Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium - Which Mushroom Extract Is Right for You

The truth is, some leading brands, keen to cut corner, may add fillers and inferior ingredients to their products. To illustrate the point, a recent study found that 75% of  Reishi mushroom supplements didn’t contain any authentic Reishi mushroom!  

When it comes to product quality, one of the most hotly debated topics is whether fruiting body extracts are better than mycelium extracts in terms of their potential benefits to wellbeing. Some people claim either or both is best, with even prominent mycologists like Paul Stamets and Jeff Chilton making contradictory claims. As a consumer, who do you trust with the right information? 

Well fear not, this comprehensive guide will help you uncover the differences between fruiting body and mycelium and the facts behind mushroom supplements. Understanding them is key to making informed choices about the mushroom supplements that align with your wellness goals. 

Traditional Uses of Mushrooms

For centuries, mushrooms have played a significant role in the traditional wellness practices of various cultures, from the Aztecs to the ancient Chinese, right through to the modern day. 

Historically, people didn't know much about the hidden part of the mushroom, called mycelium, which lives underground. So, they focused on the parts they could see and reach—the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, the parts we still buy from the supermarket and eat today. 

The fruiting bodies of mushrooms held a special place in ancient practices for several reasons. Firstly, they believed that mushrooms had properties that could support various aspects of wellbeing, including the immune system, cognition, the gut microbiome and longevity. Plus, the fruiting bodies were easy to collect because they grew above the ground, with clear shapes, colours and textures that made them easy to spot amongst the foliage. 

In China, the fruiting bodies of Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms were consumed as they were traditionally valued for their potential to support the immune system and promote longevity. Indigenous peoples in North America used puffball mushrooms to help address wounds, while the Egyptians considered mushroom fruiting bodies as food for royalty, coveting them for their potential role in wellness. In European folk medicine, the fruiting bodies of Chaga and Turkey Tail were used, as they believed they could support digestive issues and infections. 

In short, every culture that has used mushrooms for their potential wellness benefits has exclusively turned to the fruiting body. In fact, historically, the use of mycelium for wellness has been limited compared to the widespread use of fruiting bodies. While our understanding of mycelium has advanced, modern research is exploring the unique properties of both fruiting bodies and mycelium, with a growing body of evidence supporting the traditional uses of fruiting bodies. 

Understanding the Differences Between Fruiting Body and Mycelium

Fruiting Body of a Mushroom

The fruiting body is the part of a fungus that we recognise and eat. It is the visible, above ground body that emerges from soil or rotting organic material, usually after heavy rainfall. This part is what we often refer to as the “mushroom” itself, the same thing you might buy from the supermarket. 

Fruiting bodies vary tremendously in shape, size and colour, making them easy to identify. They form the reproductive organ of a fungus and at full maturity the fruiting body will produce and release spores to allow colonisation and growth of mushrooms in other locations. In doing so, starting its life cycle over again. 

Mycelium of a Mushroom 

The mycelium, on the other hand, is the hidden underground network of thread-like structures and operates as the equivalent of a root system. Comprising of tiny threads known as hyphae, mycelium extends its reach through soil or organic material, relentlessly seeking nutrients and moisture. 

If spores land in a suitable environment, where it's warm and moist, they will germinate to form hyphae. Hyphae then mate to form mycelium, which will begin to spread through the soil and substrate in a process known as colonisation. Once the mycelium has established itself and is exposed to optimal conditions for fruiting, it will produce small mushrooms called “pins” that will eventually develop into mature mushrooms.  

Differences in Production and Manufacturing

Fruiting Body Extracts

Mushroom extracts can be derived from either fruiting bodies, mycelium, or both. Depending on the part used, they undergo different manufacturing processes, which ultimately impacts the quality of the end product. 

Fruiting body extracts are derived from the mature, above-ground part of the mushroom that we described previously. The process of obtaining fruiting body extracts takes longer and is more expensive, because the mushroom must be fully grown, harvested, and then processed using dual extraction. This involves both alcohol and water, aka a dual extract, to concentrate the bioactive compounds inside the finished product.  

At Shroomex, we use a proprietary dual extract of fruiting bodies. We’re big proponents of this method because it results in a very pure and concentrated extract with no added grains or fillers. 

Mycelium on Grain

On the other hand, many commercially available mycelium extracts are made from the root-like structure of the mushroom that grows underground or within a substrate. To produce mycelium extracts, the mycelium is often grown on a grain substrate, and then the entire mass, including the grain, is harvested and processed, often resulting in a less concentrated product compared to fruiting body extracts. 

