What is Beta Glucan Mushroom Extract?

Beta Glucan Mushroom Extract Explained 🌿🍄

Beta-glucan mushroom extract is a concentrated, bioactive compound derived from mushrooms, packed with beta-glucans—a type of soluble fiber known for its powerful health and wellness benefits. Here’s everything you need to know. Mushrooms are more than just a tasty addition to meals; they are also packed with health benefits. Beta-glucans found in mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties and potential to enhance overall wellness. 

Mushrooms like Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Tremella are rich in beta-glucans. These fungi have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern science now validates their benefits. Understanding what the mushrooms with highest beta glucan can are help individuals choose the best options for their health.

Adaptogens like mushrooms play a crucial role in supporting the body’s response to stress. Many functional mushroom powders harness the power of beta-glucans to boost energy and support mental clarity. By incorporating these mushrooms into daily routines, one can tap into their adaptogenic properties for better physical and mental well-being.

When it comes to preparing these mushrooms for consumption, it is important to know how cooking affects the beta-glucan content. Understanding the best time to take supplements can also enhance their effectiveness. Overall, the potential health benefits of beta-glucan-rich mushrooms make them a valuable addition to any diet.

1. Beta-Glucan Mushroom Extract Explained 

Beta-glucans are biologically active polysaccharides found in fungal cell walls (including mushrooms, yeast, and some cereals), contributing to immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. In mushrooms, beta-glucans contribute to immune modulation and other health benefits¹.

They are structurally diverse, affecting their bioactivity

What Is Beta-Glucans in Mushrooms?

• Structure: Mushroom-derived beta-glucans have a unique (1,3) and (1,6) β-D-glucan linkage, making them different from cereal-derived beta-glucans, which mainly have (1,3) and (1,4) linkages.
• Function: These compounds enhance immune response, potentially reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and even demonstrating anti-cancer properties.

Key Takeaways

🔹 Beta-glucans are structurally diverse—their health effects depend on molecular weight, branching, and solubility.
🔹 Different mushrooms offer unique bioactive β-glucans (e.g., Lentinan in Shiitake, D-fraction in Maitake, PSK in Turkey Tail).
🔹 Clinical evidence supports their role in immune function, gut health, and chronic disease prevention.

Beta glucans extraction from mushrooms²

How to extract beta glucan from mushroom?

1. Harvesting: Mushrooms (fruiting bodies or mycelium) are collected.
2. Extraction Methods:
   • Hot Water: Common method for isolating water-soluble beta-glucans.
   • Enzymatic Processing: Breaks down tough cell walls to release more beta-glucans.
   • Alcohol/Alkali: Isolates insoluble beta-glucans for purity.
3. Concentration: The liquid is dried into powder or liquid extract.

Commercially, beta-glucans are often extracted from mycelium or fruiting bodies, with fruiting bodies providing higher purity and potency.

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Consumers should look for extracts standardized to contain specific amounts of beta-glucans for consistency in potency. This information is usually found on product labels, helping users assess effectiveness.

Beta glucans mushrooms health benefits³

• Stimulates Immune Response. Multiple RCTs showed that beta-glucan supplementation reduced cold symptoms and improved immune function in both healthy individuals and those prone to respiratory infections​

• Beta-glucans activate macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T-cells, leading to a stronger immune defense.
• Reduces incidence and severity of common colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections (URTIs).

2. Allergy & Asthma Support. A clinical trial on individuals with seasonal allergies found that beta-glucans reduced sneezing, nasal congestion, and overall allergy symptoms​⁴.

• Helps modulate immune response to allergens, reducing symptoms of hay fever, pollen allergies, and asthma.
• Decreases inflammatory markers (IL-4, IL-5) in allergic individuals.

3. Anti-Cancer Properties. Turkey Tail (PSK/PSP) is used in Japan as an official cancer therapy alongside chemotherapy.

RCTs found improved survival rates in breast and lung cancer patients using beta-glucan supplementation​.

• Supports Cancer Therapy (Adjunct Treatment)

• Beta-glucans from Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail mushrooms have been used as adjuncts in cancer treatment.
• Enhances T-cell activation and immune response against tumors.

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4. Gut Health & Microbiome Support

• Acts as a Prebiotic. A systematic review found that beta-glucan supplementation significantly improved gut microbiota composition and helped in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)​.

• Beta-glucans promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium).
• Enhances gut barrier function and reduces intestinal inflammation.

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5. Metabolic Health – Blood Sugar & Cholesterol Regulation

• Blood Sugar Control & Diabetes Prevention. RCTs on diabetic patients found that beta-glucans reduced fasting blood glucose by 20-30%​.

