Polysaccharide K (PSK): Benefits, Applications, Extraction Process & Quality Standards

High-Purity Mushroom Polysaccharide for Supplements, Functional Foods & Cosmetics

By AiHerba | Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
📧 sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com

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1. Overview: What Makes Our Polysaccharide K Different

If you’re evaluating Polysaccharide K for your next formulation, you’re likely looking for an ingredient that’s clinically recognized, reliable, and backed by transparent testing. Our PSK is extracted exclusively from Trametes versicolor (also known as Coriolus versicolor or Turkey Tail), and standardized through a controlled manufacturing process that has been refined over more than a decade.

This PSK is produced in our GMP-certified plant extract factory in China, with consistent batch-to-batch quality verified through third-party laboratories. As a Herbal Extract Supplier and Botanical Extract Manufacturer, we’ve supported global supplement brands, functional food producers, and cosmetic formulators across 40+ countries.

We offer both bulk supply for manufacturers and free sample herbal extract options for new product developers.

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2. What Is Polysaccharide K? (PSK / Krestin)

Polysaccharide K is a protein-bound polysaccharide naturally occurring in Trametes versicolor. In Japan, PSK has been studied extensively since the 1970s and is widely referenced in scientific literature for its immunomodulatory properties.

• Molecular Weight: 100–200 kDa

• Main Composition: β-glucans + protein complexes

• Appearance: Light brown to tan powder

• Standardization: Typically 20–40% PSK (customization available)

Because of its unique polysaccharide-protein structure, PSK is used in:

• nutraceutical immunity formulas

• functional beverages and ready-mix powders

• natural skincare with antioxidant positioning

• customized herbal extract solutions for OEM/ODM formulations

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3. Source & Botanical Identity

• Botanical Name: Trametes versicolor (syn. Coriolus versicolor)

• Part Used: Fruiting body

• Origin: Sourced from carefully selected mushroom farms in China’s Qinling region

• Extraction Method: Water extraction + low-temperature concentration

• Standardization: Polysaccharide K content (HPLC / UV)

Every batch is authenticated using macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical fingerprinting methods.

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4. Key Benefits & Functional Properties

While no therapeutic claims are made here, the following functions are supported by peer-reviewed research (see references section):

(1) Immune System Modulation

PSK is widely studied for its effects on macrophages, NK cells, and T-cell activity (NIH / PubMed).

(2) Antioxidant Support

Reduces oxidative stress markers; beneficial for both supplements and cosmetic applications.

(3) Gut Microbiome Support

β-glucans may support gut barrier integrity and microbial balance.

(4) Healthy Aging & Vitality Support

A popular ingredient in Asia for longevity-focused formulations.

(5) Cosmetic Functionality

• Skin barrier protection

• Anti-oxidative defense

• Environmental stress protection

This versatile profile explains why PSK is used by dietary supplement brands, functional beverage manufacturers, and natural skincare formulators globally.

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5. Recommended Usage & Dosage

These ranges reflect common industry practice:

Dietary Supplements

• 400–1000 mg/day pure PSK

• Used in capsules, tablets, effervescent powders

Functional Foods & Beverages

• 0.3–1% inclusion in formulas

• Often blended with mushroom extract premixes

Cosmetics

• 0.1–0.5% in emulsions, serums, lotions

• Water-soluble; adds no color in low-dose applications

We also support customized herbal extract specifications based on your formulation needs.

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6. Traditional Applications

Trametes versicolor has deep roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as Yun Zhi (云芝).

Historically used for:

• vitality and energy

• immune “tonification”

• respiratory and digestive system support

This traditional background adds value to premium supplement and TCM-inspired product lines.

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7. Product Specifications (Typical COA)

7.1 General Specifications

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7.2 Pesticide Residue Testing

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7.3 Heavy Metals

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7.4 Microbiology

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8. Manufacturing Process

Our PSK is manufactured in a GMP certified plant using food-grade standards, suitable for supplement, food, and topical skincare applications.

8-Step Production Flow

1. Raw Material Selection

2. Cleaning & Sorting

3. Hot Water Extraction

4. Filtration

5. Concentration Under Reduced Pressure

6. Spray Drying / Vacuum Drying

7. Sifting & Blending

8. Final QC, Packing, and Release

The entire process is designed to preserve the integrity of the protein-bound polysaccharide fraction.

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9. Packaging, Storage & Shelf Life

• Standard Packaging: 1 kg aluminum foil bag; 25 kg drum

• Storage: Cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Shelf Life: 24 months when properly stored

• Label Options: OEM, private label, or neutral packaging

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10. Sample Policy, MOQ & Logistics

• Free sample herbal extract: 20–50 g available for testing

• MOQ: 1 kg for lab testing; 25 kg for bulk orders

• Lead Time: 3–7 working days

• Shipping: DHL, FedEx, air freight, sea freight

• Wholesale price: Provided upon request

As a dietary supplement raw material manufacturer, we support flexible order quantities for brands at different stages of development.

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11. Application Industries & Use Cases

Dietary Supplements

• Immune support formulas

• Healthy aging blends

• Medicinal mushroom complexes

Functional Foods & Beverages

• Instant drinks

• Fortified nutrition powders

• Functional gummies

Cosmetics

• Anti-pollution skincare

• Barrier-support serums

• Hydration and soothing formulas

R&D & Ingredient Innovation

We also work with R&D labs developing customized herbal extract integrations for next-generation wellness products.

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12. Quality, Certifications & Compliance

Our facilities meet international quality expectations:

• GMP

• ISO22000

• HACCP

• Third-party testing reports available

• Traceability documentation upon request

We also provide real production photos, batch COAs, and regulatory support for global customers.

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13. FAQ (Most Common Buyer Questions)

1) Is your PSK the same as Japan’s “Krestin”?

Yes — it is the same active protein-bound polysaccharide extracted from Trametes versicolor, with similar analytical markers.

2) Can I Buy Herbal Extracts Wholesale from your factory?

Yes — we ship globally from our PSK production facility in China.

3) Do you support low-MOQs for small brands?

Yes. We support both startup brands and established manufacturers.

4) Can you adjust the PSK percentage?

Yes — as a Botanical Extract Manufacturer, we can customize PSK specifications.

5) Do you provide regulatory documentation?

COA, MSDS, Spec Sheet, Nutritional Data Sheet, and more are available.

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14. References (PubMed / NIH / FDA)

(1) Polysaccharide K from Trametes versicolor — immunomodulatory research (NIH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
(2) β-glucan and immune activity review articles
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
(3) FDA guidelines for dietary supplement labeling
https://www.fda.gov/
(4) Functional mushroom clinical research overview
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

(To keep the page clean, I list general links; full citations can be provided in a technical dossier.)

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15. Contact & Procurement

For technical documents, COAs, pricing, samples, and bulk procurement:

📧 sales@aiherba.com
📧 info@aiherba.com
📧 liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com

As a Herbal Extract Supplier and Plant Extract Factory China, we support global brands with consistent, traceable, high-quality Polysaccharide K.