Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM, Almond Mushroom, Mushroom of the Sun)
Agaricus blazei is native to the Brazilian rainforest. On account of its alleged healing properties, the mushroom is known there as “Cogumelo de Deus” (mushroom of god). After export to Asia, it was quickly adopted into Asian medicinal mushroom traditions. Today, it is primarily exported from Asia.
Agaricus blazei has extremely high concentrations of long-chain polysaccharides including highly effective beta-glucans. The concentration of these polysaccharides is even higher in this mushroom than in reishi or shiitake. Studies of Agaricus blazei consistently reveal the existence of previously unknown compounds within this mushroom that could have useful medicinal applications.
Reishi
Reishi, also known as lingzhi, is one of the most prominent plants in Chinese medicine. Its other names include ""mushroom of immortality"" and ""mushroom of eternal life"", which point to its significance in Chinese medicine as a foundation for general strengthening of the body and maintenance of good health and vitality.
Modern research reveals that reishi contains a whole arsenal of effective phytochemicals. It is rich in antioxidants, polysaccharides and over 100 different triterpenoids that, when taken together, form a mighty complex.
AHCC® (Active Hexose Correlated Compound)
AHCC® is produced via a patented extraction process in which the mycelium of the shiitake mushroom undergoes a unique, multi-stage process consisting of cultivation and fermentation with the aid of specific enzymes. In contrast to conventional shiitake extracts, which mainly contain beta glucans, this process produces an extract with an exceptionally high proportion of bioavailable short-chain alpha glucans.
Alpha glucans in conventional medicinal mushrooms are mostly long-chain, meaning they can be difficult for the body to absorb. AHCC®'s patented manufacturing process therefore offers a unique level of bioavailability of the short-chain alpha glucans. Our AHCC® contains no chemical solvents, is non-GMO and is gluten-, soy-, lactose-free.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus; Fungus betulinus; "clinker polypore")
The chaga mushroom is native to Siberia and northern China. Inhabitants of Siberia have long brewed strong teas from the mushroom and call the drink a ""gift from God"". Chaga has enjoyed a 4,000-year-long history in traditional Russian and Chinese medicine, where it has been used as a natural remedy for stomach and intestinal illnesses and for general strengthening of the body. Chaga has also been considered a medicinal mushroom by the Ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians, indigenous peoples of North America, and the indigenous Ainu people of Japan.
Modern research has identified over 200 active biological substances found in chaga. It is particularly rich in polyphenols, various complex polysaccharides, melanin, beta glucans, betulinic acid, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), amino acids, and minerals.