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Medicinal mushroom extraction
Triple extraction, formulation, and extract concentration
LIMITED BATCHES • HAND CRAFTED • SLOVENIA
Medicinal mushroom extracts and tinctures
Reishi • Chaga • Lion’s Mane
A laboratory-driven approach to the extraction, development and formulation of concentrated extracts and tinctures.
For our own products and selected B2B collaborations.
Extraction of medicinal mushrooms
We work with both client-supplied and our own raw materials, developing alcohol- and glycerin-based formulations as well as private label products in small, controlled batches.
Each project is approached individually, depending on the mushroom species, target compounds and intended formulation.
Services
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Reishi Cultivation (Ganoderma lucidum)
In-house cultivation and raw material quality control
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Additional services
Botanical extracts, formulation development, and laboratory services
Medicinal Mushroom Extraction
In our laboratory, we have developed and standardized a proprietary extraction process for medicinal mushrooms, built on scientific principles, published research, and extensive internal validation. Our focus is not on a single parameter, but on process efficiency and repeatability — ensuring a consistent and optimized recovery of target compounds across different mushroom species.
Key process parameters (ratios, timing, phase sequence, and solvent selection) are part of our internal know-how and are adapted to each specific matrix and target fraction. The same laboratory-driven approach is applied both in the development of our own medicinal mushroom tinctures and in partner collaborations.
Process overview
- Raw material intake and preparation — controlled sourcing, moisture QC, optimized drying, and homogenization.
- Triple extraction — sequential ethanol, hot water, and pressure extraction.
- Low-temperature vacuum concentration — solvent removal under gentle conditions.
- Final formulation — alcoholic or alcohol-free (glycerin-based) tinctures.
- Standardization and QC — dry matter determination, solvent balance, and formulation control.
Why multi-step extraction
Medicinal mushrooms possess structurally robust cell walls (e.g. chitin and β-glucans), which makes the release of bioactive compounds significantly more demanding than in most plant materials.[1][2] For this reason, raw material preparation is carefully optimized to preserve bioactive integrity. In the case of Reishi, we apply a two-stage drying process with final vacuum drying, while similar principles are adapted for other species depending on matrix characteristics and target compounds.[7][8]
Extraction is performed sequentially using solvents of different polarity, allowing targeted recovery of water-soluble fractions (polysaccharides, β-glucans) and alcohol-soluble fractions (triterpenoids, hericenones, phenolics).[6]
Yield is further enhanced through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), where acoustic cavitation improves mass transfer and facilitates compound release from the matrix. This approach is well supported in the literature for mushroom extraction.[4][5][6] Additionally, we apply a high solvent-to-solid ratio (typically ~30–40 mL/g, depending on the species and target fraction), aligned with published optimization strategies.[6][9][10]
Following extraction, excess solvent is removed via low-temperature vacuum concentration (approx. 35–45 °C), after which individual fractions are combined and formulated into the final alcoholic or glycerin-based extract.
Extraction stages
- Ethanol extraction — targeting triterpenes, hericenones, and phenolic compounds.
- Hot water extraction — ~80–90 °C, primarily for polysaccharides and β-glucans.
- Pressure extraction — ~120–130 °C, for higher molecular weight fractions.
- Fraction integration and formulation — final extract composition.
Key technological features
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction with controlled temperature.
- High solvent-to-solid ratio for improved extraction efficiency.
- Low-temperature vacuum concentration.
- Process customization based on mushroom species and target compounds.
Raw materials
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) from in-house cultivation (mycelium → fruiting bodies).
- Other medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga and Lion’s Mane, upon request.
- Processing of client-supplied raw materials is available.
Solvents and formulations
- Food-grade ethanol, purified water (RO), and Ph. Eur. vegetable glycerin.
- Available as alcohol-based or alcohol-free (glycerin-based) formulations.
- Optional addition of sunflower lecithin (stability, dispersion) and vitamin C (antioxidant protection).
Standardization and quality control
- Determination of dry matter %, ethanol %, glycerin %, density, and organoleptic properties.
- Optional microbiological testing and heavy metal analysis (Pb, Cd, Hg).
- Basic stability evaluation of final formulations.
- Internal QC: defined minimum dry matter targets for each mushroom species.