Most commercial mushroom cultivators grow mycelium on grains like rice, oats or sorghum. As a result, these grains become an integral component of the mycelium, as they cannot be separated from the mycelium during processing and extracting. Therefore, remaining in the end product and resulting in a significant starch content.  

This grain starch can act as a filler, potentially diluting and lowering the concentration of the mushroom's beneficial compounds. While the grain itself can provide some minor nutritional value, like fibre and vitamins, these extracts do not necessarily provide the same concentration of bioactive compounds as from the fruiting body. Some studies show that mycelium grown on grain can contain a significant percentage of alpha-glucan starches (as high as 60-70%), while the concentration of bioactive compounds, like beta-glucan, may be lower compared to fruiting bodies.  

So, when purchasing mushroom products, it's important to be aware that some mycelium extract products may contain a significant proportion of grain, which can affect the overall concentration of beneficial compounds. This is why it’s so important to check the label and understand the source of the extract to ensure you're getting a product that meets your needs. 

Liquid Fermentation

Liquid mycelium cultivation is a more recent but less commonly used method of production.

Instead of growing mycelium on solid grain substrates, liquid mycelium cultivation involves growing mycelium in a nutrient-rich liquid solution instead of a solid substrate, allowing it to proliferate freely. Once the mycelium matures, it's separated from the liquid medium, leaving just the pure mycelium. This is known as liquid fermentation. 

Extracts derived from liquid mycelium may contain a more concentrated profile of beneficial compounds, as there's no grain to dilute the product. However, research into the benefits of this method is ongoing, with liquid mycelium extracts in comparison to fruiting body extracts still a topic of debate among experts. 

Fermented liquid mycelium is expensive to produce and so not commonly sold. Most producers of mycelium-based products prefer to grow the mycelium on a grain substrate due to the speed and low cost of production. 

Bioactive Compounds and Their Benefits

Fruiting Body

Based on the evidence presented thus far, mushroom fruiting body extracts offer a range of potential advantages over mycelium.

Further scientific evidence suggests that fruiting bodies can offer a concentrated and diverse profile of certain nutrients and bioactive compounds, like beta glucan, some of which may be present in lower concentrations in mycelium. These compounds are key contributors to the potential wellness benefits associated with mushrooms. 

Most of the published studies, encompassing cell culture, mice, and human trials, focus on fruiting body extracts and powders, rather than mycelium. While interest in mycelium-based products is growing, there is comparatively less research on mycelium-based products and more studies are needed to fully understand their potential.  

For example, if we look at the clinical research data on Lion's Mane, almost all the research has used whole fruiting body mushroom powder in the 2-3g per day range, showing it to have a potential effect in a number of different measures: 

• Lion’s Mane and Cognitive Impairment Study 
• Lion’s Mane and Stress Study 
• Lion’s Mane and Cognitive Function Study 

One of the most important compounds in mushrooms is beta glucan, which is present in high concentrations in the cell wall of the mushroom fruiting body. This is because the cell walls of fruiting bodies are much thicker than mycelium, as thick cell walls are required to survive the harsh outside environment. Within these cell walls are interlocked beta-glucan molecules.  

The mycelium on the other hand, is thinner and more porous, a necessity to help it absorb nutrients from the substrate. A lot of these nutrients are channelled to the fruiting body to facilitate its development; hence we find high concentrations of them here. However, mycelium does also contain compounds that are unique and different from the fruiting body, which we discuss below. 

A study was conducted to determine the beta-glucan content in mycelia and fruiting bodies and showed categorically that fruiting bodies have higher amounts of β-1,3-1,6-glucan. Beta-glucan is the most studied compound found in mushrooms, with researchers exploring its role in supporting immune function, cardiovascular health, and a balanced gut microbiome. 

Besides beta-glucans, mushroom fruiting bodies contain a variety of bioactive compounds that have been studied for their potential health benefits. These include triterpenoids, found in mushrooms like Reishi and Shiitake, which are being studied for their role in modulating inflammation, and polyphenols, which may have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Ergosterol, which you can find in various mushrooms, is a precursor to vitamin D. Some mushrooms, like oyster varieties, contain compounds called lovostatins, which are being studied for their potential cholesterol-lowering effects.  

If we take a look at Lion’s Mane, of the most popular functional mushrooms, we find the fruiting body is packed with compounds that are being studied for their potential cognitive benefits. Compounds like hericenone have been shown in studies to cross the blood brain barrier and may stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. Research is also exploring the potential of Lion's Mane to play a role in addressing age-related cognitive decline. 

