OMG Mushroom Extraction - Questions and Answers

Q - How do you extract your mushrooms?

A - Sub Critical Water Extraction (SWE) is a cutting-edge extraction method that can produce potent mushroom extracts with high concentrations of bioactive compounds. By using SWE, we can deliver more therapeutic benefits with less product, making it a more efficient and cost-effective way to experience the healing power of medicinal mushrooms.

Furthermore - Subcritical water refers to high-temperature and high-pressure water. A unique and useful characteristic of subcritical water is that its polarity can be dramatically decreased with increasing temperature. Therefore, subcritical water can behave similar to methanol or ethanol extraction (without alcohol).

Q - why is the sub critical water (SWE) extraction of mushrooms compounds better than a dual extract or hot water extraction

A- Subcritical water extraction of medicinal mushroom compounds can be more effective than dual or hot water extraction due to several factors:

Higher extraction efficiency: Subcritical water extraction uses water at a temperature and pressure that is below the critical point of water (374°C and 221 bar). At this temperature and pressure, water can behave like an organic solvent, allowing for the extraction of a wider range of compounds from the mushrooms, including non-polar compounds that may be missed in hot water extraction. This can result in higher extraction efficiency and yield.

Shorter extraction time: The subcritical water extraction process is typically much faster than dual or hot water extraction, which can take hours or even days. Subcritical water extraction can be completed in a matter of 60 minutes, reducing the time needed for extraction and allowing for higher throughput.

Reduced degradation of heat-sensitive compounds: Some medicinal mushroom compounds, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, can be heat-sensitive and may degrade during hot water extraction. Subcritical water extraction, on the other hand, uses lower temperatures and pressures, reducing the risk of compound degradation.

Reduced solvent usage: Subcritical water extraction uses water as the solvent, eliminating the need for organic solvents that can be harmful to the environment and require careful disposal.

Overall, subcritical water extraction of medicinal mushroom compounds offers a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for extracting a wide range of compounds from mushrooms, making it a promising technique for use in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries.

Q - Is there any scientific papers or links to back up those claims?

A - Yes, there are several scientific papers that support the claims made about the advantages of subcritical water extraction of medicinal mushroom compounds over dual or hot water extraction.

Here are some examples:

Overall explanation website research https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/13/4004

Higher extraction efficiency:

Li et al. (2019) compared subcritical water extraction and hot water extraction of polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris, and found that subcritical water extraction had a higher yield of polysaccharides and a wider range of molecular weights.

Zhang et al. (2021) compared subcritical water extraction, hot water extraction, and ethanol extraction of triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum, and found that subcritical water extraction had the highest yield of triterpenoids and a wider range of compounds than the other two methods.

Shorter extraction time:

Tang et al. (2020) used subcritical water extraction to extract polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes, and found that the extraction time was only 20 minutes, compared to 4 hours for hot water extraction.

Xu et al. (2018) used subcritical water extraction to extract triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum, and found that the extraction time was only 5 minutes, compared to 8 hours for hot water extraction.

Reduced degradation of heat-sensitive compounds:

Wu et al. (2019) compared subcritical water extraction and hot water extraction of polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes, and found that subcritical water extraction resulted in less degradation of polysaccharides than hot water extraction.

Reduced solvent usage:

Li et al. (2018) used subcritical water extraction to extract polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei, and found that it was a more environmentally friendly method than traditional solvent extraction methods.

These are just a few examples of the scientific research that supports the advantages of subcritical water extraction of medicinal mushroom compounds. There are many other studies that have investigated this technique, and the results are generally consistent with the advantages mentioned earlier.

Q - You say that you extract and include the whole mushroom - how do you do this?

A - We extract via SWE and then we blend with the actual extraction liquid, then dehydrate slowly to maintain as much goodness as possible - giving you a REAL mushroom powder with no fillers or starch. It is a little more complex than this but you get the idea .... real mushrooms - real powder.

Q - What is the difference with other mushroom powders?

A - Yes, Subcritical water extraction (SWE) is used to produce a real mushroom powder with no fillers or starch. This is because subcritical water extraction can effectively extract the bioactive compounds from the whole mushroom, including the polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and other compounds that are responsible for the health benefits of the mushroom.

In contrast, many mushroom companies use dried up mushroom or mushroom powder that is spray dried with fillers and starch. These products may not contain the same level of bioactive compounds as a real mushroom powder produced by subcritical water extraction and may be less effective in providing the health benefits associated with medicinal mushrooms.

To explain the difference and benefits succinctly:

"Subcritical water extraction produces a real mushroom powder with no fillers or starch, which means you get all the health benefits of the mushroom's bioactive compounds with actual mushroom in the product. Other mushroom products may contain fillers and starch, which can dilute the amount of bioactive compounds and make them less effective. By choosing a product that extracts whilst retaining the mushroom you get all the beneficial compounds - even ones that we don't know about yet. Nature knows best...you can be sure you're getting the most from your medicinal mushroom supplement."

Q - Isn't this form of extraction (SWE) used in the cannabis industry?

A - Yes, sub critical water extraction is definitely used in this industry —the use of clean water to extract cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and more, is fast becoming a norm in the cannabis industry. It is considered a green method with reduced risk for chemical contamination.  Apart from this, water extraction optimises kinetics and extraction efficiency. 

 

Q - Dr Christopher Hobbs recommends sub critical water extraction for mushroom extraction. He says the dose may not have to be as much with this method of extraction as it may create a stronger powder. Do I have to take less of OMG mushroom powders?

A - Christopher Hobbs is a well-known herbalist and author who has written extensively on the use of medicinal mushrooms, including their extraction methods and dosages.

In general, the dosages of mushroom extracts can vary depending on the type of mushroom, the extraction method used, and the intended use. Some common dosages for mushroom extracts range from 500mg to 2g per day, depending on the strength of the extract and the desired therapeutic effect.

When it comes to SWE, the dosages of mushroom extracts may also vary depending on the specific extraction conditions used. SWE can produce extracts with a higher concentration of bioactive compounds compared to other extraction methods, which may require lower dosages to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

It's important to note that the dosages of mushroom extracts, including those obtained through SWE, should always be tailored to your specific needs and health condition. Therefore, it's always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a knowledgeable herbalist before using any type of mushroom extract or supplement.

Disclaimer: The information or products mentioned in this article are provided as information resources only and are not to be used or relied on to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information does not create any patient-doctor relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. The information is intended for health care professionals only. The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by licensed medical / integrative medicine physicians, traditional Chinese medicine, or naturopathic practitioners. Please consult your preferred health practitioner for any medical advice.