More about our quality control approach and final product testing is available on the Heavy Metals Testing page.
Compliance and documentation
- Production aligned with HACCP / GMP principles.
- Established SOP and batch record system with full traceability.
- Manufacturing performed in a registered excise facility for ethanol, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Natural sediment in mushroom tinctures
Our tinctures are intentionally not filtered to optical clarity, as this would remove part of the active compounds. Natural sediment is therefore expected and desirable, reflecting a high concentration of bioactive constituents.
Individual extraction phases are first carefully filtered. Sediment forms only after combining the aqueous fraction (rich in polysaccharides and β-glucans) with the alcohol fraction (containing triterpenes and other lipophilic compounds). Due to limited solubility of polysaccharides in alcohol, partial natural precipitation occurs.
This sediment consists primarily of water-derived polysaccharides and β-glucans. It is present across all species, including Reishi, although typically less pronounced than in high-solids extracts such as Lion’s Mane.
Tinctures that appear fully clear typically contain lower levels of polysaccharides or have been filtered or diluted to reduce their presence.
Dry matter content — and consequently sediment formation — varies between species. Typical values in our tinctures:
| Species | Minimum (%) | Typical (%) | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reishi | ≥ 4 % | ≈ 5 % | moderate sediment |
| Chaga | ≥ 6 % | ≈ 8.5 % | rich in melanins and polysaccharides |
| Lion’s Mane | ≥ 10 % | ≈ 12 % | high polysaccharide content, visible sediment |
If you are interested in collaboration, please visit our contact section.
References
- Latgé J-P, Wang T. Modern Biophysics Redefines Our Understanding of Fungal Cell Wall Structure, Complexity, and Dynamics. mBio. 2022. DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01145-22.
- Bekirian C, et al. β-1,6-glucan plays a central role in the structure and remodeling of the bilaminate fungal cell wall. eLife. 2024.
- Chemat F, et al. Advances in ultrasound assisted extraction of bioactive compounds: Mechanisms and applications. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. 2019.
- Hu D-B, et al. Ultrasound-assisted extraction optimization of polyphenols from mushroom (RSM study). Frontiers in Nutrition. 2023.
- Zheng S, et al. Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharides and triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum. PLOS ONE. 2020.
- Chin S-K, Law C-L. Maximizing the Retention of Ganoderic Acids and Water-Soluble Polysaccharides Content of Ganoderma lucidum Using Two-Stage Dehydration Method. Drying Technology. 2014.
- Li Y, et al. Effects of drying methods on bioactive components in Ganoderma lucidum (incl. vacuum drying). Food Research International. 2023.
- Gao Y, et al. Study of the Extraction Process and In Vivo Inhibitory Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Triterpenes. Molecules. 2011.
- Zheng S, et al. (Liquid/solid ratio influence in optimized extraction). PLOS ONE. 2020.
Reishi Cultivation (Ganoderma lucidum)
At GoMushroom, we cultivate Reishi entirely in-house — from mycelium propagation, substrate preparation and sterilization, to controlled fruiting. We operate in small batches, where each grow bag is manually inspected, ensuring stable growth conditions, consistent raw material quality, and full traceability from selected strain to extract or tincture.
We deliberately favor antler-type morphology, as research suggests this growth form may be associated with a higher concentration of key bioactive compounds — particularly triterpenes (ganoderic acids). [1] [2] [3]
This approach allows for tighter control over the quality of raw material used in medicinal mushroom extraction, while also improving batch-to-batch consistency. More about our quality approach can be found on the Heavy Metals Testing page.
How we cultivate Reishi
- Mycelium → sterile substrate → fruiting bodies (antler or cap form)
- Fully in-house process: mycelium propagation, substrate preparation, sterilization, and fruiting
- Selected natural substrates: beech sawdust, wheat bran, millet, and rye
- Small batches: manual inspection of each grow unit
- Full traceability: from selected strain to final medicinal mushroom tincture
- Controlled conditions: temperature, humidity, CO₂, and light
Antler morphology as a controlled response
Antler morphology represents a natural physiological response to specific cultivation conditions. Under limited ventilation (elevated CO₂) and controlled light exposure, Reishi develops a branched antler-like structure instead of a cap.