Other studies have looked at the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts from the fruiting body and mycelia. Antimicrobial activity was significantly higher in the extract from fruiting bodies than from mycelia. 

Mycelium

As we've discussed, mycelium grown on grains consists primarily of starch with significantly lower concentrations of bioactive compounds compared to extracts derived from mushroom fruiting bodies. Research has shown that fruiting bodies can contain several times more bioactive compounds, such as beta-glucans, triterpenes, and ergosterol, than mycelium grown on grains. Some studies also suggest that fruiting body extracts exhibit greater biological activity than mycelium extracts. 

Whereas a typical fruiting body extract may contain anywhere from 20-60% beta-glucan, the main bioactive compound in mushrooms, most mycelium extracts contain less than 5% beta-glucan concentration. To take it a step further, we have confirmed these findings through our own third-party lab testing via Eurofins Scientific. For example, before launching our Cordyceps extract, we tested samples from a number of different suppliers.  

Our fruiting body extract contained a high 53.2% beta-glucan content, while a mycelium on grain extract from a different supplier contained only a measly 3.28% beta-glucan. Such a low concentration is unacceptable in our opinion, and we choose not to sell it. 

The mycelium on grain extracts we tested contained minimal beta-glucan content but had the highest concentration of alpha-glucan, which is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the grain (brown rice etc) on which the mycelium was grown. Unlike beta-glucan, alpha-glucan may not offer the same specific benefits as beta-glucans. 

It is true that mushroom mycelium does contain beneficial compounds. However, the potential benefits are predominantly found in pure mycelium extracts developed through fermented liquid mycelium, as opposed to mycelium grown on grains. 

Certain unique compounds found in specific pure mycelium extracts have been identified for their potential health benefits. The most notable is erinacine, found in Lion's Mane mycelium. Erinacines are small molecular weight compounds that are being researched for their potential to promote the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which plays a pivotal role in neural health, protection, and regeneration. Similarly, Turkey Tail mycelium contains important bioactive compounds such as polysaccharide-p (PSP), a high molecular weight polysaccharide. PSP has shown potential in supporting the immune system and has been studied for its impact on abnormal cell growth, especially of the stomach, liver and colon. 

The key takeaway is that mycelium grown on grain, due to its diluted nature, may contain only minimal concentrations of these bioactive compounds, potentially insufficient to offer possible benefits. In contrast, pure mycelium extracts, particularly those obtained from fermented liquid mycelium, retain a richer profile of these beneficial compounds.  

So, if you’re looking to experiment with mycelium extracts, just make sure to go with liquid fermentation products over mycelium on grain. Although be prepared to pay a lot for the privilege, due to the complexity of production, they’re not cheap!

Why Do Companies Sell Mycelium on Grain Extracts?

Given the plethora of data and studies we’ve already discussed that support the use of fruiting bodies, you’re probably wondering why some companies choose to produce and sell mycelial products. What’s the deal? 

This is where cost and time to market come into the picture. One of the major reasons for using mycelium instead of fruiting body is that production is much cheaper and faster.  

Mycelium begins to develop at an early stage in the mushroom growth process. Eventually, it will produce fruiting bodies to help the fungi reproduce, but what if manufacturers didn’t have to wait that long? Imagine if mycelium could be collected within just days or weeks after being introduced to the grain spawn. And what if half the weight of the final product was the grain itself? The answer is easy: lower costs and greater efficiency. 

We can use an analogy to make it even more clear. Imagine you are trying to make apple juice, but want to save yourself time and money. So, rather than growing any apples, you just take the stems, roots & branches from the apple tree. You make a drink, selling it as 'apple juice'. However, in reality, it’s mostly twigs and bits of wood, not really stuff you want to drink! 

Put simply, companies can make more profit by cutting down on their manufacturing costs and saving time.  

How Do You Know You're Getting a Real Mushroom Product?

When searching for a high-quality mushroom supplement, it's crucial to scrutinise lab testing results. Some suppliers of mycelium on grain extracts may balk at providing third-party lab results, because they reveal disappointingly low amounts of bioactive compounds. However, to reap any potential benefits, a mushroom supplement needs to be rich in bioactive compounds. Unfortunately, this standard is often not met when it comes to mycelium on grain extracts. 

You should be thorough in your research, and always check the label, both front and back. A reputable product will include all its ingredients on the label and specifically mention that it is made with mushroom fruiting bodies. 

