Functional Mushroom
Ingredient Solutions
for Beverages, Powders
& Supplements
AIHerba®, a brand of
Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment
Technology Co., Ltd.
,
supplies functional mushroom
extracts and standardized
fungal ingredients for
international supplement,
beverage and formulation
development projects.
Explore Lion's Mane,
Reishi, Cordyceps militaris
and other mushroom ingredients
through source-specific
qualification, analytical
marker selection and practical
formulation review.
We help buyers distinguish
polysaccharides, fungal
beta-glucans and defined
small-molecule actives
before sample and bulk sourcing.
Ingredient selection framework only.
Analytical methods, assay levels,
source material and suitability
are specific to the offered grade
and batch.
Source-Specific Selection
Species, fruiting body or
mycelium, and carrier disclosure.
Marker & Method Review
Separate polysaccharide,
beta-glucan and HPLC endpoints.
Sample-to-Bulk Qualification
Grade evaluation, lot-matched
COA and commercial terms.
02 / MUSHROOM FORMULATION FORMATS
Four Product Formats.
Different Ingredient Requirements.
Functional mushroom extracts must be
selected for the intended product
matrix—not by polysaccharide or
beta-glucan percentage alone.
Hot-water beverages, ready-to-drink
systems, dry blends and solid-dose
supplements each impose different
processing and quality requirements.
AIHerba® helps B2B manufacturers
review suitable mushroom ingredient
grades, source materials, analytical
markers and physical characteristics
before sample testing and bulk sourcing.
FORMULATION / 01
HOT-WATER SYSTEM
INSTANT COFFEE & HOT MIXES
Mushroom
Coffee
Mushroom coffee blends require
extracts that can be evaluated
within a hot-water coffee matrix.
Dispersibility, sediment,
earthy or bitter notes and
ingredient stability may affect
the finished beverage.
Coffee compatibility requires testing
in the customer's actual coffee base,
mixing conditions and target dosage.
FORMULATION / 02
LIQUID SYSTEM
RTD & BOTANICAL DRINKS
Functional
Beverages
Liquid beverage development
requires careful distinction
between genuinely soluble
extract fractions and
suspended or dispersible
mushroom materials.
Processing, pH and storage
may influence appearance
and active-marker stability.
A water-dispersible ingredient
should not be described as fully
dissolved or sediment-free
without supporting tests.
FORMULATION / 03
DRY MIXING SYSTEM
PROTEIN & NUTRITION BLENDS
Mushroom
Powder Blends
Multi-ingredient mushroom
powder blends must balance
active-marker specifications
with particle-size distribution,
flowability, moisture behavior
and powder uniformity.
Added carriers and excipients
should be identified before use.
Tablet suitability should not
be inferred from capsule-grade
availability without additional
manufacturing evaluation.
FORMULATION-LED SOURCING
Select the Mushroom Grade
for the Finished Product Matrix.
An extract standardized for
polysaccharides or beta-glucans
is not automatically suitable
for clear beverages, instant
coffee or direct-compression
tablets.
Physical properties, carrier
composition and analytical
requirements must be reviewed
against the intended production
process and dosage form.
Water-soluble, water-dispersible
and partially soluble describe
different physical behaviors.
They should not be used
interchangeably.
INGREDIENT-TO-FORMULATION REVIEW
01
Identify the Source
Species, fruiting body,
mycelium and carrier composition.
02
Define the Analytical Marker
Polysaccharides, beta-glucans,
triterpenes or specified
small molecules.
03
Evaluate the Formula
Mixing, dispersion, physical
stability and sensory requirements.
04
Confirm Commercial Supply
Sample grade, available
batch COA, MOQ and packaging.
APPLICATION-SPECIFIC MUSHROOM SOURCING
Need a Mushroom Extract
for a Specific Formulation?
Share your intended product format,
target mushroom species,
required marker, expected quantity
and destination country.
Our team can review appropriate
grades and available
technical documentation.
Four Mushroom Platforms.
Distinct Sources, Markers & Grades.
Functional mushroom ingredients
should be selected by authenticated
species, source material,
analytical markers and intended
formulation—not by a generic
polysaccharide percentage alone.
AIHerba® helps international buyers
distinguish Lion's Mane, Reishi,
Cordyceps militaris and Turkey Tail
sourcing requirements before
comparing technical specifications,
evaluation samples and bulk supply.
