Ergothioneine, a trendy dietary ingredient for a healthy and long life
Mushrooms: The Mainstream Superfood of the 21st Century
Mushrooms: The Focus of the Global Health Market
Mushroom Supplements are now a thing today. But how did we get here?
Mushrooms have long been treasured as a health food with healing power because they are rich in polysaccharides, essential amino acids, proteins, minerals, vitamin B complex, and vitamin D and contain numerous antioxidant nutrients[1]. Polysaccharides in mushrooms are especially loved by the public. Therefore, in the East, these precious medicinal mushrooms have been recognized as the elixir of life in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times.
In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted to find out the multiple health benefits of mushrooms, and this has led to extensive discussion in the Western medical community[2], including discussions around mushroom supplements. The most notable substances are the polysaccharides in mushrooms, mainly from four types of mushrooms: reishi (for enhancing the immune system), snow fungus (to nourish your skin), shiitake (for health maintenance), and lion’s mane (for nourishing and strengthening the body)[3]. The polysaccharides in mushrooms are highly bioactive and stable, with three major health benefits: energy support, immune function support, and digestive support[4], so they are often made into dietary supplements i.e mushroom supplements.
Ergothioneine benefits have also further driven the mushroom market’s growth as a trendy ingredient for health
Since vegetarians don’t eat meat, mushrooms are one of the vegan-friendly sources of protein to meet their daily needs to stay healthy. In addition, recent studies have shown that mushrooms are packed with nutrients beneficial to the human body, which arouses widespread interest in mushrooms. The six most commonly used medicinal mushrooms are reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, shiitake, turkey tail, and maitake[5]. The popular king oyster mushroom is a pride of Taiwan. Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute used hybridization to cultivate a new variety and patent it[6], naming it “king oyster mushrooms,” which are characterized by their abalone-like texture and almond aroma. Its contents of dietary fiber, protein, and vitamins are richer than those of shiitake.
In recent years, scientists have discovered ergothioneine, the super antioxidant, in mushrooms, raising the nutritional value of mushrooms as it’s now used in the production of ergothioneine supplements. Ergothioneine is a rare amino acid and natural antioxidant and has been recognized as a “super substance” by Christopher P. Chen. Mushrooms have also been perceived as a “superfood.”[7]
Ergothioneine (EGT) was first used in skin care products and became prominent in the beauty market. Later, it started to be used in health supplements. Google searches on ergothioneine keep increasing year by year. According to Grand View Research, the global mushroom market was estimated at US$26.7 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to reach US$47.2 billion in 2028[8], with high consumer demand and great growth potential.
[1] https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20200814000925-260405?chdtv
[2] https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/14/7/11/n4197947.htm
[3] https://heho.com.tw/archives/57144
[4] https://www.yohopower.tw/blogs/health-note/62621
[5] https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/22/4/18/n13714574.htm
[6] https://www.gvm.com.tw/article/15499
[7] https://www.tari.gov.tw/form/index-1.asp?Parser=3,6,76,39,,,1232,91
[8] https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/functional-mushroom-market-report
Ergothioneine, or EGT, is the rising star of super-antioxidant ingredients
A major reason behind the broad attention given to ergothioneine–related published research is that it is flourishing.
Ergothioneine, found mainly in mushrooms, was discovered by Dr Charles in 1909[9] in his research on ergot fungus, and Dr Bruce Ames, an American biochemist, confirmed its antioxidant effect through data analysis[10]. Subsequently, the National University of Singapore spent seven years studying the protective effect of ergothioneine on the brain to prevent aging-related dysfunction[11]. In addition to brain protection, there are also studies showing that adding 0.01%–3% ergothioneine to cosmetics has a whitening effect, that it is not easily oxidized in water, and that it is non-toxic to humans[12]. A succession of published research papers has made ergothioneine a rapidly rising star in the skincare and dietary supplement markets.
EGT will sweep the market with its wide range of applications
EGT combines brain health support, lung protection, and cytoprotective capabilities, which reduce the damage of inflammatory factors to cells, effectively protect the blood-brain barrier, increase the number of tubulin in the brain nerve to assist signal transmission, and inhibit the inflammation of neutrophils in the lungs to alleviate lung injury. Ergothioneine, with its own super antioxidant power, offers excellent benefits in medical, food, and cosmetic applications[13]. According to a MarketWatch report, the global ergothioneine market size was estimated at USD 15.02 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 93.05 million by 2028[14]. Due to the buzz around the superior potency of EGT, Wel-Bloom has invested in research and development of the exclusive patented health ingredient.
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32051057/
[10] https://hk.prnasia.com/story/255296-2.shtml
[11] https://newtalk.tw/news/view/2019-06-04/239030
[12] https://www.chidonbiotech.com/l-ergothioneine/
[13] https://www.datamintelligence.com/research-report/ergothioneine-market
[14] https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/ergothioneine-egt-market-for-the-period-2022-to-2028-this-research-report-shows-the-current-state-and-prospects-and-growth-2022-10-03
