Hamilton’s Functional Mushroom Glossary

A

Adenosine

A natural compound found in every cell of the body that helps regulate energy, sleep, and blood flow. Cordycepin, found in cordyceps mushrooms, works by mimicking adenosine.

Why It Matters: Adenosine helps your body create energy and calm inflammation. Mushrooms that affect this pathway may improve stamina, recovery, and sleep.

Adaptogen

A natural substance that helps the body handle stress more effectively without overstimulating or sedating it. Reishi, chaga, and cordyceps are classic mushroom adaptogens.

Why It Matters: Adaptogens support hormone balance, immune strength, and resilience to physical or mental stress.

Alcohol Extraction

A process that uses alcohol to pull out lipid-soluble compounds from mushrooms—especially triterpenes and other antioxidants.

Why It Matters: Some of the most potent mushroom compounds can only be unlocked with alcohol. Without it, you’re missing key benefits.

Antibacterial

Describes a substance that helps fight or slow down harmful bacteria. Some mushrooms like turkey tail and reishi show antibacterial activity.

Why It Matters: These effects may help support a healthy microbiome and protect against infection.

Antifungal

Refers to a compound that helps prevent the growth of harmful fungi like candida.

Why It Matters: Certain mushrooms may help the body maintain a balanced inner ecosystem (microbiome) and resist fungal overgrowth.

Antioxidant

A substance that helps protect your cells from damage caused by stress, pollution, and aging.

Why It Matters: Mushrooms are naturally rich in antioxidants, which support immune health, cellular repair, and longevity.

Anti-Inflammatory

Refers to the ability to calm inflammation, which is often at the root of many chronic health issues.

Why It Matters: Mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane contain compounds that may reduce long-term inflammation in the body and brain.

B

Basidiomycota

A large group of mushrooms that includes most functional and culinary species—like reishi, lion’s mane, turkey tail, and shiitake.

Why It Matters: This classification helps identify the mushrooms most studied for their health benefits.

Beta-Glucans

Special sugars found in the cell walls of mushrooms that help regulate the immune system.

Why It Matters: Beta-glucans are the main reason mushrooms support immune health. Look for products that list beta-glucan content—not just generic “polysaccharides.”

Bioactive Compounds

Naturally occurring chemicals in mushrooms that have an effect on the body—such as boosting immunity, calming inflammation, or supporting the brain.

Why It Matters: These are the parts of the mushroom that actually do something. The more bioactives in your extract, the more effective it is.

Bioavailability

How well your body can absorb and use a substance after you consume it.

Why It Matters: A mushroom’s benefits only matter if you can actually access them. That’s why extraction and quality sourcing are key.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

A protein that helps your brain grow new cells, strengthen connections, and recover from stress or injury.

Why It Matters: Mushrooms like lion’s mane may support BDNF, which helps with memory, mood, and mental clarity as we age.

C

Carrier Substrate

The material (usually grain or wood) that mushrooms grow on during cultivation.

Why It Matters: If the grain isn’t separated from the mushroom, it can dilute the product with starch and lower its potency.

Certified Organic

A guarantee that the mushroom was grown without harmful pesticides, synthetic chemicals, or genetically modified ingredients (Non-GMO).

Why It Matters: Organic mushrooms are cleaner and more trustworthy, especially for daily or long-term use.

Chitin

A tough, fibrous material that makes up the outer cell walls of mushrooms.

Why It Matters: Our bodies can’t digest chitin, which is why proper extraction is needed to release the mushroom’s beneficial compounds.

Cordycepin

A unique compound found in Cordyceps militaris mushrooms that supports energy, endurance, and immune regulation.

Why It Matters: Cordycepin helps your body produce and use energy more efficiently, making it popular for physical performance and recovery.

D

Decoct / Decoction

A traditional method where mushrooms are gently simmered in water over time to extract their beneficial compounds.

Why It Matters: Decoction is a trusted and simple way to make functional mushroom tea or broth, especially for beta-glucans.

Dual-Extracted

A process that uses both hot water extraction and alcohol extraction to pull out the full spectrum of beneficial mushroom compounds.

Why It Matters: Dual-extraction gives you the best of both worlds—immune-boosting beta-glucans from water and antioxidant compounds from alcohol.

E

Entourage Effect

The idea that multiple compounds working together create a stronger, more balanced effect than isolated ingredients alone.

Why It Matters: Whole mushroom extracts often work better than isolated parts because of this natural synergy.

Ergothioneine

A rare amino acid and antioxidant found in high concentrations in certain mushrooms, including king trumpet, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.

