Functional mushrooms have moved from niche wellness shops to mainstream markets, fueling a global industry expected to surpass $65B by 2030. Whether it is a consumer stirring Lion’s Mane into their morning coffee or a supplement company formulating a new Reishi capsule, one thing is clear: demand is skyrocketing.
But with rapid growth comes a problem. The majority of mushroom supplements today are still measured by beta-glucan content alone. While beta-glucans support immune health, they do not capture what makes each mushroom unique. And this gap affects everyone, from consumers seeking results to brand owners striving to build trust.
Why Beta Glucans Are Not Enough
Beta-glucans are beneficial polysaccharides found in fungi, oats, and even seaweed. But when it comes to functional mushrooms, they are only a fraction of the story. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Its cognitive and neural benefits come from hericenones and hericenes, which stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF). Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Rich in betulinic acid and inotodiol, powerful antioxidants that support immunity, longevity, and cellular health. Cordyceps (C. militaris / C. sinensis): Known for cordycepin and adenosine, which enhance ATP production, improving energy and endurance. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Contains triterpenoids like lucidenic acids, linked to stress relief, immune modulation, and better sleep. Measuring only beta-glucans risks overlooking the very compounds that deliver the health benefits consumers expect.
Why Bioactives and Dosage Matter
Scientific evidence shows that bioactive compounds at the right dose are the key to real results.
A 2023 study using KÄÄPÄ Biotech’s NordRelease® Lion’s Mane extract powder at 1000 mg reported improved concentration, memory, and mood within two hours.
Chaga studies linked betulinic acid and inotodiol to antioxidant and neuroprotective effects at dosages as low as 243 mg. Cordyceps research confirmed cordycepin’s role in boosting cellular energy, endurance, and oxygen utilisation. Reishi trials demonstrated sleep and relaxation benefits tied directly to triterpenoid levels.
This means consumers get the benefits they are paying for, and companies gain credibility by offering products that work.
Setting New Quality Standards
To secure long-term trust, the functional mushroom industry must go beyond beta-glucans and adopt new quality markers. Here we have a list of benefits:
-Transparent Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) listing not just polysaccharides, but bioactive content.
-Bioactive specific testing to verify the compounds that matter most.
-Consistency checks to ensure potency across batches.
For consumers, this means greater confidence that a Lion’s Mane tincture really supports cognition or that a Reishi capsule truly promotes relaxation. For B2B brands, it means differentiation, regulatory readiness, and stronger consumer loyalty.
Leading the Change
At KÄÄPÄ Biotech, our NordRelease® extraction process is designed to unlock and preserve the bioactive compounds inside mushroom cells. Each batch is tested, standardised, and supported by scientific evidence. By linking bioactive levels directly to health outcomes, we are setting a new benchmark for transparency and efficacy. The future of functional mushrooms depends on accountability. When suppliers, brands, and consumers align on bioactive-based standards, the industry can move forward, delivering supplements that truly live up to their promise.
Going beyond beta-glucans is not just science; it is trust, efficacy, and the foundation for long-term growth.
Read the full white paper: Beyond Beta Glucans White Paper