Mycelium vs. Fruiting Body: Ergothioneine Explained
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Time to read 7 min
If you’ve spent any time comparing mushroom supplements, you’ve seen it: fruiting body vs. mycelium. One product brags about being “full spectrum,” another swears it’s “100% fruiting body only.” But what does it actually mean—and why should you care?
Here’s one good reason: ergothioneine.
This powerful antioxidant is one of the most promising bioactive compounds found in mushrooms. And depending on how a product is made, you may be getting a concentrated dose… or almost none at all.
In this blog, we’ll unpack:
What ergothioneine is
Why it matters for your brain, cells, and long-term health
And where you’ll actually find it—mycelium or fruiting body?
Let’s separate the science from the sales copy.
The Essentials | TL;DR
Ergothioneine is a rare, diet-derived antioxidant linked to brain and cellular health
Fruiting body extracts typically contain more ergothioneine than mycelium
Mycelium on grain = low potency, high starch
Quality depends on species, sourcing, and extraction method—not just marketing claims
Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant found in mushrooms—but how much you get depends on which part of the mushroom is used. Fruiting bodies generally contain more ergothioneine and other beneficial compounds than mycelium, especially when properly extracted. That’s why we focus on fruiting body extracts across all species—except lion’s mane, where we use a targeted mycelium extract to increase another bioactive molecule called erinacines.
Table of contents
What Is Ergothioneine? Mycelium vs. Fruiting Body: Where Is Ergothioneine Concentrated? Fruiting Body: A Rich Source of Ergothioneine Mycelium: Variable Ergothioneine Content So, Which One Has More Ergothioneine—Mycelium or Fruiting Body? Why It Matters: Antioxidants, Brain Health, and Longevity Why We Focus on Fruiting Body Extracts Ergothioneine in Functional Mushrooms—What You Can Expect Final Thoughts: Know Your Source, Understand the Science Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid and potent antioxidant found in high concentrations in mushrooms. Unlike other antioxidants, ergothioneine is unique in that humans cannot synthesize it; we must obtain it through our diet .
This compound is recognized for its cytoprotective properties, meaning it helps protect cells from oxidative stress and damage. Ergothioneine accumulates in various human tissues, particularly those prone to oxidative stress, such as the liver, kidneys, and brain .
Research has shown that ergothioneine can cross the blood–brain barrier, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects. Its antioxidant properties may play a role in mitigating the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and supporting overall brain health.
In summary, ergothioneine is a unique, diet-derived antioxidant with significant potential benefits for human health, particularly in protecting against oxidative stress-related damage.
Mycelium vs. Fruiting Body: Where Is Ergothioneine Concentrated?
Understanding the distribution of ergothioneine in mushrooms is crucial for selecting effective supplements. Research indicates that ergothioneine content varies significantly between the mycelium and fruiting body of mushrooms, depending on the species and cultivation methods.
Fruiting Body: A Rich Source of Ergothioneine
Several studies have demonstrated that the fruiting bodies of certain mushrooms contain higher levels of ergothioneine compared to their mycelial counterparts. For instance, a study on Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster mushroom) found that the fruiting body contained 2.05 mg/g of ergothioneine, while the mycelium had 1.68 mg/g. This suggests that, in some species, the fruiting body is a more potent source of this antioxidant.
Mycelium: Variable Ergothioneine Content
Conversely, other research indicates that mycelium can accumulate significant amounts of ergothioneine under certain conditions. A study on Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii reported that the mycelium contained 44.31 mg/100 g dry weight of ergothioneine, surpassing the 21.17 mg/100 g found in the fruiting body . These findings highlight that mycelial ergothioneine content can be substantial, particularly when optimized through specific cultivation techniques.
So, Which One Has More Ergothioneine—Mycelium or Fruiting Body?
In most cases, fruiting bodies contain significantly more ergothioneine than mycelium—especially when compared to mycelium grown on grain.
That said, some cultured mycelium, grown in optimized fermentation systems, can also accumulate useful levels—but this is the exception, not the norm.
The real takeaway?
If ergothioneine is what you’re after, fruiting body extracts—especially from species known to be rich in this compound—are your best bet.
Our products at Hamilton’s prioritize fruiting body extractions because they’re proven to contain higher levels of a wide range of bioactive compounds—ergothioneine included, but not exclusively.
Why It Matters: Antioxidants, Brain Health, and Longevity
Ergothioneine isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a compound with serious science behind it.
This rare amino acid functions as a cellular defender, helping neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Research has linked ergothioneine to:
Neuroprotection (supporting brain health and memory)
Reduced inflammation
Cardiovascular support
Slower biological aging through mitochondrial protection
What makes it even more remarkable?
