Maximizing Fungal Capability: Nourishing Effects of Mushrooms & Discovering Bioavailablility for Therapeutic Application
Introduction: People are increasingly turning to mushrooms and natural medicine to improve mental health and overall betterment to one’s integrated wellness. As our culture shifts more towards consuming mushrooms as a medicinal source, understanding the concept of bioavailability becomes essential. Bioavailability is like a fisherman casting a net into the water and instead of seeing how much fish the net can catch, bioavailability sees how much of that fish can be used. Similarly, bioavailability is about how much and how effectively our bodies can capture and make use of the substances we consume. The constituents within a substance can vary widely, and its bioavailability plays a crucial role in determining its efficacy and impact on our bodies. In this article, we will explore the concept of bioavailability and delve into how the different constituents of mushrooms are processed by our physical bodies, and how we get to a Complete Constituency Profile, ultimately influencing the range of effects on us.
Bioavailability: Bioavailability is a fundamental pharmacological concept that relates to the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) of a substance within our bodies. It measures the fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation and is available to exert its desired effects. When it comes to mushrooms, bioavailability can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the form of the mushrooms, its constituents, and the route of administration.
Changing the Active Constituents: In Chinese medicine, Paoji or Paozhi refers to a traditional herbal preparation method known as "herb-frying" or "herb-roasting”. Paoji involves heating herbs in a specific manner to modify their properties, enhance their therapeutic effects, or reduce potential side effects. By subjecting the herbs to controlled heat, Paoji aims to alter the herb's characteristics, such as actions on the body (dispersing, warming, cooling, tonifying). This process is believed to enhance the herb's bioavailability and optimize its therapeutic benefits. Similar to this ancient extraction method, it’s possible to use an extraction method and sourcing process that can change the active constituent makeup or its Complete Constituent Profile (CCP), impacting its bioavailability and likewise, its therapeutic benefits.
Processing Mushroom’s Constituents: Similar to dark, leafy greens, Mushrooms have a chitin cell wall, a fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides and forming the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi, that makes it more difficult for our stomachs to break down. Processing a mushroom's constituents and using different extraction methods can help us digest and absorb its effects, just like how we cook kale or spinach. There are specific techniques to extract and concentrate the active compounds found in mushrooms, such as cordycepin, hericenones et al. Common methods include drying the mushrooms to preserve their potency, grinding them into a powder, and preparing them for consumption. However, as mentioned, it is more difficult for our stomachs to process the raw material and that can lead to stress and anxiety. The method of extracting isolates and concentrates the active compounds, often creating a concentrated liquid or goo form. This processing technique of extracting mushrooms aims to enhance the bioavailability of the active constituents, allowing for more predictable and controlled experiences when consuming mushrooms.
Different Extraction Methods: When it comes to extracting organic material there are two primary methods: acid/base extraction and alcohol extraction. In acid/base extraction, a series of chemical reactions involving acidic and basic solutions is employed to convert raw, the active form of the compound. This method ensures the desired active constituents are present. Alternatively, alcohol extraction involves dissolving the compounds in alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, to extract their essence. These extraction techniques enable the separation and concentration of the active components, allowing for a more potent and controlled experience. Different constituents come out of each extract. A unique and difficult third extract technique is utilized, where we take advantage of the mineral salt components. When introduced to other extracts,the alkaloid profile of the extract is enhanced for more electro-bioavailability.
Conclusion: Depending on how you extract, you can change the active constituents of the mushroom product, its bioavailability and how it affects us. Even beyond extract style, the way we source our mushrooms, we can have a CCP. Depending on the source, location and genetic variation of the variety of mushroom, the fat, water and mineral salt constituents and ratios can vary. We can differentiate therapeutics of different genetics because of this. Coming soon: Therapeutic Genetics of Mushrooms.
By Brian Katz
5.22.23