Controlled studies have shown that adjusting ventilation and light parameters enables reliable formation of antler-type fruiting bodies, while also influencing the profile of bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of extracts. [4]
Numerous triterpenes and other bioactive compounds have been identified in antler-type G. lucidum, supporting the concept that this morphology may contribute to a richer secondary metabolite profile. [5]
Why in-house cultivation
- Greater control over raw material quality
- More consistent input for downstream extraction
- Full traceability from mycelium to final product
- Ability to tailor morphology and cultivation parameters to target compound profiles
In-house cultivation is therefore an integral part of our laboratory approach, connecting cultivation, extraction, and formulation into a single, controlled system.
If you are interested in collaboration or product development, please visit our contact section.
References
- Wu, S. et al. (2022). Ganoderma lucidum: A comprehensive review of phytochemistry, efficacy, safety and clinical study. Food Science and Human Wellness. DOI: 10.26599/FSHW.2022.9250051
- Xia, Q. et al. (2014). A Comprehensive Review of the Structure Elucidation and Biological Activity of Triterpenoids from Ganoderma spp. Molecules. DOI: 10.3390/molecules191117478
- Wang, S. et al. (2024). Research Progress on the Biological Activity of Ganoderic Acids. Open access
- Sudheer, S. et al. (2018). Development of antler-type fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Fungal Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.01.007
- Shao, H. et al. (2024). Triterpenes from antler-shaped fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. Phytochemistry. DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114148
Botanical Extractions and Formulation Development
In addition to medicinal mushroom extraction, we also develop and produce botanical extracts and custom formulations. Our approach follows the same principles — process control, repeatability, and high product quality.
- Extraction of spruce tips and selected botanicals
- Flexible solvent systems: ethanol, glycerin, or water (EtOH / glycerin / H₂O)
- Custom formulation development (taste, viscosity, concentration)
- Filling and final product preparation available
- Same QC approach as for mushrooms (HACCP / GMP, traceability, dry matter control)
Laboratory Services and Material Preparation
We also provide core laboratory services for material preparation and support in cultivation and process development.
- Substrate preparation using selected and natural raw materials
- Sterilization of substrates and grains
- Preparation and sterilization of agar media
- Mycelium inoculation
- Support in cultivation and laboratory process development
Approach — triple extraction and vacuum concentration
Step 1
Triple extraction
Ethanol → hot water → pressure water. Each stage targets a different spectrum, resulting in a full-spectrum extract.
Step 2
High solvent volume
A higher solvent volume delays saturation, improves mass transfer and increases extraction yield.
Step 3
Ultrasound support
Ultrasound micro-cavitation loosens the matrix and improves release of compounds — faster extraction, higher yield.
Step 4
Vacuum concentration
We remove solvents at lower temperatures to preserve sensitive compounds, natural aroma and color.
QC 1
Quality
Internal QC on raw materials and final products: solids, density, extractable fraction and batch traceability.
QC 2
Compliance
Work follows HACCP principles and a GMP approach; ethanol use is recorded with excise-compliant tracking.
Gallery
GoMushroom Tinctures
Our in-house line of concentrated extracts, developed and produced in our laboratory.
GoMushroom tinctures follow the same laboratory-driven approach as our extraction processes: a multi-step system, low-temperature vacuum concentration, final product standardization, and full traceability from raw material to batch.
Reishi
A concentrated Reishi extract developed through multi-step extraction and controlled formulation for a broad spectrum of water- and alcohol-soluble compounds.
Lion’s Mane
A concentrated Lion’s Mane extract with a balanced profile of water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble compounds from Hericium erinaceus fruiting bodies.
Chaga
A concentrated Chaga extract with a rich profile of polysaccharides, melanins, and other characteristic compounds from northern birch forests.
Our tinctures are available through selected partners or upon request.
Example Products for Partners
Examples of tinctures developed for partners as part of B2B collaborations.
Contact GoMushroom — medicinal mushroom extraction lab
Interested in working with GoMushroom? Send me a message and briefly describe what you need (product, raw material, development, wholesale, or a custom project). I respond quickly and suggest next steps: a short call, goal alignment, then a proposal (timeline, volumes, specifications) and execution plan.
