We’re very selective about who we choose to bring into our fungi family, and that’s why it’s remained unchanged for a while now. But we’ve had our eye on one candidate for some time.
An enigmatic fungi with a unique ecology, a rich history of use among indigenous cultures, and recent clinical data which suggests a number of potential health benefits, this functional ‘shroom – arriving at a point when they’ve never been more popular – is ready to take centre stage.
We’d like to introduce you to Antrodia, a (literally) rarefied functional mushroom that we’re only just beginning to understand, available to purchase right now in powder and capsule form.
What is Antrodia, and what’s so special about it?
The Antrodia cinnamomea mushroom is rare. Really, really rare. They're found exclusively in Taiwan, and are very picky about where they plot up. To the extent that Antrodia camphorata only grows:
- On mountain ranges in the Taoyuan, Miaoli, Nantou, Kaohsiung and Taitung counties
- On the brown heartwood bark of its host tree Cinnamomum kanehirae
- Between altitudes of 450 and 2000 metres
Told you it was picky! Antrodia will only materialise if the above conditions are met, making it an unusually discerning fungus compared to its more expansive relatives. It’s slow-growing, and typically only becomes noticeable when its host tree has been felled. Its rarity and ensuing popularity forced the Taiwanese government to instate measures outlawing the felling of Cinnamomum kanehirae.
Antrodia's idiosyncratic growing conditions mean it’s a costly thing to export, which is at least partly the reason it’s taken a while to make a splash in the western world. But it’s been highly prized in its native country Taiwan for centuries, where it was first recorded as being prescribed by indigenous doctors to treat alcohol toxicity and general exhaustion.
Excitingly, a modern influx of research suggests its health applications may extend far beyond the uses discovered all those years ago...
What are the potential benefits of taking Antrodia?
Apart from being one of the first adopters of a mushroom destined to explode in popularity (there’s nothing wrong with feeling smug, especially when it comes to having exceptional taste in functional fungi) one study suggests Antrodia is absolutely packed to the rafters with body and mind boosting biologically-active compounds.
The study details the 78 compounds that make up the molecular structure of Antrodia. These compounds consist of (deep breath) polysaccharides, benzenoids, lignans, terpenoids, benzoquinone derivatives, and succinic and maleic derivatives. Don’t worry if most of those flew straight over your head, as those clever science folk helpfully tested each one for the possible health benefits they might provide.
Potential biological activities of Antrodia
Anti-cancer
Fruiting bodies and mycelium found to have ‘potent anti-proliferative activity against various cancers’.
Anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory
Displayed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production.
Anti-hepatitis B Virus replication
Extracts from the mycelium displayed anti-hepatitis B virus activity without cytotoxicity (the extent to which a substance can damage a cell).
Anti-oxidant
Extracts of Antrodia display potent anti-oxidant properties.
Hepatoprotective
Fruiting bodies and mycelium shown to have ‘protective activity against liver hepatitis'.
While further study is needed before the benefits of Antrodia can be definitively declared, the initial results are highly promising, and we can't wait to see what else is uncovered in future research.
Where can I get Antrodia mushroom supplements?
Great news, we've sourced the finest Antrodia mushrooms into both capsule and powder form, available on our store below.
Antrodia Mushroom Capsules
90 capsules | £27.60 | Purchase now
Antrodia Mushroom Powder
120g powder | £39.60 | Purchase now
Which dose should I use for Antrodia?
For the powder version: simply add 2g of powder, or 2 heaped spoons to water, yoghurt, non-citrus fruit juice or milk and mix thoroughly. Can be taken with or without food.
For the capsule version: 3 tablets 1-3 times a day, with or without food.
How long should I take the supplement version of Antrodia for?
We recommend following the dosage schedule for at least 3-4 weeks to ensure the best chance at positive results.
How we cultivate Antrodia
Considering how rare it is – and the endangered status of the tree it calls host – attempting to source indigenous Antrodia would be unethical. Instead, all versions of our Antrodia supplements are grown on organic oats in California. As with all of our mushroom products, they then undergo rigorous testing in Germany, and are subsequently prepared with love here in our UK base. Our Antrodia supplements are also:
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Kosher
- USDA organic
Summary
We've tackled the surface level of what makes Antrodia special today. We think all mushrooms are special, but honestly, there's something about this one that makes it stand out. Apart from its jaw-dropping ecological niche and its storied value to indigenous Taiwanese cultures, there's a growing wealth of literature that hints at a raft of potentially transformative benefits.
We're excited for this one, and we hope you are too. To purchase, click the links below. To learn more about our other fungi superstars, check our blog page.