Why It Matters: Ergothioneine helps protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Your body even has a special transporter (OCTN1) just to absorb and use it—suggesting it plays a vital role in long-term health.

Erinacines

A class of compounds found primarily in the mycelium of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus). Erinacines are studied for their ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain.

Why It Matters: Erinacines support brain plasticity, memory, and neurological repair—making them some of the most exciting nootropics in natural medicine.

F

FDA Disclaimer

A standard legal statement required on dietary supplements in the U.S. It clarifies that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Why It Matters: Functional mushrooms are supplements—not drugs—and must be labeled responsibly to comply with federal law and ensure customer clarity.

Fruiting Body

The visible, above-ground part of the mushroom—the cap and stem—that produces spores. This is the part typically harvested for food and supplements.

Why It Matters: The fruiting body contains the highest concentration of health-promoting compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes. Always check that your supplement uses this, not just grain-grown mycelium.

Fruiting Body Extract

A concentrated supplement made only from the mushroom’s fruiting body, not the myceliated grain it was grown on.

Why It Matters: These extracts are more potent, more studied, and typically contain fewer starches or fillers than mycelium-based products.

Functional Mushrooms

Mushrooms that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition—such as immune support, stress reduction, or cognitive enhancement.

Why It Matters: These are the mushrooms used in modern wellness products. They’re not psychedelic, and they’re not just food—they support specific functions in the body.

Fungi

A kingdom of living organisms that includes mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. Neither plant nor animal, fungi form their own unique biological domain—and play essential roles in ecosystems, from decomposition to symbiosis.

Why It Matters: Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, but the real magic happens in the fungal network beneath—where intelligence, communication, and biochemical transformation unfold in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

G

GABAergic Effects

Biological effects that result from activating or influencing the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system—the brain’s primary inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter network.

Why It Matters:

GABAergic effects include relaxation, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, muscle relaxation, and overall calming of the nervous system. Many natural and pharmaceutical substances that reduce anxiety or induce sleep—like benzodiazepines, alcohol, valerian, and muscimol (from Amanita muscaria)—work by enhancing or mimicking GABA activity. This makes the term especially important when evaluating the calming potential of mushroom extracts like Amanita muscaria.

Gluten-Free

Means the product contains no gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten can trigger digestive or immune issues in sensitive individuals.

Why It Matters: A gluten-free label ensures safety for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or anyone avoiding gluten for health reasons.

Gut-Brain Axis

The communication network between your digestive system and your brain, involving nerves, hormones, and gut bacteria.

Why It Matters: Functional mushrooms may influence the gut-brain axis through immune modulation and prebiotic effects, supporting mood, focus, and stress resilience.

H

Hericenones

Compounds found in the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane mushrooms that may support the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).

Why It Matters: Hericenones are part of what gives Lion’s Mane its reputation for improving memory, focus, and nervous system repair.

Hormetic Stress

A mild stressor that activates the body’s repair systems and leads to greater resilience. Exercise, heat, and certain plant compounds—including those in mushrooms—create this effect.

Why It Matters: Some mushroom compounds work by challenging the body just enough to stimulate stronger immune, antioxidant, or metabolic function.

Hot Water Extraction

A traditional method of boiling mushrooms to release their water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans and polysaccharides.

Why It Matters: This method is essential for unlocking the immune-supporting properties of many mushrooms, and is still used in modern extraction processes.

Hyphae

The tiny, threadlike filaments that make up the structure of fungal mycelium.

Why It Matters: These are the building blocks of fungal life. When hyphae grow and connect, they form the mycelial networks that support the entire mushroom life cycle.

I

Immunomodulator

A substance that helps balance and regulate the immune system—not just stimulate it.

Why It Matters: Many mushrooms don’t simply “boost” immunity—they help the body respond more appropriately, which is key for autoimmune conditions and long-term wellness.

J

K

L

Lectins

Proteins found in many plants and fungi that can bind to carbohydrates. In mushrooms, they may have immune or antimicrobial activity.

Why It Matters: While some lectins in foods can be irritating, mushroom-derived lectins are being studied for potential immune-modulating and antiviral effects.

L-Ergothioneine Transporter (OCTN1)

A special transporter in the body that helps absorb and distribute ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant found in mushrooms.

Why It Matters: Your body has a dedicated system to absorb ergothioneine—which shows how important this rare antioxidant may be for long-term health and cellular protection.

Lipid-Soluble

Describes compounds that dissolve in fats or oils instead of water.

Why It Matters: Fat-soluble mushroom compounds (like triterpenes) must be extracted with alcohol to become bioavailable and effective.

M

Medicinal Mushrooms

A common term for mushrooms used to support health. It’s popular in wellness culture but technically unregulated.

