A New Zealand mushroom company has collaborated with Callaghan Innovation to scientifically confirm that the native Pekepeke-kiore mushroom, Hericium novae-zealandiae, contains compounds that are good for cognitive health. Mushroom grower and supplement company Mynd now sells an approved dietary supplement based on the mushroom.
Mynd’s co-founder Sean Mills created a novel method of extracting specific compounds from Pekepeke-kiore mushroom, also known as New Zealand Lion’s Mane. “Independent tests indicate that our New Zealand Lion’s Mane mushroom extract is the first of its kind to contain both erinacines and hericenones,” Mills said. The compounds have been shown in some studies to benefit cognitive health.
“We have developed a cultivation technique that allows us to harvest pure mycelia [the root-like structure of mushrooms]. Combining the mycelia and mushroom fruiting bodies results in an extract rich in bioactive compounds. Our heat extraction process ensures bioavailability and retains a wide spectrum of beneficial compounds,” Mills said.
There is a worldwide market for medicinal mushrooms and a growing awareness of brain health, and as the Pekepeke-kiore is not found anywhere else, this product shows a lot of promise.
Source: farmersweekly.co.nz