When it comes to medicinal mushrooms, there are many schools of thought regarding the most effective form of supplementation. With countless products on the market—from myceliated grain powders or mycelium on grain (MOG) to diluted tinctures—it's no wonder that consumers are often left confused about what is truly beneficial for their health. At OMG Mushrooms, we have spent years searching for a solution to these inferior products that often fall short of the natural benefits mushrooms have to offer. We’ve seen first-hand the impact of subpar products on consumer health—products that are watered down, processed, or use grain as a filler, leaving the therapeutic power of mushrooms behind.

After five years of dedicated research, OMG Mushrooms found a trusted solution: Christopher Hobbs, a world-leading mycologist insights into subcritical water extraction have given us the opportunity to bring you the most potent and bioavailable mushroom products, as nature intended. For centuries, Mycotherapists and traditional healing systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have harnessed the full potential of medicinal mushrooms. Unfortunately, modern marketing tactics have often bastardised these time-honoured practices to create products that are diluted or falsely advertised.

At OMG Mushrooms, we remain committed to purity and integrity, ensuring that every product we offer is crafted to deliver the true power of mushrooms, without compromise.

Mushroom Powders vs. Tinctures: Understanding the benefits of ‘Subcritical Water Extraction’

OMG Mushroom Powders (Extracted and enhanced with subcritical water extraction)

Traditional mushroom powders are simply dried and ground, often limiting bioavailability due to the chitin in mushroom cell walls. However, when a powder is produced using subcritical water extraction (such as OMG Mushroom powders), it breaks down chitin and releases bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenes, and polyphenols—without losing the fibre and full-spectrum nutrients found in whole mushrooms.

This method ensures higher potency than raw powders while maintaining the natural synergy of the mushroom’s compounds, making it an ideal balance between extract potency and whole-mushroom nutrition.

• Increases bioavailability of beneficial compound
• Retains fibre and micronutrients for gut health
• Preserves the whole mushroom as nature intended

This makes subcritical water-extracted mushroom powder a superior option for those who want both potency and whole-food benefits in a single product.

Mushroom Powders (Raw)

Mushroom powders are typically made by drying and finely grinding whole mushrooms (no extraction). While they offer the full spectrum of mushroom nutrients, the bioavailability of active compounds can be limited due to the presence of chitin in mushroom cell walls (similar to eating a lobster shell), which is challenging for human digestion.

Mushroom Powder extracted: Some powders are derived from extracts, enhancing potency and absorption. However, these powders often undergo spray drying, where the extract is re-dried using a carrier substance such as glucose, wheat, or other fillers. This process means the final product may not be entirely mushroom and could contain added sugars or other ingredients, potentially reducing the purity of the product.

True Mushroom Extracts (Liquid or Powder)

Mushroom extracts, when processed under strict conditions, are concentrated forms obtained by processing mushrooms to isolate beneficial compounds. This process increases the bioavailability of these compounds, making professionally made extracts more potent (more so than raw or re-dried powders).

Extracts can be found in both powder and liquid forms. However, consumers must understand that when a mushroom product claims to contain specific isolated compounds, it is crucial that the supplier be a high-end company specialising in pharmaceutical-grade products that adhere to strict regulations. For example, Hifas de Terra, a globally recognised leader in medicinal mushrooms, (Myco-ceuticals) produces highly regulated products. In Australia, these types of high-quality mushroom extracts are not readily available without the guidance of a professional Mycotherapist to ensure proper use and safety.

Mushroom Tinctures

Mushroom tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcohol or dual extraction methods, capturing both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds. They are often touted for their high potency and rapid absorption, as they can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), allowing quick entry into the bloodstream and bypassing the digestive system. However, not all tinctures are high potency, as the quality can vary greatly depending on how they are processed. If tinctures are not made in a controlled environment, they could simply be a mix of water and mushroom stock or mushroom and alcohol—a less effective option compared to premium extracts. Did you know that tinctures can be produced in greater quantities from a single mushroom harvest, making them an attractive, but potentially less potent, offering for suppliers? There is also the downside of alcohol-based tinctures, which may not be suitable or convenient for individuals with specific health considerations or those who prefer alcohol-free alternatives.

In summary,

For those seeking more balanced medicinal and nutritional benefits, mushroom powders—especially those derived from subcritical water extraction (like OMG Mushrooms)—can offer additional advantages. This method retains the FULL mushroom fibre and avoids the need for redrying with carriers like glucose or wheat, ensuring a pure, nutrient-rich product. As recommended by leading mycologist Christopher Hobbs, opting for powders that retain the whole mushroom’s benefits may be a more comprehensive choice compared to tinctures alone.

If you need a Myco-Ceuticals (pharmaceutical grade) from Medicinal Mushrooms (highest grade) then Hifas da Terra is Europe’s leading biotechnology company and the world leader in the development of medicinal mushroom-based products for human health.