Why It Matters: At Hamilton’s, we also use the term functional mushrooms—these are not drugs, but natural tools for resilience, energy, and restoration.

Melanin (in Chaga)

A dark pigment found in chaga that acts as a powerful antioxidant and UV-protective compound.

Why It Matters: Chaga’s signature black exterior is rich in melanin, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress and radiation.

Microbiome

The vast community of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in and on your body—especially in your gut. These microbes play a major role in digestion, immunity, mood, and overall health.

Why It Matters: Many mushroom compounds, like beta-glucans, act as prebiotics—feeding beneficial gut bacteria and helping your microbiome stay balanced and resilient.

Microdosing

The practice of taking very small amounts of psychedelic substances—usually sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin—for mental clarity or mood support.

Why It Matters: Hamilton’s does not sell psychedelics, but we address this term because it’s often confused with functional mushrooms like lion’s mane or cordyceps.

Mitochondrial Support

The process of helping your mitochondria (your cells’ energy generators) work more efficiently.

Why It Matters: Certain mushrooms—especially cordyceps—may support mitochondrial function, leading to improved energy, stamina, and recovery.

Myceliated Grain

Grain (such as oats, rice, or sorghum) that has been colonized by mushroom mycelium and then dried, ground, and used in supplements without separating the grain from the fungus. This is often referred to as “mycelium on grain.”

Why It Matters: While technically legal to label as “mushroom,” myceliated grain contains a high amount of starch and relatively low levels of active compounds. It’s a cheap, bulked-up alternative to true mushroom extracts and offers far less therapeutic value.

Mycelium

The underground root-like network of a mushroom that absorbs nutrients and connects with the surrounding ecosystem.

Why It Matters: Mycelium produces important compounds (like erinacines), but quality depends on how it’s grown and whether it’s separated from grain.

N

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

A protein that plays a critical role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells, especially in the brain and peripheral nervous system.

Why It Matters: Lion’s Mane mushrooms may help increase NGF levels, supporting brain function, memory, and nervous system repair.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons (brain cells) are formed in the brain—something once thought to be impossible after childhood.

Why It Matters: Certain compounds in Lion’s Mane, like erinacines and hericenones, may support neurogenesis, helping improve memory, mood, and long-term cognitive resilience.

Non-GMO

Stands for “non–genetically modified organism.” It means that none of the ingredients in the product were created or altered using genetic engineering.

Why It Matters: Many people choose Non-GMO products for health, environmental, or philosophical reasons. This label adds an extra layer of transparency to supplement sourcing.

Nootropic

A substance that supports mental performance—such as focus, memory, or creativity—without being a stimulant.

Why It Matters: Lion’s Mane is considered a natural nootropic because it supports brain function, neurogenesis, and mental clarity.

O

Oxidative Stress

A condition where free radicals overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses, leading to cellular damage and inflammation.

Why It Matters: Functional mushrooms contain antioxidants like ergothioneine and phenolics that help reduce oxidative stress and support long-term health.

P

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids naturally produced by fungi and other organisms. Some peptides in mushrooms may have antioxidant, immune-modulating, or antimicrobial properties.

Why It Matters: Though not as well known as beta-glucans or triterpenes, peptides add to the diverse range of bioactive compounds that make mushrooms effective.

Phenolics

A group of antioxidant compounds found in many plants and fungi, including reishi and chaga.

Why It Matters: Phenolics help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, supporting immune function and long-term health.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of sugar molecules. In mushrooms, this term includes both active compounds like beta-glucans and inactive starches.

Why It Matters: High polysaccharide content sounds impressive—but only beta-glucans are truly therapeutic. Some companies inflate this number by including starch.

Precision Extracted

Our method of sourcing, extracting, and blending mushrooms extracts for optimal potency, purity, and bioavailability—using hot water extraction and alcohol extraction, both time-tested techniques.

Why It Matters: Not all extracts are created equal. Ours are tailored for maximum effectiveness, based on the latest research and practitioner feedback.

Prebiotic

A substance that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting microbiome balance. Many mushroom polysaccharides—especially beta-glucans—act as prebiotics.

Why It Matters: A healthier gut means better digestion, immunity, hormone balance, and mood. Mushrooms do more than support immunity—they nourish your whole system.

Psilocybin

A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms (not functional varieties). It alters perception, mood, and cognition.

Why It Matters: Hamilton’s does not sell psilocybin or psychoactive mushrooms. We focus exclusively on non-psychedelic, functional species that support everyday wellness.

Psychedelic

A class of naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that alter perception, consciousness, and cognition—often by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. Psilocybin mushrooms are the most well-known fungal psychedelics.

