If you're exploring the world of medicinal mushrooms, you've probably noticed that not all supplements are created equal! Just like any product on the market, quality can vary enormously. Some mushrooms are grown in natural habitats and some are grown in factories. Some are organically grown, others aren’t. But supplement quality is not just defined by a mushroom’s origins; it's also about what your body can absorb. You should be looking for high “bioavailability”, but what does that mean … and why should you care?
In this article we explain the importance of bioavailable supplements and how Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction is revolutionising the way we harness the power of functional mushrooms to benefit you.
What is bioavailability and why does it matter for mushroom supplements?
Bioavailability is arguably the most crucial factor in any supplement's effectiveness. It refers to the proportion of a nutrient or supplement that is actually absorbed into your bloodstream and used by your body. You might be taking the best supplements out there, but if they aren’t bioavailable, your body won't benefit fully from their nutrients. In simple terms, the higher the bioavailability, the more effective the supplement.
When it comes to medicinal mushrooms, their beneficial compounds – including beta-glucans, triterpenes and other bioactive molecules – need to be properly extracted and prepared for your body to access them. The extraction method can significantly impact the concentration and accessibility of these valuable compounds. This is where Ultra-Assisted-Extracton (UAE) comes into play.
What is UAE and how does it improve mushroom supplement quality?
Essentially, UAE helps to maximise the extraction of “all the good stuff” from medicinal mushrooms, making them far more potent and bioavailable to you. It’s a cutting-edge technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to enhance the extraction process. These sound waves, operating at frequencies beyond human hearing, create something called "acoustic cavitation”.
Researchers have shown that this process releases a mushroom’s beneficial compounds more effectively. [1] So how does it work … ?
- Ultrasonic waves pass through the mushroom material.
- Microscopic bubbles are created that form and grow in the extraction liquid.
- The bubbles collapse with incredible force, creating microscopic jets that break down cell walls.
- Beneficial compounds are released.
Think of it like a microscopic pressure washer, gently but thoroughly releasing the beneficial compounds while preserving their integrity.
What makes UAE superior to other extraction methods?
Traditional extraction methods, such as hot water or alcohol extraction, are still commonly used in the supplement industry. While these methods do work, they can sometimes leave behind essential nutrients locked inside the mushroom’s tough cellular structure. UAE, on the other hand, ensures that a higher percentage of these beneficial compounds are released and available for absorption. In short, UAE doesn’t just ‘extract’ the active compounds – it supercharges their potency.
The UAE process is not only faster and more efficient than traditional methods, but it also preserves the integrity of the delicate compounds, ensuring you get maximum benefit.
Does scientific research support the effectiveness of UAE?
Yes, there’s growing scientific support for the use of UAE in extracting compounds from natural products, including medicinal mushrooms. Studies have shown that UAE can increase the yield of bioactive compounds while reducing the time and energy required for their extraction.[2]
Another study highlighted the efficiency of UAE in preserving the antioxidant activity of mushrooms, ensuring the extraction of bioactive compounds with higher purity, crucial for maintaining the health benefits of the mushroom extract.[3]
By optimising the extraction process, UAE ensures you get more of the active ingredients you’re looking for – whether it’s immune support from Reishi, cognitive enhancement from Lion’s Mane, or anti-ageing from Chaga. Find out more about the health benefits of different types of functional mushrooms here.
Why Medshrum uses UAE for their tinctures
At Medshrum, we're committed to providing you the most effective mushroom extracts possible, which is why we keep abreast of the science and have invested in UAE technology. You can also find out more about the provenance of our mushroom’s here. No matter which Medshrum tincture you choose, our process ensures:
- Higher yields of active compounds compared to traditional methods
- Faster results and noticeable health benefits due to bioavailability
- Better absorption of compounds in a form your body can absorb more easily
- Better value due to higher bioavailability – more active compounds per dose
- Consistent quality as UAE gives more consistent results than traditional methods, so you know exactly what you're getting in each Medshrum bottle
- Preservation of potency as UAE doesn’t expose the mushrooms to excessive heat which can degrade sensitive compounds
So, when you’re choosing your mushroom supplement, think about its bioavailability and remember: the best mushroom in the world won’t help you if your body can't absorb its compounds effectively. Always selectThat's why, at Medshrum, we’ve made it the cornerstone of our production process, ensuring you get the maximum benefit from every single drop of our mushroom tinctures.
Are you ready to give them a try? Browse the Medshrum range here.
References
[1] https://extractionmagazine.com/2022/07/02/how-does-ultrasonic-extraction-work/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32920300/
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1350417723003589