Comment · Thu, October 22, 2015 · Ceretropic & Nootropics Depot
Lion's Mane
Original post in this thread
dopioboi · 14 points
What is your experience with various brands? I am currently taking the Host Defense brand, but I can't say I feel any benefits. I have tried various dosages: 1 gram, 2 grams, and even 3 grams (which is not sustainable due to cost). I would like to try another brand; I would love some recommendations for quality extracts.
What they were answering
empty_optimist · 4 points
I'll attempt to summon /u/realmushrooms into this discussion as so far his stuff has been my new gold standard (his cordyceps is The Shit), however...no lions mane as of yet. My offer still stands: whomever can produce a lions mane extract meeting the criterion set above...in an economical manner...and in large enough quantities to meet my standard consumption needs (250 grams and over)...I'll be your ever grateful man-whore.
In all seriousness, since you've assumed command of Nootropics Depot (my historically preferred source for lions mane):
A) What happened to the 125 gram sizes?
B) What are the actual numbers on starches/beta-glucans/etc of current product? I'd like to see this as standard on all mushroom extracts by ALL producers of mushroom extracts. As the two of you are likely aware, the days of mystery mushrooms are numbered. Tis a brave new world now. I figured between of the two of you, I'd see some steps toward standardization. Set the bar and set it high. Build it and they will come. Now GO!
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic & Nootropics Depot
A) I went with what Matt suggested I use, and the supplier they were using before I took over. However, it is expensive as hell. A 125g would be pricey, since it is a custom 10:1 50/50 water/ethanol extract.
B) I don't have the equipment to measure that. This is what led me to realize I don't know shit about medicinal mushrooms. That is what led me to speaking to the mycologist yesterday. So now I am diving into the deep end, and working with him to get high-quality extracts that are tested and standardized for beta-glucan and starch content. I plan on setting the bar high, and making sure that we unequivocally have the best product out there.
The mycologist I spoke to yesterday is delving into the research on the NGF and BDNF compounds in Lions Mane now, so that we can make a super potent extract of it. People have traditionally been looking more for the immune boosting and anticancer effects from the mushrooms. Now that I got him interested in the cognitive effects, he is going to figure out the best possible method for extracting those compounds. I also told him that I would get his message out there about mycelium, and the inferior product on the market. This guy has been doing mushrooms since the 70s, and really believes in them. That's why he is so upset about the standards in the industry right now. My plan is to work with him to change that. We can reach a lot of people, and force the industry to raise their standards.