Fruiting physique extracts, together with these from the Phoenix oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius), often don’t require EFSA pre-market authorization as novel components. Nonetheless, most mycelium-derived supplies, particularly powders, are usually deemed novel meals as a result of they lack a documented historical past of consumption within the EU earlier than Might 1997.
The latest choice displays its unique classification as novel in 2023, that means Phoenix oyster mushroom mycelium components should proceed to endure a security evaluation and obtain regulatory approval earlier than they are often offered.
Robin Gurney, director of the Estonian licensed natural mushroom extract provider Musheez, mentioned that it’s clear mycelium components are below shut watch, however on this case, it’s acceptable that EFSA has made this ruling for shopper safety causes.
“The ruling highlights how carefully regulators are scrutinizing novel mycelium merchandise,” he instructed NI. “However frankly, for corporations and customers alike, the important thing consideration stays efficacy, and mycelium on grain (MOG) will not be the very best pathway there. Personally, I wish to see the tip of MOG merchandise.”
The distinction between the mycelium and the fruiting physique
Most mushroom dietary supplements are produced from both the mycelium or the fruiting physique (or typically a mixture).
A fruiting-body-based complement is derived from probably the most recognizable a part of a mushroom—the cap and the stem. Sometimes, the fruiting physique accommodates greater quantities of beta-glucans, that are acknowledged as immune-supporting compounds, and tends to be high-potency and nutrient-dense.
Mycelium-based dietary supplements, then again, come from an underground fungal community and are sometimes grown on grain substrates like these from rice or oats. Whereas they’ll include useful compounds, they’ll additionally include starch from the grain on which it’s grown, Gurney defined.
“With ‘mycelium on grain,’ the tip product will not be purely mushroom biomass—it’s a mixture of mycelium and residual grain,” he mentioned. “This makes it tough to separate bioactive content material from filler starch, which generally leads to considerably decrease concentrations of the compounds that make mushrooms worthwhile.”
What makes Phoenix Oyster Mycelium novel?
In response to Gurney, the Phoenix oyster mycelium is relatively much less studied than the fruiting our bodies of different Pleurotus species, such because the frequent oyster mushroom or the king oyster mushroom.
Whereas some analysis has recognized key vitamins and bioactive compounds of the fruiting our bodies, equivalent to nutritional vitamins B and D, flavonoids and antioxidant compounds, the mycelium of P. pulmonarius stays underexplored, he mentioned. This hole contains restricted research on its secondary metabolite manufacturing and enzymatic exercise.
The mushroom space is booming, and types generally embrace in style varieties equivalent to lion’s mane, chaga, reishi and cordyceps in in style practical meals and drinks, Gurney instructed NI. Nonetheless, this particular ruling on the less-popular mycelium selection will possible have a “near-zero impression” on the business, he mentioned.
