Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom that has gained significant attention for its potential cognitive and overall health benefits. One of the most prominent bioactive compounds in Lion's Mane is beta-glucan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide. Beta-glucan is known for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a key ingredient in many functional foods and supplements.
But does Lion's mane have Beta-Glucan? -its active ingredients, extraction methods, and best use timing, whether you take it in the morning or evening and whether you prefer organic, water-extracted formulas or other methods, Let's dive deeper into this fascinating question.
Source of Beta-Glucan in Lion's Mane
Mushrooms have two parts: the part you see (fruiting body) and the root-like network underground (mycelium). Both parts contain important compounds. However, Undersun use only the fruiting bodies for their Hericenones and Beta Glucans content.

Organic Planting Base
At Undersun Biomedtech Corp Organic Planting Base, we adhere to strict USDA agricultural principles that prioritize the health of the soil, surrounding ecosystems, and the crops themselves. Through natural and sustainable farming practices, we promote biodiversity and soil vitality, ensuring our crops are grown in an environment free of harmful substances. This is where our raw materials are born, nourished by soil, air, and water in their purest form.
How Much Beta-Glucan is in a Lion's Mane?
|
Common Name |
Latin Name |
Content of β-Glucans (g/100 g d.b.) |
|
Reishi |
Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. |
4.3–23.6 |
|
Lion's Mane |
Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers. |
35.3 |
|
Chaga |
Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát |
8.5 |
|
Shiitake cap/steam |
Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler |
20.0/25.3 |
What is the Active Ingredient in Lion's Mane?
While beta-glucans play an important role in Lion's Mane, they are far from the only beneficial compounds. Lion's Mane also contains erinacines and hericenones-compounds that have been shown to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. NGF is a protein that supports the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, which is essential for cognitive health.
What Heavy Metals are in Lion's Mane?
Lion's mane mushrooms can potentially contain heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury depending on the growing environment, with the possibility of higher concentrations in the mycelium compared to the fruiting body of the mushroom; it's important to choose products from reputable sources that test for heavy metal contamination.

Extraction Process
Mushrooms naturally have a tough chitinous cell wall that makes it difficult for the body to access the active ingredients unless they are properly broken down.
1. Hot Water Extraction: This method is commonly used for extracting water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans. The heat helps break down the cell walls, releasing the beneficial polysaccharides into the water. Hot water extraction can help preserve the immune-boosting properties of the mushroom.
2. Alcohol Extraction: Alcohol is used to extract fat-soluble compounds like hericenones and erinacines. These compounds are responsible for the mushrooms neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects. By using both hot water and alcohol extraction, manufacturers can produce a dual-extract, which contains a wider spectrum of bioactive compounds, offering greater health benefits.
3. Water Solubility: Beta-glucans found in Lion's Mane are water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water, making them easier for the body to absorb and process. This is one reason why hot water extraction is a preferred method for creating Lion's Mane supplements. The heat breaks down the tough cell walls of the mushroom, releasing the bioactive compounds into the water, where they can be easily absorbed by the digestive system.
Lion's Mane Beta-Glucan Extract Suppliers can create high-quality, effective products that meet the growing demand for health and wellness solutions across the globe.
Lion's Mane Beta-Glucan Extract Manufacturer COA
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Botanical Name |
Hericium erinaceus |
|
Plant Part Used |
Fruitbody |
|
Beta-Glucan Content |
20% - 40% |
|
Appearance |
Brown yellow powder |
|
Odor |
Mild, characteristic |
|
Moisture Content |
≤ 5% |
|
Heavy Metals |
≤ 10 ppm (Lead), ≤ 2 ppm (Arsenic), ≤ 1 ppm (Cadmium) |
|
Microbiological Testing |
Total Plate Count ≤ 1000 CFU/g, Yeast & Mold ≤ 100 CFU/g |
|
Solvent |
Water/Alcohol extraction |
|
Storage |
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight |
|
Shelf Life |
2 years |
|
Packaging |
Typically sealed bags or bottles |
|
Certificates |
ISO, FDA, Organic |
Use of Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane has become a significant player in the wellness and functional food industries. It is available in various forms, including:
- Capsules: A popular option for those who prefer precise doses without the taste of mushrooms.
- Tinctures: A liquid extract that's easy to take and quickly absorbed by the body.
- Functional Foods and Beverages: Some companies infuse Lion's Mane into products like coffee, tea, protein bars, and even chocolate, allowing consumers to incorporate its benefits into their daily routine.

how to Choose High-Quality Lion's Mane Powder
Bulk Lion's Mane powder quality is critical for ensuring both potency and purity in your candy products. Here are a few key tips for sourcing high-quality Lion's Mane powder:
- Choose Organic Lion's Mane Powder: Opt for certified organic Lion's Mane powder to ensure the mushrooms were grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals. Organic cultivation is also beneficial for the environment.
- Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium: When purchasing Lion's Mane powder, make sure you're getting the fruiting body (the actual mushroom), rather than the mycelium (the root-like structure), which often contains lower levels of active compounds and may include starch fillers.
- Third-Party Testing: Undersun suppliers that provide third-party lab testing to verify the purity and potency of their Lion's Mane powder,
- Testing for heavy metals, contaminants, and active compounds is essential.
- Supplier Reputation: At Undersun Biomedtech Corp, we specialize in Pure Organic Lion's Mane Powder, providing the highest quality, lab-tested powder in bulk for food manufacturers and health product companies.
Should You Take Lion's Mane in the Morning or at Night?
The timing of your Lion's Mane intake can depend on your specific goals and how your body responds to the supplement.
Morning: Many users take Lion's Mane in the morning or during the day, as it can help support mental clarity, focus, and cognitive function. The compounds in Lion's Mane are thought to stimulate brain activity and enhance concentration, which can make it a great choice for productivity. If you need to stay sharp at work or during a study session, morning consumption might be ideal.
Night: While Lion's Mane is primarily known for its cognitive benefits, some people find that it helps with relaxation and sleep, particularly due to its neuroprotective properties. It may promote the repair of brain cells during sleep, supporting long-term cognitive health. For those looking to improve brain health over time, taking it at night may align with the body's natural restorative processes.
It's important to note that Lion's Mane is non-stimulatory, so it's unlikely to interfere with sleep if taken at night. However, some individuals may be more sensitive to its energizing effects, and in that case, morning use might be preferable.
What should you Look for When Buying Lion's Mane?
- Organic certification
- Beta-glucan content (20%+)
- No fillers or additives (especially in powder form)
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
- Transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices
*Tips: When purchasing, it is necessary to clarify the purpose, require bulk ingredient suppliers to provide the corresponding level of COA and certification copies, and send samples to third-party testing to verify purity and safety.
Also See
Undersun Biomedtech Corp: Leading the Way in Mushroom β-Glucan Supplements
Shiitake Mushroom Powder: Capsule Dietary Supplement Guide
What Ingredients are Needed to Make Freeze-Dried Candy
Why Functional Mushroom Coffee is Your Super Supplement
How To Add Lion's Mane Powder To Freeze-Dried Candy: Freeze-Dried Food Companies
Why Choose For Excipients-Free Mushroom Extracts
What's Functional Mushroom Powder and Why Is It in My Dietary Supplements
Hericium Erinaceus Extract: Powder vs. Liquid – A Complete Guide
