The Solgar Reishi Shiitake Maitake Mushroom Extract is a dietary supplement in phytocapsules, with extracts of three mushrooms per capsule: 130mg reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum), titled at 4% terpenoids and 12.5% polysaccharides, 100mg shiitake extract, 100mg maitake extract 4:1 equivalent to 400mg mushroom, and 1.5mg shiitake extract 8:1 equivalent to 12mg. The package contains 50 phytocapsules.
It is aimed at adults who want to include edible mushrooms of the Eastern tradition in their diet in a concentrated form, those who do not find them easily fresh, and those who prefer a titled preparation with declared content instead of simple dried powder.
Mushrooms are not plants. They belong to the kingdom of fungi and their cellular wall is not made of cellulose but of chitin and polysaccharides, mainly beta glucans. These are macromolecules of glucose with characteristic beta 1,3 and beta 1,6 bonds, and they are the group of compounds that has attracted the most research interest in edible mushrooms.
Reishi adds a second family of compounds, terpenoids, called ganodermic acids, which are responsible for its strongly bitter taste. That is why this particular extract states double titled content, 4% in terpenoids and 12.5% in polysaccharides: both groups are controlled so that the content does not depend on the cultivation or harvest. Shiitake and maitake contribute mainly to the polysaccharide part. All these materials remain the subject of research and the related claims are under evaluation by the EFSA.**
According to the product presentation by Solgar itself, the preparation is described as follows:
The above statements are attributed to the producer. Mushroom extracts do not have an approved health claim from the EFSA and remain the subject of research, so no specific effect is attributed to the product in the rest of the text.
The composition does not contain vitamins or minerals in amounts that would justify approved claims, so the elements that stand out in the product are the choice of species, the titled content and the purity.
Reishi, shiitake, and maitake are three edible species with a long history of use in Eastern diets. The formula combines them to cover different polysaccharide profiles, while the second, very small dose of shiitake extract 8:1 is added as a more concentrated fraction. The form is phytocapsule with a shell of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, i.e. plant cellulose and not gelatin, and the product is stated to be suitable for vegans. The formula is stated to be free of sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, soy, gluten, dairy, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavors or colors.
It suits adults who are interested in functional mushrooms and want a standardized form instead of powders of unknown content. It suits those who follow a vegan diet and want to expand their sources of plant and fungal compounds. It suits those who avoid gluten, dairy, or soy, as the formula contains none of these. Finally, it suits those who want flexibility in dosing, from one to two capsules daily.
The product is a dietary supplement and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Infections, allergies, liver and cardiovascular diseases always need diagnosis and monitoring by a doctor.
Main ingredients: per 1 phytocapsule, reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum) 130mg, titled at 4% terpenoids and 12.5% polysaccharides, shiitake extract 100mg, maitake extract 4:1 100mg (equivalent to 400mg), shiitake extract 8:1 1.5mg (equivalent to 12mg). Per 2 phytocapsules the amounts are doubled.
Other ingredients: mushroom extracts, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (capsule shell), microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable stearate magnesium.
Free of: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, soy, gluten, dairy, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavors or colors. Suitable for vegans.
Form: phytocapsules.
Recommended dosage: for adults, 1 to 2 phytocapsules daily, preferably with meals.
With one phytocapsule per day, the package of 50 phytocapsules covers about seven weeks. With two phytocapsules daily it is sufficient for twenty-five days. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet.
In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Special care is needed if you are taking anticoagulant or immunosuppressive medication, as well as in known allergy or sensitivity to mushrooms. Store in a cool and dry place, at room temperature, away from light, moisture and children.
It means that the extract is controlled to consistently yield 4% terpenoids and 12.5% polysaccharides, regardless of the cultivation batch.
From one to two phytocapsules daily, preferably with meals.
The 50 phytocapsules last for about seven weeks with one capsule per day, or for twenty-five days with two.
One is a simple extract in a larger amount and the other is concentrated 8:1 in a very small dose. They are two different fractions of the same mushroom.
They are polysaccharides of the cellular wall of fungi, with characteristic beta bonds. They are the subject of extensive research, without an approved health claim.
They are edible species, but here they are given as concentrated and titled extracts, not as food.
Consult your doctor first. The same applies if you are on immunosuppressive therapy.
Yes. The shell is plant cellulose and the formula is stated to be suitable for vegans.
* The extracts of reishi, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms do not have an approved health claim from the EFSA under Regulation (EC) 1924/2006. The references to benefits are attributed to the producer. The product is not intended for the prevention, treatment, or cure of a human disease.
** Information about the herbal and fungal ingredients. The related health claims are under evaluation by the EFSA.
Main ingredients: per 1 phytocapsule, reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum) 130mg, standardized to 4% triterpenes and 12.5% polysaccharides, shiitake extract 100mg, maitake extract 4:1 100mg (equivalent to 400mg), shiitake extract 8:1 1.5mg (equivalent to 12mg). Amounts double for 2 phytocapsules.
Other ingredients: mushroom extracts, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (capsule shell), microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable stearate magnesium.
Free of: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, soy, gluten, dairy, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavors or colors. Suitable for vegans.
Form: phytocapsules.
Recommended dosage: for adults, 1 to 2 phytocapsules daily, preferably with meals.
With one phytocapsule per day, the 50 phytocapsule pack lasts about seven weeks. With two phytocapsules daily it lasts for twenty-five days. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet.
In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Special care is needed if you are taking anticoagulant or immunosuppressive medication, as well as in known allergy or sensitivity to mushrooms. Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from light, moisture and children.