• Beta-glucans help regulate blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity.
• Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to reduce blood sugar spikes.

6. Lowers Cholesterol & Supports Heart Health. A 6-week clinical trial found that participants taking beta-glucans had a 15% reduction in LDL cholesterol​.

• Reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
• Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular diseases.

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7. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects. RCTs in patients with inflammatory conditions showed reduced symptoms and lower inflammatory markers after beta-glucan supplementation​.

• Protects Against Chronic Inflammation

• Beta-glucans reduce inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-6, C-reactive protein).
• Potential benefits for arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and neuroinflammation.

8. Liver Protection & Detoxification. Clinical trials confirmed that Reishi and Shiitake beta-glucans reduced liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST), indicating improved liver health​.

• Beta-glucans protect the liver from oxidative stress, toxins, and fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

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9. Cognitive & Mental Health Benefits .Clinical trials found that Lion’s Mane improved cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)​.

• Supports Brain Function & Mood

• Lion’s Mane beta-glucans stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), potentially aiding in memory and neuroprotection.
• Reduces anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms.

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10. Skin Health & Anti-Aging. RCTs showed improved skin hydration, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced skin barrier function​.

• Enhances Skin Hydration & Elasticity

• Tremella beta-glucans retain moisture in the skin better than hyaluronic acid.
• Antioxidant properties protect against aging and UV damage.

lion’s mane beta glucans by Maddie

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10. Energy & Athletic Performance. . A study on elite athletes found that Cordyceps beta-glucan supplementation improved VO2 max and reduced recovery time

• Boosts Energy Levels & Endurance

• Cordyceps beta-glucans improve oxygen uptake and ATP production.
• Reduces fatigue and improves athletic performance.

​Which Mushrooms Contain Beta-Glucans?

All medicinal and edible mushrooms contain beta-glucans, but their concentration and bioavailability vary. Some of the richest sources include:

• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – Immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties.
• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) – High in beta-glucans, used in cancer research.
• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) – Supports cardiovascular health, immune system.
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa) – Potent immune booster, supports blood sugar regulation.
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris & sinensis) – Known for energy-boosting properties.
• Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) – Enhances brain function, neuroprotective effects.
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) – Rich in antioxidants, immune-modulating effects.

What is the Most Powerful Adaptogen?

Adaptogens are substances that help the body adapt to stress, fatigue, and environmental changes. The most powerful adaptogen is often debated, but Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is considered the strongest due to its:

• Stress-reducing and anti-anxiety effects.
• Immune-boosting properties.
• Anti-inflammatory and liver-protective benefits.

Another strong contender is Cordyceps, which has shown potential in boosting energy levels and athletic performance. It may improve oxygen utilization, especially for those engaging in intense workouts.

Maitake and Turkey Tail mushrooms also contribute adaptogenic properties, supporting metabolic health and overall vitality. Incorporating these mushrooms into a daily routine can support a body’s natural ability to adapt to stress.

What is the Most Powerful Medicinal & Functional Mushroom⁵?

• Used in cancer therapy (notably in Japan and China) due to its polysaccharide compounds PSP (Polysaccharopeptide) and PSK (Polysaccharide-Krestin).
• Enhances immune response, often used alongside chemotherapy.

Most Powerful Functional Mushroom → Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Strong adaptogenic properties, immune support, and longevity benefits.

Known as the “mushroom of immortality.”

Beta Glucan in Mushrooms

⁶ Beta glucan Reishi Mushroom

Reishi contains high levels of (1→3) and (1→6) β-D-glucans, which have strong immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

• It also contains triterpenes (ganoderic acids), which contribute to its anti-cancer and liver-protective effects.

Health Benefits:

✅ Immune Modulation:

• Reishi beta-glucans activate macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells, strengthening immune defense.

✅ Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects:

• Reduces chronic inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Protects cells from oxidative damage, slowing aging processes.

✅ Potential Anti-Cancer Properties:

PSK (a beta-glucan fraction) is used in cancer therapy in Japan to improve survival rates in patients undergoing chemotherapy (Gao et al., 2003).

Lion’s Mane Beta Glucans

Beta-Glucan Powder:

• Rich in (1→3)-β-D-glucans, which enhance immune function and neuroprotection.
• Contains hericenones and erinacines, unique compounds that stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production.

Health Benefits:

✅ Cognitive & Neurological Support:

• Stimulates neurogenesis, improving memory, focus, and nerve regeneration.
• Study: UK-based research found that Lion’s Mane improves cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment patients (Mori et al., 2009).

