Beta-glucans

Plain language

The active compound in most mushroom supplements. Higher percent on the COA means more of what you are paying for. 25 to 35 percent indicates a quality fruiting-body extract; 1 to 5 percent indicates mycelium grown on grain.

Definition

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides made of glucose units linked by 1,3 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds, found in the cell walls of fungi, yeasts, oats, and barley. In medicinal mushrooms (Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail) they are the fraction most associated with immune-modulating and cognitive effects in the literature. Quantified on supplement COAs via the Megazyme Mushroom and Yeast Beta-Glucan assay, expressed as a percent of dry weight.

Related terms

• Alpha-glucan Polysaccharide chain mostly found in starch and grain. The 'filler' fraction in mycelium-on-grain mushroom supplements.
• Polysaccharide A long carbohydrate chain. Includes both beta-glucans (often active) and alpha-glucans (often grain starch).
• Fruiting body The mushroom-shaped structure that grows above ground. Where the species-specific actives concentrate in most medicinal mushrooms.
• Mycelium The thread-like vegetative network of a fungus, growing through soil, wood, or grain substrate.
• Megazyme assay Industry-standard enzymatic assay for measuring beta-glucan content in mushroom and yeast products.

References

• Wasser, S. P. (2002) - Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides