Reference
Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the chemistry, lab, and methodology terms used across NootroWorld. Most are linked inline from articles and supplement pages.
- Chemistry Alpha-glucan
Polysaccharide chain mostly found in starch and grain. The 'filler' fraction in mycelium-on-grain mushroom supplements.
- Chemistry Bacoside
Triterpenoid saponins in Bacopa monnieri. The fraction standardized extracts report by percent.
- Chemistry Beta-glucans
1,3 / 1,6-linked polysaccharides from fungal cell walls. The fraction most mushroom-supplement claims rest on.
- Lab Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Lab report on a specific batch of a specific product. Confirms active fraction, heavy metals, and microbial counts.
- Chemistry Erinacines
Diterpenoid compounds from Lion's Mane mycelium. Cross the blood-brain barrier in vitro; cited for NGF stimulation.
- Physiology Fruiting body
The mushroom-shaped structure that grows above ground. Where the species-specific actives concentrate in most medicinal mushrooms.
- Regulatory Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Baseline regulatory requirement for supplement manufacturers covering sanitation, batch records, and identity testing.
- Chemistry Hericenones
Aromatic compounds found in the fruiting body of Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus). Implicated in NGF stimulation in vitro.
- Method ICP-MS
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The gold-standard method for measuring heavy metals in supplements at parts-per-billion.
- Regulatory ISO/IEC 17025
International standard for testing and calibration laboratories. The accreditation credible third-party labs work under.
- Method Megazyme assay
Industry-standard enzymatic assay for measuring beta-glucan content in mushroom and yeast products.
- Method Meta-analysis
A statistical synthesis of multiple RCTs on the same question. Higher tier of evidence than any single trial.
- Physiology Mycelium
The thread-like vegetative network of a fungus, growing through soil, wood, or grain substrate.
- Regulatory NSF Certified
Independent product certification for label accuracy, contaminants, and (for the Sport variant) banned-substances screening.
- Chemistry Polysaccharide
A long carbohydrate chain. Includes both beta-glucans (often active) and alpha-glucans (often grain starch).
- Method Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
The standard study design for testing whether a supplement actually does what it claims in humans.
- Chemistry Rosavin
Phenylpropanoid glycosides in Rhodiola rosea. The 'rosavins' percent on the label is one of two standardization markers (along with salidroside).
- Chemistry Triterpene
Lipid-soluble compounds. The 'other' active fraction in Reishi and Chaga, distinct from beta-glucans.
- Regulatory USP Verified
Voluntary US Pharmacopeia program that audits supplement label accuracy, contaminants, and manufacturing practices.
- Chemistry Withanolide
Steroidal lactone compounds in Ashwagandha. The fraction standardized extracts (KSM-66, Sensoril) report by percent.