✅ Gut Health & Digestive Support:

• Enhances the gut microbiome, supporting beneficial bacteria.
• Protective against gastric ulcers by reducing inflammation.

✅ Immune & Anti-Cancer Properties:

Polysaccharides in Lion’s Mane have shown anti-tumor activity in preclinical trials

Enhances immune cell function (macrophages, lymphocytes).

Turkey Tail Beta Glucan

Beta-Glucan Powder:

• Rich in PSP (Polysaccharopeptide) and PSK (Polysaccharide-Krestin), both clinically proven for immune stimulation and cancer therapy.

Health Benefits:

✅ Cancer Support & Immunotherapy:

• PSK is an approved cancer treatment in Japan.
• Boosts T-cell response and enhances chemotherapy outcomes.

✅ Gut Microbiome Support:

• Turkey Tail beta-glucans act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.

✅ Antiviral & Antibacterial Activity:

• Research suggests PSP inhibits viral replication and strengthens immune defense.

Beta Glucan Shiitake Mushroom

Beta-Glucan Powder:

• High in lentinan, a well-studied beta-glucan with immune-stimulating and antiviral properties.

Health Benefits:

✅ Immune System & Cancer Therapy:

• Lentinan is used as an adjuvant in cancer therapy in Japan and China.
• Enhances white blood cell activity against infections.

✅ Heart Health & Cholesterol Reduction:

• Shiitake beta-glucans lower LDL cholesterol and support arterial health.

Beta Glucan Maitake

Beta-Glucan Powder:

• Contains D-fraction, a potent immunomodulating beta-glucan.

Health Benefits:

✅ Blood Sugar Regulation:

• Maitake improves insulin sensitivity and may help manage diabetes.

✅ Anti-Cancer & Immune Boosting:

• D-fraction has shown anticancer activity in preclinical trials.

Beta Glucan Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris ):

• Rich in cordycepin and beta-glucans, which enhance energy production.

Health Benefits:

✅ Energy & Athletic Performance:

• Improves ATP production and oxygen uptake.

✅ Immune & Respiratory Support:

• Traditionally used for lung health and stamina.

Tremella Beta-Glucan:

• Tremella has unique water-retaining beta-glucans, making it a natural skin hydrator.

Health Benefits:

✅ Skin & Anti-Aging Benefits:

• Increases skin moisture retention better than hyaluronic acid.

✅ Antioxidant & Neuroprotective Effects:

• May help in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Is Beta-Glucan Safe for the Liver?

✅ Hepatoprotective Effects (Liver Protection)

Beta-glucans help protect the liver by:

• Reducing oxidative stress (preventing liver cell damage).
• Lowering inflammation (inhibiting harmful cytokines).
• Enhancing detoxification processes (supporting liver enzymes).

• Beta-Glucans Reduce Liver Fibrosis (Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020)
• Beta-glucans from mushrooms significantly reduced liver fibrosis in rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a known liver toxin.

• Treatment reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6) and prevented liver cell apoptosis.

Summary of Clinical Findings

Health Condition	Study Results	Mushroom Source	Reference
Liver Fibrosis	Reduced inflammation, liver protection	Mixed Beta-Glucans	Wang et al., 2020​
Liver Enzyme Reduction	20-30% lower ALT/AST	Reishi	Lee et al., 2022​
NAFLD (Fatty Liver)	30% reduction in liver fat	Maitake	Zhang et al., 2021​
Alcohol Damage	40% less oxidative stress	Shiitake	Park et al., 2019

Conclusion: Beta-glucans protect against toxin-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation.

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Conclusion

1. Chan, G. C. F., Chan, W. K., & Sze, D. M. Y. (2009). The effects of β-glucan on human immune and cancer cells. Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 2, 25. ↩︎
2. Lee, J. S., Kwon, D. S., Lee, K. R., & Park, H. (2019). Extraction of β-glucan from mushrooms and its immune-enhancing effects. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 130, 69-76. ↩︎
3. (Vlassopoulou et al., 2021). Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health– a
   systematic review of randomized controlled trial ​ ↩︎
4. C. Kirmaz, P. Bayrak, O. Yilmaz and H. Yuksel, Effects of glucan treatment on the Th1/Th2 balance in patients with allergic rhinitis: a double-blind placebo-controlled study, Eur. Cytokine Network, 2005, 16, 128–134. ↩︎
5. Wasser, S. P. (2011). Current findings, future trends, and unsolved problems in studies of medicinal mushrooms. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 89(5), 1323-1332. ↩︎
6. Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2011). “Ganoderma lucidum in human health: A review of the evidence.” Integrative Medicine Insights, 6, 1-21. ↩︎