Today, the Reishi spore oil, often referred to as “liver-protecting soft gold,” is gaining popularity among health-conscious individuals. However, the luxurious aura surrounding Reishi spore oil raises questions: What substance does it truly contain? And why is it so highly prized? Perhaps today, we can unveil the mystery by chewing open a single spore oil softgel and discovering what precious treasure lies within.
First, let’s take a look at where Reishi spore oil comes from. When Reishi mushrooms reach maturity, they release oval-shaped reproductive cells from the underside of their caps, known as Reishi spores. Reishi spore oil is derived from these ruptured spores and appears as a yellow, transparent lipid substance.
To extract spore oil, one must employ advanced techniques. Each step of the extraction and encapsulation process must be handled with great care to prevent oxidation due to exposure to air.
Clearly, producing a bottle of spore oil like this is no easy task. It requires a considerable amount of spore powder to extract even a small vial of spore oil. The high cost associated with this process makes it one of the most expensive ingredients among Reishi raw materials.
Second, what are the valuable components of the active ingredients in spore oil?
Concentrates are always the essence, and Reishi spore oil is no exception. It contains abundant active ingredients, and its content is relatively higher.
1) Reishi Triterpenes: Key Components for Liver Protection
When many people purchase Reishi products, they often inquire about the triterpene content. It can be said that triterpene levels serve as a meaningful indicator of spore oil quality. Reishi triterpenes, in addition to their vital role in liver protection, exhibit other beneficial effects such as renal injury prevention, antioxidant properties, and free radical scavenging. Furthermore, in vitro experiments have demonstrated their antiviral activity, inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme, and suppression of cholesterol synthesis1. Undoubtedly, Reishi triterpenes represent the treasured bioactive ingredients within Reishi!
2) Sterols: Another Crucial Active Ingredient in Reishi Spore Oil
Sterols, another treasured active ingredient in Reishi spore oil, have several beneficial effects. They promote wound healing, accelerate muscle regeneration, and enhance skin resistance2. Additionally, they mitigate the damage caused to nerve cells by reperfusion injury after cerebral ischemia, which holds significant implications for stroke patients3.
3) Fatty Acids and Glycerides: Essential Ingredients for Nourishing the Skin
Research confirms that Reishi spore oil contains over ten types of fatty acids, with unsaturated fatty acids accounting for 77% and saturated fatty acids comprising 18%. Fatty acids play a crucial role in the skin’s lipid barrier, improving its resilience against external irritants, preventing skin inflammation, and enhancing immune function. Today, the application of Reishi spore oil in the cosmetics industry is gaining prominence. Additionally, spore oil contains amino acids, nucleosides, trace elements, and other beneficial ingredients that contribute to antioxidant effects, delay aging, and boost immunity in the human body.
Third, the synergistic interaction among multiple active ingredients results in a potent spore oil.
Due to the synergistic interaction of various active ingredients, Reishi spore oil exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities. These include hepatoprotective effects, immune enhancement, antioxidant properties, and anti-aging benefits. Notably, it assists in protecting against chemically induced liver injury. Numerous studies have confirmed the protective role of Reishi spore oil combined with Reishi extracts in cases of alcohol-induced liver injury. Additionally, it helps reduce hepatic fat accumulation, thereby lowering the risk of liver inflammation5. Therefore, individuals who regularly consume alcohol may consider incorporating Reishi spore oil into their diet to effectively protect their liver health.
Finally, you are reminded that when purchasing spore oil, it is crucial to discern the authenticity and quality of the spore oil. Always remember to choose reliable Reishi spore oil products.
References:
1. Lin, Zhibin, and Yang Baoxue. “Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Ganoderma.” First Edition, Page 11.
2. Tao, Yu et al. “Active Ingredients and Mechanisms of Action of Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Oil, with Applications in Cosmetics.” Flavour and Fragrance Cosmetics, 2023, 6(3), 127.
3. Wu, Tingyao. “Healing with Ganoderma: Ganoderma’s Active Ingredients (Part II).” GanoHerbi Organic Ganoderma, April 1, 2019.
4. Tao, Yu et al. “Active Ingredients and Mechanisms of Action of Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Oil, with Applications in Cosmetics.” Flavour and Fragrance Cosmetics, 2023, 6(3), 126.
5. Jin, Lingyun et al. “Protective Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Oil Extract Compound Formulation on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury.” Chinese Edible Fungi, 2016; 35(6): 34-37.
