Abstract
<jats:p>Mushroom-derived consumer nutraceuticals, especially those sourced from moderately exotic species, are a rapidly growing market. Processed materials are preferred over fresh mushroom due to a combination of longer shelf life, easier administration, and a higher concentration of the desired bioactives. These products are mostly prepared by maceration—one of the oldest, cheapest, and simplest techniques—however, there are few reports investigating how to best accomplish and enhance the extraction procedure. In this study, employing a Design of Experiment protocol, we investigated not only the effects of extraction time and temperature but also the impact of ultrasonic waves on the extraction yield of bioactive molecules, including β-glucan, ergosterol, vitamin D2, ganoderic acid A, and soluble protein, from reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), and cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) mushrooms. By tailoring extraction conditions to each mushroom species, we were able to achieve maximal extraction of bioactive molecules in less than an hour, while minimising energy consumption; we also note that concentrations decrease as the maceration time further increases past this optimum. We then explore methods to further concentrate the extracts and compare the levels of the key bioactives with commercially available alternatives; in some cases, casting doubt on the content profile of these supposed supplements and highlighting the benefits of a brief extraction.</jats:p>