Why It Matters: While Hamilton’s products are focused exclusively on functional, non-psychoactive mushrooms, we honor the deep cultural, therapeutic, and personal significance psychedelics have held throughout human history—and continue to hold for many today.

Q

R

Rhizomorphs

Thick, root-like bundles of fungal hyphae that help transport water and nutrients over long distances.

Why It Matters: Rhizomorphs show the power of fungi to connect and sustain ecosystems—and hint at why mushrooms are such intelligent, adaptive organisms.

S

Sclerotium

A hardened mass of fungal mycelium that stores nutrients and helps the fungus survive harsh conditions.

Why It Matters: Some mushrooms (like tiger milk or poria) form sclerotia used in traditional medicine. They’re rare and sometimes more potent than the fruiting body.

Solvent-Free

An extract made without chemical solvents—typically using only water and/or food-grade alcohol.

Why It Matters: Solvent-free extracts are cleaner, safer, and more natural—especially important for long-term use or sensitive individuals.

Spores

Microscopic reproductive cells released by the fruiting body of mushrooms. Similar to seeds in plants, they allow fungi to reproduce.

Why It Matters: While not used in most supplements, spores can contain unique oils and compounds—especially in reishi—though they require specialized processing to be effective.

Spore Print

The visible deposit of spores left when a mushroom cap is placed gill-side down on a surface. Used to help identify mushroom species.

Why It Matters: While not part of extraction, spore prints are a classic tool in mushroom cultivation and foraging.

Spray-Dried

A fast-drying method where liquid extract is sprayed into hot air to create a fine powder.

Why It Matters: Spray-drying preserves shelf life and makes extracts easy to mix into drinks or capsules—without sacrificing potency when done properly.

Standardized Extract

An extract guaranteed to contain specific amounts of one or more active compounds (like 30% beta-glucans).

Why It Matters: Standardization helps ensure consistency, transparency, and measurable results from one batch to the next.

Sterols

Fat-like compounds found in mushrooms that can support cholesterol balance and immune health.

Why It Matters: Sterols are part of the “fat-soluble” class of compounds that require alcohol extraction and contribute to whole-body resilience.

Synergistic Compounds

Multiple bioactive compounds that work better together than alone. This is related to the entourage effect.

Why It Matters: Whole mushroom extracts provide a natural blend of compounds that interact to amplify benefits—more than isolated molecules can do alone.

T

Terpenoids

A diverse class of compounds in mushrooms and plants with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Why It Matters: These fat-soluble compounds, often extracted with alcohol, contribute to immune, liver, and brain support—especially in reishi and chaga.

Third-Party Tested

Means a product has been tested by an independent lab (not the manufacturer) for safety, purity, and potency.

Why It Matters: This adds credibility, ensures label accuracy, and helps protect you from low-quality or contaminated products.

Tincture

A liquid extract made by soaking mushrooms in alcohol (sometimes with water) to capture fat-soluble and volatile compounds.

Why It Matters: Tinctures are fast-absorbing, shelf-stable, and great for delivering alcohol-soluble compounds like triterpenes.

Traceability

The ability to track a product’s ingredients from sourcing through processing and packaging.

Why It Matters: Traceability ensures quality, transparency, and accountability—especially important in a market full of inconsistent or mislabeled mushroom products.

Triterpenes

Bitter, fat-soluble compounds found in mushrooms like reishi and chaga that support immune balance, liver health, and inflammation regulation.

Why It Matters: Triterpenes are powerful adaptogens—but you only get them through alcohol extraction. If your reishi isn’t dual-extracted, you’re missing them.

U

USDA Organic

A certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that verifies the product meets strict standards for organic farming and processing—free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs.

Why It Matters: USDA Organic adds a layer of trust and transparency to mushroom supplements, especially for those using them long-term or therapeutically.

V

Vegan

Indicates that a product contains no animal-derived ingredients—including meat, dairy, eggs, or animal byproducts.

Why It Matters: Vegan products align with ethical, environmental, and dietary choices. For mushroom supplements, it ensures that capsules, carriers, and excipients are fully plant-based.

W

Wild Foraged

Refers to mushrooms that are harvested from natural environments rather than cultivated.

Why It Matters: Wild mushrooms can be more nutrient-dense and diverse—but they also require careful identification and quality control.

Wild-Harvested

Similar to wild foraged, but typically used to describe ethically and sustainably gathered mushrooms from the wild.

Why It Matters: Wild-harvested mushrooms offer environmental and energetic benefits—but sourcing and testing are critical for safety and potency.

X

Y

Z