Species IdentityFruiting Body / MyceliumAnalytical EndpointCarrier CompositionBatch Evidence
INGREDIENT / 01
HERICIACEAE
HERICIUM ERINACEUS
Lion's Mane
Distinct fungal fractions
Lion's Mane ingredients may
include general polysaccharide
extracts, beta-glucan-focused
fractions, fruiting-body
hericenone extracts or
mycelium-derived erinacine
materials. These grades
are not interchangeable.
MARKERS TO DISTINGUISH
Total PolysaccharidesFungal β-GlucansHericenonesErinacines
Source identity
Fruiting body or
mycelium, confirmed
for the offered grade
Analytical method
Method-specific
carbohydrate assays
or targeted HPLC markers
Typical format review
Capsules, powders,
coffee and beverage
development
CRITICAL PROCUREMENT DISTINCTION
Hericenones C/D/E from
fruiting-body materials
should not be presented
as equivalent to
Erinacine A from mycelium.
Request the exact analytes,
standards and HPLC method.
Reishi extracts may be
standardized for carbohydrate
fractions or triterpenoid
constituents. The specified
Ganoderma species,
extraction process and
analytical target are
important for grade comparison.
MARKERS TO DISTINGUISH
Total PolysaccharidesFungal β-GlucansTriterpenesGanoderic Acids
Source identity
Exact Ganoderma species
and fruiting-body or
mycelial source
Analytical method
Polysaccharide or
β-glucan assay;
targeted triterpene HPLC
where specified
Typical format review
Capsules, dry blends
and selected beverage
formulations
CRITICAL PROCUREMENT DISTINCTION
A polysaccharide-rich
Reishi extract and a
triterpene-rich extract
may differ in solubility,
bitterness, composition
and appropriate test method.
Confirm the specific grade.
Cordyceps militaris
polysaccharide extracts
and cordycepin-standardized
materials represent different
technical purchasing targets.
The requested compound and
material origin should be
defined before pricing.
MARKERS TO DISTINGUISH
Total PolysaccharidesFungal β-GlucansCordycepinNucleoside Profile
Source identity
Cordyceps militaris;
cultivation and
source-material part
confirmed by lot
Analytical method
Method-specific
polysaccharide assay;
HPLC for cordycepin
Typical format review
Capsules, powders,
mushroom blends and
selected liquid systems
CRITICAL PROCUREMENT DISTINCTION
Cordycepin percentage
is not a total
polysaccharide result.
A polysaccharide extract
must not be sold as a
cordycepin-standardized
grade without a separate
validated assay.
Turkey Tail is a distinct
fungal sourcing category
involving species verification,
source-material identification
and method-specific
polysaccharide assessment.
Specialized polysaccharide
preparations require
separate qualification.
POTENTIAL ANALYTICAL TARGETS
Total PolysaccharidesFungal β-GlucansSpecified Complexes
Source identity
Trametes versicolor;
authenticated source
and raw-material part
Analytical method
Polysaccharide assay,
fungal β-glucan method
or other agreed method
Typical format review
Capsules and powder
formulations;
beverage use requires
further evaluation
CRITICAL PROCUREMENT DISTINCTION
Generic Turkey Tail
polysaccharides do not
establish identity or
equivalence to specialized
PSK or PSP preparations.
Exact composition,
methodology and supply
feasibility require review.
The Same Percentage
Does Not Mean the Same Compound.
Before comparing mushroom
ingredient quotations, verify
which analyte is measured,
how it is measured and
whether the reported result
applies to the proposed batch.
Total PolysaccharidesCarbohydrate Assay
Method-defined total
carbohydrate fractions.
A result does not identify
fungal β-glucans or
individual molecular species.
Fungal β-GlucansEnzymatic / K-YBGL
Appropriate method and
sample-matrix review are
required. β-Glucan results
do not independently
verify mushroom species.
Specific MoleculesTargeted HPLC / LC-MS
Hericenones, Erinacines,
Cordycepin and specified
triterpenes require
analyte-specific methods
and reference standards.
Method comparison:
For mushroom β-glucans,
review the K-YBGL protocol
version, sample composition
and possible matrix interference.
Total polysaccharide, β-glucan
and targeted HPLC results
are distinct analytical endpoints.
03B / FORMULATION GRADE MATCHING
Select by Source.
Qualify by Application.
The correct mushroom ingredient
must satisfy both the analytical
specification and the actual
processing conditions of
the finished product.
A grade suitable for capsules
or powder blending may not be
appropriate for a clear RTD
beverage. Solubility,
dispersibility, carriers,
taste and sedimentation
require separate assessment.
