom food supplements You have to know the terms.
These names can influence our choices, often without understanding what they really mean. In this section, we decipher the jargon that surrounds supplements based on medicinal fungi.
«Complete spectrum»: a concept full of ambiguities
In its strict definition, an extract of «andComplete spectro » must include All fungus bioactives, so much The Hydrosoluble (extracted with hot water) like Liposoluble (extracted with alcohol). This process guarantees maximum bioavailability By eliminating chitina, an indigestible component that catches these bioactives in cell walls.
However, some laboratories use this name to designate mixtures of mycelium, substrate and sporophore, thus diluting the concentration of bioactives and diverting from the idea of a true "complete spectrum." These products, although attractive in theory, usually offer few advantages.
«Biomass»: a composition that must be examined closely
"Biomass" generally refers to all the elements produced during the growth cycle of a fungus.
However, it is crucial to keep in mind that biomass frequently includes substrate (grains, cereals, etc.) not completely digested by the fungus. This means that a significant proportion of the final product can be starch, which dilutes the proportion of active compounds such as beta-glucans and Triterpenes.
But why include starch in our products? Because starch is a polysaccharide, just like ... the β-1,3/1.6-D-Glucanos! There is nothing like a product full of starch to inflate artificially The levels present in the product, especially considering that cereals are much cheaper and easy to produce.
«Micelio»: the challenge of crop and transformation
The mycelium, often described as the "root" of the fungus, is a network of filaments that absorb nutrients to boost growth. Although it is rich in interesting secondary compounds, the mycelium cultivated on grain (MOG) usually contains Large amounts of cereal waste without digesting.
This production method can lead to a final product that contains more carbohydrates than specific fungus bioactives. That is why it is essential to give preference to the extracts derived from Pure mycelium (cultivated in a bioreactor) or fruitful bodies (also known as Sporophores).
«Sporophore»: the star of quality supplements
The sporophore, the visible and harvested part of the fungus, is generally the highest point in terms Bioactive concentration. This is where the Triterpenes In the Reishi, or the CORDYPIN In cordyceps.
In most cases, these are also the only parts of the fungus authorized for use in food supplements.
However, some fungi, such as the chaga, contradict this rule: their active compounds develop mainly in the mycelial mass resulting from their fight against the host (the birch, in this case).
Extraction methods: What do they mean?
The efficacy of mycotherapy (or use of fungi for health care) depends in part in the Extraction method used. The bioactives contained in fungi (Beta-1,3/1.6-D-Glucanos, Triterpenes and other specific compounds) They are usually locked in the chitina, an insoluble fiber difficult to digest by the human body. Extraction releases these compounds and makes them biodisponable. Each method has its advantages and limitations, but the choice depends on the type of mushroom and the benefits that are intended to obtain.
Here is a summary of the main extraction methods offered by the sector operators.
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Simple extraction: hot water or alcohol
This method is based on the use of a single solvent: hot water or alcohol. Hot water is effective to extract hydrosoluble compounds such as betaglucans, while alcohol is directed to fat -soluble compounds such as triterpenes. However, each solvent limits the range of compounds obtained, which sometimes makes the extract incomplete. -
Double extraction: hot water + alcohol
This method combines two solvents to extract both hydrosoluble compounds and liposoluble. It guarantees optimal bioavailability and conservation of active compounds, offering a complete bioactive spectrum. Although it is more expensive, it is a quality standard in the industry. -
Ultrasound extraction
This innovative technique uses ultrasonic waves to release active compounds breaking the cell walls of fungi. It is fast and preserves thermosensitive compounds, but sometimes it requires additional processing to isolate certain bioactives. -
Fermentation extraction
This biological method stimulates fungi to produce more secondary compounds before extraction, such as cordyceps. Although it is effective for some metabolites, it requires a lot of time, it is expensive and less suitable for some fungi. -
Simple maceration extraction
This traditional technique consists of a prolonged immersion in a solvent such as water or alcohol. It is soft and cheap, but less effective in extracting compounds locked in fungal chitin.
It depends on you
Now that you have the keys to analyze the labels of the functional products based on mushrooms, get to work! Below we show you three examples of products with the information that appears on your labels. Which of them stands out for its quality? Why yes or why not? Take a time to think about your answer and then check your conclusions.
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Product No. 1
- Positive points: double extraction, which allows a better recovery of hydrosoluble and liposoluble compounds.
- Weak points: el term "complete spectrum" is ambiguous and could indicate the presence of a substrate (grain or other). In addition, the lack of details about the bioactive molecules present prevents evaluating the therapeutic quality of the product.
Product No. 2
- Positive points: andSimple Xtraction with alcohol, useful to isolate certain compounds such as triterpenes.
- Weak points: It does not include ß-1,3/1.6-D-Glucanos, key molecules for mycotherapy. The mention of "biomass" also suggests the presence of an unnecessary substrate.
Product No. 3
- Advantages: It uses a 100% concentrated micelium extract, with a method that preserves and optimizes bioactive molecules.
- Weak points: The content of bioactive molecules on the label is not indicated. Without this information, it is impossible to check if we are in the presence of a fungal product.
Although extraction methods wave absence of additional raw materials in a product may seem reassuring, in each of the examples analyzed a crucial fact is missing: the quantification of specific bioactive molecules. Why is it so important?
An alarming report on the food supplements market
Did you know what? A study in Italy revealed that around 68.4% of medicinal fungi accessories They do not meet the declared quality or identification criteria. This figure illustrates a frequent lack of rigor in the production and marketing of these products, with compositions that sometimes are far from what is stated.
To guarantee an informed and effective choice:
- Find labels that detail specific bioactive molecules. For example:
- Avoid generic terms such as "total polysaccharides", which may include non -bioactive compounds.
- Choose fungal betaglucans (1.3/1.6), scientifically recognized for its benefits for immunity and health in general.
The importance of traceability and analysis
Rigorous laboratory analysis, combined with transparent traceability, are essential to guarantee the authenticity and effectiveness of a food complement. Without these guarantees, even a "100% mushroom" product can be disappointing.
👉 The composition of bioactive active ingredients is, therefore, the only real evaluation criterion, above extraction or natural origin promises. Always make sure you can check these elements before making your choice.
Hifas da Terra: a leading biotechnology company
Biotechnology experts for more than 25 years, we commit ourselves to develop specific manufacturing processes for each mushroom, respecting their unique characteristics. Each species has different bioactive molecules, which require custom methods to maximize its potential.
Our exhaustive quantitative analysis of fungal strains allow us to understand their bioactive profiles and design custom extraction and production processes.
To guarantee impeccable quality, we apply the "Hifas Quality System", which controls all stages, from the cultivation of mushrooms to the final formulation. In this way, we can guarantee our customers reliable, effective and high quality products. Discover our extraction process in the following video.