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.

• 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.

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. 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.

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).

Yield is further enhanced through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), where acoustic cavitation improves mass transfer and facilitates compound release from the matrix. Additionally, we apply a high solvent-to-solid ratio (typically ~30–40 mL/g, depending on the species and target fraction).

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

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. 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:

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