What is the difference between Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting body and mycelium? The key to distinguish is the growth point and weight
The fruiting body is the "fruit" part that grows on the Antrodia cinnamomea wood; the mycelium grows on the culture medium to absorb nutrients from the wood. It can also be said that the mycelium plays the role of a delivery tube, and the real nutrients are in the fruiting body, just like we eat fruits but not rhizomes. The formation of mycelium is easy and fast, and it can grow in about 7-14 days. It can even be directly cultivated using public version bacteria. This is why there is a huge difference in the "Antrodia cinnamomea price difference".
Even a small piece of thick fruiting body is very heavy. You can see the growth rings and thickness of the thick fruiting body through the cross section. 
When you buy Antrodia cinnamomea products, have you noticed that some are labeled "fruiting bodies" while others are "mycelium"?
What is the difference between the two? Simply put, the fruiting body is the part of Antrodia cinnamomea that is similar to the "pulp" , which has a higher concentration of active ingredients and more significant health benefits; while the mycelium plays the role of absorbing nutrients from the wood and then transferring them to the fruiting body, and its effect is relatively limited.
This article will directly explain the main differences between the two to readers, and further explain the ingredients, effects and tips for purchasing high-quality Antrodia cinnamomea health foods.
Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting body growth stages: hyphae expansion, spore formation, fruiting body maturity
The growth process of Antrodia cinnamomea can be divided into three stages: mycelium expansion, spore formation, and fruiting body maturity . The mycelium is the "nutrient absorption channel" of Antrodia cinnamomea, responsible for absorbing nutrients from wood; and the fruiting body is the "fruit" finally formed after the accumulation of nutrients. There are also quasi-fruiting bodies between the mycelium and the fruiting body. Although the quasi-fruiting bodies also have active ingredients, they are still much less than the growth of the fruiting body.
The following table compares the fruiting bodies and mycelium:
| project | Fruiting body | Mycelium |
|---|---|---|
| source | The "fruit" part of the tree growing on the Anthocyanin | The vegetative part of the fungus, grown on a substrate |
| Ingredient concentration | Very high concentration of triterpenes and polysaccharides | Relatively low concentration of ingredients |
| Growth time | It takes several years to mature and the conditions are strict | Fast growing, ready in 7-14 days |
| price | The price is higher because the production is scarce | Relatively cheap |
| effect | Significant efficacy, suitable for high-demand groups | Suitable for daily health needs |
Why are fruiting bodies more valuable?
The fruiting body is the final mature form of Antrodia cinnamomea , which concentrates a large amount of active ingredients such as triterpenes and polysaccharides, and has a stronger health-care effect. Although the mycelium also has a certain effect, the concentration and effect of the ingredients are far inferior to the fruiting body, and the cost is low. Many cheap Antrodia cinnamomea products on the market are mainly based on mycelium, or even use "public version bacteria" with poor effects, which causes consumers to feel no effect after eating them.
Therefore, choosing products containing fruiting bodies is the key to investing in your health.
Composition and efficacy of Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting body
The reason why Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting bodies are regarded as top-level health food (and are incredibly expensive) is mainly because of the content of triterpenes and polysaccharides. However, it takes several years and a suitable environment to grow thick fruiting bodies.
The main ingredients of Antrodia cinnamomea
-
Triterpenoids
- It is the core ingredient of Antrodia cinnamomea, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune regulating effects.
- The concentration of triterpenes in fruiting bodies was much higher than that in mycelium.
-
Polysaccharide
- Helps improve immunity and promotes the body's fight against foreign pathogens.
- Has potential anti-tumor effects.
-
Adenosine, superoxide dismutase
- Protects cells from oxidative damage
- Anti-tumor and neuroprotective
The main effects of Antrodia cinnamomea
- Improve immunity : Enhance the body's resistance to fight against viruses and bacteria.
- Liver protection and health care : promote liver metabolism and reduce toxin accumulation.
- Antioxidant and anti-aging : remove free radicals and reduce cell damage.
- Anti-inflammatory : Reduces inflammation in the body and supports overall health.
- Enhance physical strength and resist fatigue : help restore energy and improve quality of life.
How to choose high-quality Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting body products?
When choosing Antrodia cinnamomea products, the following points can help you choose high-quality Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting body products :
1. Confirm whether the label contains fruiting bodies
High-quality Antrodia cinnamomea products will clearly indicate the "fruiting body" ingredient, rather than just the mycelium. Avoid products that do not clearly state their ingredients.
2. Check the content of triterpenes and polysaccharides
Triterpenes and polysaccharides are the key components of Antrodia cinnamomea. The higher the concentration, the more significant the effect. You can check the product packaging or inspection report when purchasing.
3. Choose brands from legal sources
Confirm whether the product comes from Antrodia cinnamomea legally cultivated in Taiwan and has passed third-party inspection to ensure quality and safety.
4. Avoid products that are too cheap
Many cheap Antrodia cinnamomea capsules on the market are mainly composed of mycelium, or even public version of the fungus, with limited effects. It is safer to choose products with reasonable prices and clear sources.
Choose Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting body to ensure your health
Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting bodies are a top choice among health foods due to their rarity and high concentration of active ingredients. Compared with mycelium, fruiting bodies are more effective and suitable for people who pursue high-quality health effects. When purchasing Antrodia cinnamomea products, be sure to confirm whether they contain fruiting bodies and choose a reputable brand to allow this Taiwanese treasure to truly realize its value.
If you are looking for a Ganoderma product that can fully support your health, you can read this article which compares the four major Ganoderma health food brands . I hope it can help readers buy the Ganoderma health product that suits them.