01
Authenticate the Source
Species, fruiting body or
mycelium and cultivation matrix.
02
Specify the Marker
Target analyte, analytical
method and required limit.
03
Review Physical Properties
Carrier, particle size,
moisture and dispersibility.
04
Match the Commercial Lot
Sample identity, proposed
batch COA and supply conditions.
MUSHROOM INGREDIENT QUALIFICATION
Have a Target Species
or Analytical Specification?
Share the mushroom species,
source-material requirement,
assay method, target marker,
dosage form, expected volume
and destination market.
AIHerba® can review suitable
sourcing options and
available technical records.
Verify the Mushroom Extract.
Evaluate the Finished Formula.
A functional mushroom ingredient
requires more than a declared
polysaccharide percentage.
Species identity, source material,
analytical method, active-marker
definition and formulation behavior
must be considered together.
AIHerba® supports ingredient-specific
technical qualification for mushroom
coffee, functional beverages,
nutrition powders and solid-dose
supplements through appropriate
documentation and sample evaluation.
Four Evidence Pillars
for Mushroom Ingredient Qualification.
Each evidence category answers
a different procurement question.
No single assay establishes
ingredient identity, composition,
purity and formulation suitability
at the same time.
EVIDENCE / 01
ORIGIN
Species & Source Identity
Confirm the declared fungal
species and distinguish
fruiting-body, mycelial
and substrate-containing
source materials.
REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Scientific species name
Fruiting body or mycelium
Cultivation and substrate information
Raw-material traceability
A beta-glucan assay alone
does not authenticate
mushroom species.
EVIDENCE / 02
CARBOHYDRATES
Polysaccharides & β-Glucans
Distinguish general
carbohydrate assays from
methods intended for
fungal beta-glucan
quantification.
REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Exact analyte definition
Method and protocol version
Reporting basis and units
Sample-matrix interference
Total polysaccharides
must not be presented
as an equivalent
beta-glucan result.
EVIDENCE / 03
SPECIFIC MARKERS
Targeted HPLC Markers
Identify the individual
compounds required by
the specification and
select the appropriate
analytical procedure.
REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Hericenones and Erinacines
Cordycepin
Specified Ganoderma triterpenes
Reference standards and method
A chromatographic fingerprint
does not automatically establish
quantitative content.
EVIDENCE / 04
COMPOSITION
Composition & Quality Review
Review the complete
commercial ingredient,
including any carriers,
processing aids and
relevant contamination limits.
REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Carrier and excipient declaration
Moisture and physical data
Heavy metals and microbiology
Applicable residual solvent limits
Quality limits and
supporting documents
depend on the product,
batch and destination market.
04B / ANALYTICAL METHOD COMPARISON
Match the Method
to the Declared Marker.
Mushroom specifications are
meaningful only when the
measured analyte, analytical
procedure and reporting basis
are clearly identified.
Analytical Target
Method Approach
Interpretation / Limit
Total Polysaccharides
General carbohydrate fraction
Defined colorimetric or
other documented
carbohydrate assay
Method-dependent result;
not interchangeable with
fungal β-glucans
Fungal β-Glucans
Enzymatic assay endpoint
Megazyme K-YBGL,
where appropriate
to the sample matrix
Calculated glucan fraction;
does not establish
fungal species identity
or precise linkage distribution
Hericenones / Erinacines
Specific Lion's Mane markers
Analyte-specific HPLC;
LC-MS where appropriate
Identify the individual
molecules, reference
standards and source material
Cordycepin
Cordyceps-related marker
Targeted HPLC
with suitable
calibration
Cordycepin content is
not a polysaccharide
or beta-glucan result
Reishi Triterpenes
Specific or grouped analytes
Specified HPLC
or other method
appropriate to the claim
Total triterpene
estimates and individual
ganoderic acid assays
are not automatically equivalent
K-YBGL Method Version &
Matrix Considerations
The Megazyme K-YBGL kit was
updated in October 2025.
When comparing historical
and current beta-glucan
results, review the protocol
version and sample matrix.
Cellulose, cereal beta-glucans
and complex formulated
materials may affect analytical
interpretation or attribution.
This is a method-selection
consideration, not a statement
that every AIHerba batch
has been tested using K-YBGL.
04C / FORMULATION COMPATIBILITY TESTING
Test the Ingredient
in Its Intended Product Matrix.
A passing raw-material
specification does not
automatically demonstrate
suitability for every
beverage, powder blend
or solid-dose application.
