Meet Antrodia. With a unique ecology, a rich history of use among indigenous cultures, and recent clinical data to suggest a number of potential health benefits*, it arrives at a time when functional mushrooms have never been more popular.
What is Antrodia, and what’s so special about it?
Antrodia cinnamomea are rare. They’re found exclusively in Taiwan, and are very picky about where they plot up. To the extent that you’ll only ever find Antrodia growing:
- On mountain ranges in the Taoyuan, Miaoli, Nantou, Kaohsiung and Taitung counties
- On the brown heartwood bark of its host tree Cinnamomum kanehirae
- Between altitudes of 450 and 2000 metres
Antrodia will only materialise if the above conditions are met, making it an unusually discerning fungus compared to its less-picky relatives. Its rarity and ensuing popularity forced the Taiwanese government to instate measures outlawing the felling of Cinnamomum kanehirae.
Antrodia’s idiosyncratic growing conditions mean it’s a costly thing to export, which is at least partly the reason it’s taken a while to make a splash in the western world. But it’s been highly prized in its native country Taiwan for centuries, where it was prescribed by indigenous doctors for alcohol toxicity and general exhaustion.
Excitingly, a modern influx of research suggests its health applications may extend far beyond the uses discovered all those years ago…
What are the potential benefits of taking Antrodia?
One study suggests Antrodia is absolutely packed with body and mind boosting biologically-active compounds.
The study details the 78 compounds that make up the molecular structure of Antrodia. These compounds consist of polysaccharides, benzenoids, lignans, terpenoids, benzoquinone derivatives, and succinic and maleic derivatives.
Don’t worry if most of those flew straight over your head, as each one was tested individually for the possible benefits they may provide.
Potential biological activities of compounds found in Antrodia
Anti-cancer
Fruiting bodies and mycelium found to have ‘potent anti-proliferative activity against various cancers’.
Anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory
Displayed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production.
Anti-hepatitis B Virus replication
Extracts from the mycelium displayed anti-hepatitis B virus activity without cytotoxicity (the extent to which a substance can damage a cell).
Anti-oxidant
Extracts of Antrodia display potent anti-oxidant properties.
Hepatoprotective
Fruiting bodies and mycelium shown to have ‘protective activity against liver hepatitis’.
While further study is needed before the benefits of Antrodia can be definitively declared, the initial results are highly promising, and we can’t wait to see what else is uncovered in future research.
Where can I get Antrodia mushroom supplements?
Great news, as the finest Antrodia mushrooms in both capsule and powder form are available on our store below.
Antrodia Mushroom Capsules
90 capsules | Purchase now
Antrodia Mushroom Powder
120g powder | Purchase now
Which dose should I use for Antrodia?
For the powder version: simply add 2g of powder, or 2 heaped spoons to water, yoghurt, or milk and mix thoroughly. Can be taken with or without food.
For the capsule version: 3 tablets 1-3 times a day, with or without food.
How long should I take the supplement version of Antrodia for?
We recommend following the dosage schedule for at least 3-4 weeks to ensure the best chance at positive results.
How we cultivate Antrodia
Considering how rare it is – and the endangered status of the tree it calls host – attempting to source indigenous Antrodia would be unethical. Instead, all versions of our Antrodia supplements are grown on organic oats in California.
As with all of their mushroom products, they then undergo rigorous testing in Germany, and are subsequently prepared for distribution in their UK base. The Antrodia supplements you’ll find on the site are:
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Kosher
- USDA organic
Summary
We’ve tackled the surface level of what makes Antrodia special today. We think all mushrooms are special, but there’s something about this one that makes it stand out.
Apart from its jaw-dropping ecological niche and its storied value to indigenous Taiwanese cultures, there’s a growing wealth of literature that hints at some seriously exciting potential benefits.
To purchase, click the links below. If you want to learn more about how best to take our mushroom supplements, this blog is for you.
*Please note, Phoenix Medical cannot guarantee the positive effects of its products. Results may vary. Our products are not designed to treat medical conditions or diseases.
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