reference · compounds
Beta-glucan content reference
Beta-glucans are the primary bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms responsible for immune modulation, and their co...
| Species | Form | Beta-glucan % | Note | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lion's Mane | Dual extract | 25–40% | Quality benchmark ≥25% | PubMed 28244676 ↗ |
| Lion's Mane | Hot water | 20–35% | Lower concentration than dual | — |
| Reishi | Dual extract | 25–35% | Also contains triterpenes | PubMed 22207209 ↗ |
| Reishi | Hot water | 20–30% | Triterpenes reduced | — |
| Turkey Tail | Hot water | 30–45% | PSK fraction key marker | PubMed 22203167 ↗ |
| Cordyceps | Dual extract | 15–25% | CS-4 strain studied clinically | PubMed 22700032 ↗ |
| Chaga | Hot water | 20–30% | Also contains betulinic acid | PubMed 21820502 ↗ |
| Maitake | Hot water | 20–35% | D-fraction isolated marker | PubMed 23668749 ↗ |
| Shiitake | Hot water | 25–40% | AHCC proprietary fraction | PubMed 25866155 ↗ |
| Agaricus | Hot water | 15–30% | Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan | PubMed 11413477 ↗ |
For informational and research purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any supplement protocol. Individual responses to supplementation vary.
About this calculator
Beta-glucans are the primary bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms responsible for immune modulation, and their concentration in a supplement is the single most reliable quality indicator. This reference table compiles beta-glucan percentage ranges from published extraction studies and third-party testing standards used by leading wholesale suppliers. The 25% threshold is widely used as a minimum quality benchmark for standardised functional mushroom extracts — products below this threshold are likely mycelium-on-grain products with high starch content rather than true fruiting body extracts. Use this table for: comparing products when purchasing, verifying COA claims, understanding which species and extraction methods produce the highest active compound concentrations, and planning stacks based on beta-glucan density.
Frequently asked
What is a good beta-glucan percentage in a mushroom supplement?
25% or higher in a standardised dual extract is the widely accepted quality benchmark. Products below 10% are likely mycelium on grain with significant starch filler rather than true fruiting body extract.
How is beta-glucan content measured?
Beta-glucan content is measured using enzymatic assay methods (the Megazyme method is the gold standard). Results should be expressed as % beta-glucan per dry weight and verified by an independent third-party lab.
Why does turkey tail have the highest beta-glucan content?
Trametes versicolor has evolved highly concentrated polysaccharide fractions (PSK and PSP) as part of its immune-defence function. These same compounds are responsible for its powerful human immune effects.
Do all mushroom species have the same beta-glucans?
No — the structural configuration of beta-glucans varies between species. Turkey tail has beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan (PSK). Lion's mane has unique hericenone-adjacent polysaccharides. Shiitake has lentinan (beta-1,3-glucan). Each interacts with immune receptors differently.
What is the difference between beta-glucan and alpha-glucan?
Beta-glucans are the bioactive immune compounds in functional mushrooms. Alpha-glucans are starches — they are inert from an immune perspective. Mycelium-on-grain products have high alpha-glucan (starch) content from the grain substrate, which inflates total polysaccharide numbers without providing beta-glucan activity.
Research background
Beta-glucan quantification in functional mushrooms uses the Megazyme assay, which specifically measures the (1,3)/(1,4)-beta-D-glucan fraction. The ranges in this table are based on extraction studies and COA benchmarks from Nammex (North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts), the industry-standard organic wholesale supplier, cross-referenced with published analytical chemistry papers.