Introduction
Mushrooms are a flavorful and nutritious food group. Good sources of B-Vitamins: Thiamine, Riboflavin and Niacin. They contain all the essential amino acids. Mushrooms have also been used for thousands of years as some of the most effective, yet benign, of many plants that formed the oriental herbal tradition. Garuda International offers many species of the highest quality mushroom extract powders available in the world today. All are certified organically grown and some have standardized levels of active compounds. These are perfect powdered materials for formulating immune system boosting dietary supplements and natural cosmetics. Called the marvelous herb in China, this widely recognized and legendary mushroom characterizes the category, with centuries-old usage and scientific validation of its benefits. Reishi contains polysaccharides and triterpenes. The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the most valued plants in traditional Chinese medicine, and is described with Ginseng as one of the two most important elixirs. In historic times, the use of Reishi was highly restricted by the limitations of a wild-crafted supply. Today however, modern cultivation methods are used for the commercial production of Reishi mushrooms and mycelium. Contemporary inquiry and analytical techniques have also greatly increased our knowledge of the biochemistry of Reishi, and confirmed its profound benefits to human health. Today, for the first time, high quality scientifically quantified Reishi extracts are available in the United States. The traditional use of Reishi has been as an adaptogen. Kenneth Jones, author of Reishi, Ancient Herb for Modern Times describes an adaptogen as "a substance that, while causing only a minimum of interference with bodily functions, enhances resistance to health endangering influences. Adaptogens are noted for their ability to enhance immune system functions."

Benefits
Scientific research into the compounds responsible for Reishi mushroom activity began in the 1970’s in China and Japan. Scientists discovered highly active beta-(1-3)(1-6)-glucans with the ability to potentiate innate immunity by activating immune cells. Also discovered were secondary metabolites called triterpenoids which were present in significant amounts and sets Reishi apart from all the other medicinal mushrooms.

Advantages
Garuda International's red Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) extract contains a typical potency of 20% beta-glucan.

Quality Assurance
Reishi's traditional usage has always been in extract form, either as a water or alcohol extract. This is because the tough chitinous cell walls of the mushroom make it largely indigestible, even when ground to a find powder. An extract is the ideal way to consume reishi. Garuda's red reishi mushroom extract is derived from a high potency strain of reishi mushrooms, especially selected for their high level of active triterpenes. These mushrooms are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals of any kind. After harvest the mushrooms are placed in large tanks and cooked, under pressure, at 60 C., in an alcohol and water solution. The solution is then run through a centrifuge to separate out the liquid, which is concentrated and dried by vacuum. Active ingredients are monitored by HPLC. Mushroom extracts can be considered some of the first nutraceuticals - food concentrated into medicinal form. Garuda's extracts are carefully produced according to cGMP standards from select raw materials. Many of our extracts are standardized to contain guaranteed levels of active compounds.

References
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