Your body has a dedicated transporter protein (OCTN1) designed specifically to absorb and retain ergothioneine—suggesting it plays a vital role in long-term health.
Why We Focus on Fruiting Body Extracts
- At Hamilton’s, we use 100% fruiting body extracts for every mushroom in our product line—because that’s where you find the richest, most well-documented concentration of bioactive compounds, including ergothioneine.
There’s one exception: lion’s mane.
For our Mind Mix and Lucid Lion's Mane extracts we include a premium Lion's mane mycelium extract specifically to boost erinacines—the compounds linked to nerve growth and brain regeneration, which are primarily found in lion’s mane mycelium, not the fruiting body.
It’s not a shortcut. It’s a science-informed decision to get you the best of both worlds.
Ergothioneine in Functional Mushrooms—What You Can Expect
While ergothioneine levels vary widely across mushroom species, most of the top functional mushrooms—like reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail, and lion’s mane—do contain this antioxidant, even if they’re not the most concentrated sources.
Their real strength lies in synergy: ergothioneine works alongside other bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenes, and polysaccharides to support:
Immune modulation
Nervous system balance
Cellular resilience
So even if you’re not choosing mushrooms only for their ergothioneine content, a well-formulated extract still delivers real antioxidant value—especially when sourced from the fruiting body and not just the mycelium.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Source, Understand the Science
Ergothioneine isn't listed on our labels (yet), but we're actively working with our third-party lab partners to add ergothioneine testing to our catalog.
It is gaining notoriety and becoming a respected compound in the functional mushroom world. And where it shows up—how much, and from which part of the mushroom—matters.
So let’s simplify the takeaway:
Fruiting bodies generally contain more ergothioneine and a wider array of beneficial compounds
Mycelium can be valuable—but only when cultivated properly and disclosed transparently
Mushrooms with the highest ergothioneine content are offer wild-foraged culinary mushrooms. Golden oyster and porcini mushrooms are among the top contenders for highest content.
And ergothioneine works best when paired with the full array of bioactive compounds found in a quality extract. Learn more about mushroom extract powers in our blog, What Is Mushroom Powder? Benefits, Uses, and Extract Facts
At Hamilton’s, we focus on fruiting body–based extracts for a reason: they’re richer in bioactives, better studied, and more effective. With the exception of lion’s mane, where we include premium mycelium extract to deliver erinacines, we stay grounded in what the science supports.
Because ultimately, this isn’t about hype—it’s about what actually works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mycelium do to humans?
Mycelium plays a key role in fungal biology, but in supplements, its benefits depend on how it’s grown and processed. While some cultured mycelium contains helpful compounds, most commercial mycelium-on-grain products are low in bioactives and high in starch. In properly extracted form, certain mycelial compounds (like erinacines from lion’s mane) may support nerve growth and cognitive health.
Is mycelium healthy to eat?
It can be—if it’s grown and extracted properly. Pure mycelium grown in liquid fermentation can offer some nutritional value, but mycelium grown on grain is often up to 70% starch. The healthiest option is usually fruiting body extracts, which are more nutrient-dense and better studied.
Is mycelium good for the immune system?
Mycelium may contain compounds like polysaccharides and secondary metabolites that support immune health, but again, quality varies drastically. Fruiting body extracts consistently show higher concentrations of beta-glucans, which are the key immune-modulating compounds in functional mushrooms.
Is it better to eat the fruiting body or mycelium?
In most cases, the fruiting body is the better choice—it contains higher levels of beta-glucans, triterpenes, and ergothioneine. Some exceptions exist (like lion’s mane mycelium, which contains erinacines), but if you’re not sure what part of the mushroom is used, go with fruiting body-based extracts.
What is the power of mycelium?
Mycelium is the root-like structure of fungi—powerful in nature and potentially powerful in supplements. In the wild, it breaks down organic matter and connects ecosystems. In wellness, it can provide unique compounds like ergothioneine, polysaccharides, and in some cases, cognitive-supporting agents. But potency depends entirely on how it’s grown, harvested, and processed.
Hamilton Pevec
Hamilton believes that effective, affordable medicine is a fundamental right. Healing should never be hindered by cost. Driven by this belief, Hamilton left his career to dedicate his life to mushrooms. His journey is one of lifelong learning—mastering mushroom identification, cultivation, and understanding the profound physiological benefits of these natural “chemical factories.” Hamilton’s Mushrooms is dedicated to making pure, potent, science-backed mushroom extracts accessible to all.
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