Beware of ambiguous terms like "full spectrum" when it comes to mushroom products. While this term sounds impressive, some companies may use it as a justification to add myceliated grains to their products. Typically, full spectrum products contain a combination of mycelium and fruiting body extracts. However, some companies may apply the term to products that consist of mostly mycelium on grain and a smaller amount of fruiting body extract, which could lead to a less potent product overall. 

In addition, be careful when a supplement claims that it is high in 'polysaccharides'. Although some types of polysaccharide are important compounds, the mere presence of polysaccharides is not enough to determine the quality of a product, as not all polysaccharides are bioactive. 

For example, as we've discussed previously, mycelium on grain supplements contain high levels of non-bioactive grain starch (alpha-glucan polysaccharides), which provides little benefit and artificially inflates the polysaccharide contents. Therefore, its important to check for products that list the levels of beneficial compounds, such as beta-glucans, which have been widely researched for their potential health-promoting properties. 

Whilst on the topic of product labelling, the FDA has even clarified that mycelium, while part of a fungus, is not the same as a mushroom (the fruiting body). In addition, products containing mycelium must be labelled as such, and cannot be marketed or sold as "mushroom" products. Labelling must not imply or suggest the presence of mushrooms. New draft guidance further indicates that products using mycelium instead of the fruiting body may be considered adulterated.  

The FDA also states that mycelium products cannot reference clinical research conducted on whole mushroom fruiting bodies, as these are distinct ingredients. The FDA's stance is clear: mycelium and mushrooms are different, and this distinction must be accurately reflected in product labelling and marketing. 

Finally and most importantly, always ask to see third-party lab testing from any mushroom supplement brand you are (or are considering) purchasing from. Potency of the extract is determined by a third-party lab test report for beta-glucans. In order to allow you to tap into the potential benefits of mushroom supplements, you want an extract that is high in concentrations of the bioactive compounds linked to various possible health benefits. 

Although some companies may conduct in-house testing, know that this can be susceptible to bias. Reputable third-party lab results, such as from Eurofins Scientific, bring another level of objectivity and assurance. 

Where Can You Get the Best Functional Mushroom Supplements?  

When it comes to guaranteeing potency and purity, choosing 100% fruiting body extracts is an important piece of the puzzle. However, as with most things in life, it's not the only piece of the puzzle. The methods of extraction must be optimal to increase the amounts of active compounds (like beta-glucans & triterpenes) in high-quality mushroom supplements. Supplements must also be tested for heavy metals, pesticides and other contaminants to make sure they are produced to high safety standards and are safe for consumption. 

Shroomex supplements offer pure fruiting body extracts that have been extensively tested by Eurofins Scientific to confirm high concentrations of beta-glucan, up to 64.1%, one of the highest specifications on the market. We perform extensive testing on each product to guarantee the absence of heavy metals and other potential contaminants, making sure the safety and wellbeing of our customers comes first. This is the gold standard. 

Conclusion

To sum up, considering the extensive amount of evidence laid out in this blog, there are several key advantages of fruiting body extracts over mycelium when choosing a quality mushroom supplement. The historical use of mushrooms in various cultures, along with a growing body of modern scientific research, supports the numerous potential benefits associated with mushroom fruiting bodies. Fruiting body extracts are typically higher in some important bioactive compounds - including beta-glucans and triterpenes - that are being researched with respect to a number of possible health benefits. 

The manufacturing process of fruiting body extracts, though longer and more expensive, often results in a highly pure and concentrated end product. In contrast, mycelium extracts, particularly those grown on grain substrates, can contain higher levels of starch, whilst at the same time may have lower concentrations of certain bioactive compounds compared to fruiting bodies. 

What’s more, the research supporting fruiting body extracts is currently far more extensive and robust than that for mycelium extracts. While research on mycelium is ongoing and shows promise, further independent, peer-reviewed studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits and applications. 

As a consumer, it is important to be vigilant and to check labels to ensure you are receiving proper mushroom supplements made from real fruiting bodies. Beware of vague terminology such as “full spectrum” and nonspecific statements related to polysaccharides. Look for products that transparently and unequivocally state how much beta-glucan they contain. Third-party lab test results and analysis are an important tool to ensure quality and strength. Concrete results matter much more than any exotic origin story or other claims about a particular product. 

All things considered, it is evident that fruiting body extracts are the best choice for those seeking the full range of potential benefits that mushrooms can offer. Making an informed choice based on this evidence will undoubtedly lead to better outcomes for those looking to incorporate mushroom supplements into their wellness routine.