5 Things We've Learned About Mushroom Extraction

And Why Extraction Matters!

Unlike many industrial mushroom products that rely on ultrasonic, high-heat, or solvent-heavy extractions, Druzy Fusion follows time-tested dual/triple extraction methods using only ethanol and water. 

Emerging studies suggest that excessive heat, novel solvents, and mechanical shearing can degrade or alter key compounds like β-glucans and triterpenes—potentially reducing their clinical efficacy. Our approach safeguards the full therapeutic profile of each mushroom.

Peer-reviewed research drives our extraction policies and procedures. Here are five key things we've learned:

1. Solvent Choice is Important

(Water & Ethanol vs. Other Solvents)

Evidence:

• Water is optimal for extracting high-molecular-weight β-glucans, which modulate immune response.
• Ethanol is necessary for triterpenes, polyphenols, and other fat-soluble compounds.
• A 2022 study* on Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) showed that aqueous ethanol (20–50%) extracts both polysaccharides and triterpenes effectively, but other solvents resulted in less stable or less bioactive extracts.

Implication: Ethanol-water extracts balance polarity and preserve key bioactives; exotic solvents (e.g., methanol, supercritical CO₂) may alter compound profiles and safety.

*Wang et al., Molecules, 2022 – Optimization of Reishi Dual Extraction

2. Ultrasonic and Industrial Extraction Can Damage Polysaccharide Integrity

Evidence:

• Ultrasonic extraction methods fragment long-chain β-glucans—reducing their molecular weight and potentially altering their immunomodulatory function.
• A 2021 study* showed ultrasound-assisted β-glucan extraction from Grifola frondosa led to smaller polysaccharides with lower bioactivity in macrophage activation assays.

Implication: While ultrasonic extraction may increase yield and/or shorten extraction time, it may sacrifice therapeutic integrity, especially for immune-modulating polysaccharides. Unfortunately, it has become very popular. 

*Zhao et al., Carbohydrate Polymers, 2021 – Ultrasonic Degradation of β-Glucans

3. High-Temperature Drying and Oxidative Damage

Evidence:

• Heat-sensitive compounds like ganoderic acids, ergothioneine, and phenolics degrade above 60–70°C.
• A 2020 study* found that drying Reishi mushrooms at higher temperatures reduced triterpene content by up to 33% compared to low-temperature drying.

Implication: Industrial-scale drying and powdering (often used for shipping and shelf stability) may lower clinical efficacy before extraction even begins.

*Shang et al., Food Chemistry, 2020 – Heat Degradation of Ganoderic Acids

4. Full-Spectrum vs. Fractionated Extracts

Evidence:

• Recent reviews emphasize the synergistic interaction between various classes of compounds in mushrooms—β-glucans, triterpenes, polyphenols, ergosterol derivatives, and peptides. 
• The entourage effect appears critical to their full therapeutic action.

Implication: Fractionated extracts (e.g., only β-glucan powders, isolated active compounds, etc.) or harsh processing may fail to replicate the effects observed in whole-fruiting-body clinical trials.

*Gupta et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2023 – Therapeutic Matrix of Mushroom Compounds

5. Traditional Pharmacopeias Still Use Water and Ethanol

Evidence:

• The Chinese Pharmacopeia and Japanese Kampo system still prescribe mushroom extracts via hot water decoction and ethanol tincture methods*.
• These practices are rooted in centuries of clinical observation and remain in use in formal herbal medicine systems.

Implication: Traditional dual extraction remains clinically validated through practice, whereas many modern commercial extracts have no equivalent track record.

Ying et al., Chinese Materia Medica, 2012 – Preparation of Medicinal Mushrooms (textbook)

Togashi et al., 2017 – Role of Kampo in Modern Oncology