Evaluation should use the
customer's actual formulation
and relevant processing conditions.
APPLICATION / 01
Mushroom Coffee
Review mixing performance
and sensory impact in
the intended coffee matrix.
Water temperature and mixing time
Dispersibility and sediment
Flavor, bitterness and aroma
Marker retention if tested
TEST RECORD
Preparation conditions,
appearance and sensory observations
APPLICATION / 02
Functional Beverages
Evaluate physical behavior
and stability within the
intended liquid system.
pH and solubility or dispersibility
Clarity, turbidity and sedimentation
Heat treatment where applicable
Storage and sensory observations
TEST RECORD
Formula pH, processing conditions,
appearance and stability observations
APPLICATION / 03
Powder Blends
Evaluate physical
compatibility across
all ingredients in the blend.
Particle size and bulk density
Blend homogeneity and segregation
Moisture uptake and caking
Carrier content and handling
TEST RECORD
Mixing conditions, powder
behavior and trial-blend observations
APPLICATION / 04
Capsules & Tablets
Match mushroom powder
characteristics to
the solid-dose process.
Assay and source-material identity
Flowability and filling consistency
Moisture and excipient requirements
Compression suitability if applicable
TEST RECORD
Bulk-density, filling or
compression-trial observations
04D / BATCH EVIDENCE & SAMPLE REVIEW
From Analytical Evidence
to Commercial Grade Approval.
Qualification should connect
the actual sample and
its analytical documentation
with the agreed acceptance criteria
and proposed commercial batch.
01
Define Requirements
Species, fungal part,
marker, assay method
and product format.
02
Review Batch Evidence
Sample lot, specification,
COA and available
analytical records.
03
Evaluate Compatibility
Agreed mixing, stability
and processing tests,
with recorded conditions.
04
Confirm Commercial Lot
Verify the proposed
commercial material
against approved criteria.
Technical evidence notice:
The analytical and formulation
tests above are qualification
considerations, not claims that
every AIHerba® grade or batch
has completed them.
Additional testing, method details
and supporting records depend
on the selected product and lot.
Finished-product suitability and
destination-market requirements
require separate review.
MUSHROOM TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION
Need Method Details
or a Formulation Sample?
Send your mushroom species,
target assay, required test method,
intended formulation and quantity.
Our team can review available
documentation and suitable
grade options.
From Mushroom Extract Samples
to Commercial Bulk Supply.
AIHerba® supports international
sourcing of functional mushroom
extracts from initial sample
evaluation to commercial batch
qualification and bulk delivery.
Each sourcing project is matched
to the requested mushroom species,
source material, analytical marker,
formulation format and destination
requirements.
STAGE 01
EVALUATION
Evaluation Sample
Select a mushroom ingredient
and evaluate its intended
grade for analytical identity,
physical properties and
formulation suitability.
REQUEST DETAILS
Species · Grade · Sample quantity ·
Available batch COA
STAGE 02
QUALIFICATION
Technical Qualification
Align source identity,
standardized markers,
test methods and carrier
composition with the
customer's specification.
Review the proposed
commercial lot, order
quantity, batch-specific
evidence and packaging
before purchase approval.
REQUEST DETAILS
Batch ID · COA ·
MOQ · Packing format
STAGE 04
GLOBAL SUPPLY
Quotation & Delivery
Confirm commercial pricing,
preparation schedule,
international freight and
suitable shipping terms
for the destination.
REQUEST DETAILS
Price · Lead time ·
Incoterms® · Freight
BULK SOURCING / COMMERCIAL PARAMETERS
Practical Ordering Details.
Confirmed by Ingredient & Lot.
01 / SAMPLEGrade-Specific
Sample quantity, charges
and supporting documents
depend on the selected material.
02 / PACKAGINGOften 25 kg
Common commercial packing
for suitable grades.
Other formats may be arranged.
03 / PREPARATION7–10 Working Days
Typical planning reference
for standard China-origin orders;
timing is confirmed per order.
04 / SHIPPINGGlobal Quotations
FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP
options reviewed according
to route and feasibility.
TECHNICAL RFQ / MUSHROOM INGREDIENTS
Specify the Mushroom.
Define the Commercial Grade.
A mushroom ingredient inquiry
should distinguish the species,
source material and analytical
marker before commercial pricing
is compared.
This is especially important
when purchasing Lion's Mane,
Reishi and Cordyceps extracts
with different carbohydrate
fractions or targeted
small-molecule actives.
