Ahara Mushrooms Glossary

A

Adaptogen

A natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.

Amyloid plaques

Abnormal clusters of protein fragments found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, which Lion's Mane may help reduce.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, a critical process in both normal physiological development and various pathological conditions, including cancer growth and metastasis.

Anti-inflammatory

The ability to reduce inflammation in the body, which is a crucial property in maintaining overall health and preventing various chronic diseases.

Antioxidants

Compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which are unstable molecules produced during normal cellular processes or as a result of environmental stressors.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, a critical mechanism that organisms use to eliminate damaged, infected, or unnecessary cells in a controlled manner.

B

Beta-glucans

Compounds found in mushrooms that can interact with immune cells in the gut and throughout the body, helping to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.

Bioavailability

The extent and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the body and becomes active. Some reishi products are processed to improve bioavailability.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

Another neurotrophic factor potentially increased by Lion's Mane consumption.

C

Chai

An aromatic spiced tea blend originating from the Indian subcontinent, traditionally made with black tea, milk, and a mixture of warming spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.

Cocoa

A rich, flavorful product derived from the fermented and roasted seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), commonly used to make chocolate and beverages.

Cognitive function

Encompasses the mental processes that enable us to acquire, process, store, and use information from our environment, including abilities such as memory, attention, language, reasoning, problem-solving, and executive functions.

D

Dopamine

A catecholamine neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in reward-motivated behavior, motor control, and several other important brain functions.

Dual extraction

A process that uses both water and alcohol to extract a wider range of compounds from reishi.

E

Ergosterol

A precursor to vitamin D2 found in reishi and other fungi, which may have health benefits.

Erinacine

Erinacines are a group of natural compounds isolated from the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion's Mane mushroom.

Extraction

The process of isolating bioactive compounds from mushrooms, often used to create supplements that concentrate their health benefits.

F

Fruiting Body

The visible, spore-producing structure of a fungus, often referred to as the mushroom itself.

G

Ganoderic acids

Specific triterpenes found in reishi mushrooms, with Ganoderic Acid A (GAA) being particularly notable for its potential health benefits.

GLUT inhibition

The ability of certain compounds, like GAA, to inhibit glucose transporters (GLUTs), which may have implications for cancer treatment.

H

Hepatoprotective

Referring to the ability to prevent damage to the liver. Reishi has shown potential hepatoprotective properties.

Hericenones

Hericenones are bioactive compounds found in the fruiting body of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus).

I

Immunomodulator

A substance that regulates the immune system by stimulating or suppressing immune function, enhancing natural defenses against pathogens and cancer cells, or dampening overactive responses in autoimmune disorders.

L

Lingzhi

The Chinese name for reishi mushroom, meaning "divine mushroom of immortality."

Lion's Mane

A mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) rich in bioactive compounds, including hericenones and erinacines. Lion's Mane is believed to support brain health by promoting nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, which may enhance memory, focus, and overall mental clarity.

M

Medicinal mushrooms

Fungi used for their potential health benefits and therapeutic properties.

Mycelium

The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae) that absorb nutrients from the substrate.

Myelination

The formation of myelin sheaths around nerve fibers, a critical process in the nervous system that enhances the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission.

N

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

A protein crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells. Certain compounds in Lion's Mane mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines, may stimulate NGF production.

Neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, which is a hallmark of various age-related and pathological conditions affecting the nervous system.

Neurogenesis

The process of forming new neurons, which is vital for brain health and cognitive function.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to form new neural connections and reorganize itself throughout life.

Neuroprotection

The preservation of neuronal structure and function, which refers to the mechanisms and strategies that protect neurons from injury, degeneration, or death.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that play a crucial role in transmitting signals between neurons.

Neurotrophic factors

Compounds that support the growth and survival of neurons. Lion's Mane is known to stimulate the production of these factors.

Nootropic

Substances that may improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation.

P

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates found in mushrooms, considered to be prebiotics.

Prebiotics

Non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon, thereby improving host health.

R

Reishi

A mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) celebrated for its potential health benefits, particularly in enhancing immune function, reducing stress, and promoting overall wellness, earning it the nickname "mushroom of immortality" due to its historical use in supporting longevity and health.

S

Serotonin

A monoamine neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotion, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions.

Small batch

A production method where products are made in small quantities, often associated with higher quality and attention to detail.

Spores

Reproductive units of the mushroom, often used in some reishi products for their concentrated beneficial compounds.

Substrate

The material on which mushrooms are grown, in our case, a mixture of oak and soy hulls.

T

Terpenes

A large class of organic compounds produced by plants and fungi, including reishi, which contribute to their medicinal properties.

Triterpenes

Biologically active compounds found in specific functional mushrooms like Reishi and Chaga. Triterpenes are associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic effects.

U

USDA Organic

A certification indicating that the product meets the United States Department of Agriculture's organic standards.

W

Warburg effect

A phenomenon where cancer cells rely heavily on glucose metabolism, making GLUT inhibition a potential anticancer strategy.

Y

Yamabushitake

The Japanese name for Lion's Mane, meaning "mountain priest mushroom."