Extraction is necessary to unlock mushrooms' medicinal benefits and make them readily available. Liquid medicinal mushroom extracts effectively capture and preserve the numerous bioactive compounds released during the extraction process.
Initially, the medicinal compounds within the mushrooms undergo hot water extraction and alcohol extraction from the fruiting body. This yields a comprehensive spectrum of medicinal compounds, including polysaccharides (such as beta-D-glucans), triterpenoids, ergosterol, antioxidants, and Vitamins B & D.
Subsequently, the mushroom extract is commonly infused with alcohol for human consumption, while glycerin is used for mushroom extracts intended for dogs. Alternatively, the mushroom extract may be dried and marketed as a powdered supplement. However, it's essential to note that many powdered products available on the market consist of dried mushrooms ground up with the growing medium, lacking the concentrated extracts found in extract formulations.