Batch alignment:
Evaluation samples and
commercial orders are not
automatically supplied from
the same lot. If same-lot
continuity is required,
state this before ordering.
MUSHROOM TECHNICAL RFQ6 REQUIREMENTS
01
Species & Source
Exact scientific name,
fruiting body, mycelium
or other source requirements.
02
Target Marker & Method
Polysaccharides, β-glucans,
cordycepin, hericenones or
other defined analytes.
03
Formulation Requirements
Coffee, beverages, powders,
capsules or tablets;
relevant solubility needs.
04
Quality & Documentation
COA, TDS, carrier composition,
contaminant limits or
specified testing records.
05
Purchase Volume
Evaluation sample,
pilot order or estimated
commercial quantity.
06
Destination & Trade Terms
Country, city or postal code,
and requested delivery terms.
PRODUCT-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATION
Commercial supply notice:
Sample availability, MOQ,
packaging and preparation time
vary by mushroom species,
extract grade and order quantity.
The 7–10 working-day reference
excludes international transit.
DAP and DDP feasibility, import
charges and customs responsibilities
are confirmed in the quotation.
Technical and regulatory suitability
requires product-specific review.
AIHERBA® / MUSHROOM BULK SOURCING
Request a Mushroom Extract
Sample, COA & Bulk Quote.
Share your target species,
analytical specification,
formulation format,
required quantity and destination.
Our team can review suitable
grades and commercial
supply options.
Practical answers about source
identity, analytical markers,
formulation compatibility,
batch documentation and
international bulk supply.
01
What is the difference between
fruiting-body and mycelium extracts?
Fruiting-body and mycelium
extracts originate from
different fungal structures.
Their constituent profiles
and suitable analytical markers
may differ. For Lion's Mane,
for example, hericenone-focused
fruiting-body preparations
should not be treated as
equivalent to mycelium-derived
Erinacine A materials.
Buyers should specify the
required fungal part, species,
cultivation source and
whether carriers or
substrate-derived material
are present.
02
Are total polysaccharides and
mushroom β-glucans the same?
No. Total polysaccharides
represent a method-defined
carbohydrate measurement,
while fungal β-glucans
are a more specific
carbohydrate category.
A mushroom extract labelled
"30% polysaccharides" must
not automatically be described
as "30% β-glucans".
For an accurate comparison,
request the analyte definition,
analytical method and
batch-specific result.
03
Can you provide fungal β-glucan
results using Megazyme K-YBGL?
For relevant mushroom grades,
AIHerba® can review whether
batch-specific β-glucan
documentation based on
Megazyme K-YBGL is available
or whether additional
testing should be arranged.
The method version and sample
composition should be checked.
β-Glucan content alone does not
authenticate fungal species,
identify every glucan structure
or establish the absence
of non-fungal carbohydrate sources.
04
Are functional mushroom extracts
suitable for coffee and beverages?
Selected grades may be
suitable candidates for
mushroom coffee, powdered
drinks or other functional
beverages, but suitability
depends on the extract
and finished formulation.
Water solubility, dispersibility,
turbidity, sedimentation,
flavor, pH and processing
conditions may require
sample evaluation.
A water-dispersible grade
is not necessarily
a fully soluble or
crystal-clear ingredient.
05
Will evaluation samples and
commercial orders use the same batch?
Not automatically.
Sample lots and commercial
supply lots depend on
actual availability.
If same-lot continuity
is required, please
identify this requirement
before ordering.
Otherwise, the proposed
commercial lot should
be evaluated against
the agreed specification,
analytical method and
acceptance criteria.
Available COAs should
identify the corresponding lot.
06
What are the MOQ, packaging,
lead time and international
delivery options?
MOQ and evaluation quantities
depend on the mushroom species,
grade and required documentation.
Suitable bulk ingredients are
commonly packed in 25 kg
drums or cartons.
Standard orders may use
approximately 7–10 working days
as a preparation reference,
subject to product and
order confirmation.
International transit
is separate.
FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP quotations
may be reviewed according
to the destination and
shipping feasibility.
Import eligibility, duties
and applicable food or
supplement regulations
require market-specific review.
AIHERBA® / MUSHROOM BULK INGREDIENTS
Ready to Source
Your Mushroom Ingredients?
Tell us your mushroom species,
target analytical marker,
required grade, formulation
application, quantity and
destination market.
Our sourcing team can
review suitable options,
available batch documents
and commercial supply terms.
