“Synergy” is a word that shows up frequently in the wellness world, but what does it actually mean for supplements? At its core, synergy describes what happens when two or more ingredients work together to produce a greater effect than they could individually.

With synergy, one plus one doesn’t just equal two—it becomes something more. That’s the foundation of many wellness formulas made from whole, natural ingredients.

A related concept in herbalism and mycology is the “entourage effect,” the idea that compounds within a whole plant or mushroom interact with the body in ways isolated extracts can’t. In nature, ingredients don’t work solo. They function as part of a team, each contributing to a broader outcome.[fda:note]

Modern research is exploring how compounds from plants, mushrooms, and herbs may work better together than alone. Traditional systems have embraced this idea for centuries. Herbal formulas from around the world are based on the belief that combining ingredients leads to more effective support, whether for rest, digestion, energy, or immune balance.[fda:note]

An effective formula starts with a specific wellness goal. For example, rather than simply supporting “lung health,” a targeted formula might aim to promote easy breathing throughout the day or enhance oxygen uptake.[fda:note]

That level of specificity helps guide ingredient selection with precision. From there, ingredients are chosen for their role:

• Drivers are the primary ingredients doing the heavy lifting.[fda:note]
• Supporters help reinforce and expand the formula’s function.[fda:note]
• Harmonizers help tie it all together, supporting balance, absorption, or overall energy.[fda:note]

It’s like planning a road trip: drivers get you there, supporters help with directions and rerouting, and the harmonizers keep the journey smooth with snacks and music.

Take the Host Defense® MycoBenefits™ Sleep[fda:note] formula, for example. It begins with calming driver ingredients:

• Passionflower: supports sleep quality.[fda:note]
• L-theanine: promotes fast-acting calm.[fda:note]
• GABA: helps with sustained mental relaxation.[fda:note]

Supporters like lion’s mane and reishi promote a balanced mood and sleep cycle, while magnesium bisglycinate helps the body relax. Vitamin B6, the harmonizer, supports sleep rhythm and formula balance.[fda:note]

Why combine L-theanine and GABA? Because one works quickly, while the other delivers prolonged effects to offer more layered support. In fact, studies show these ingredients work better together than alone, and adding magnesium only amplifies that benefit. That’s synergy.[fda:note]

Beauty, another formula from the Host Defense® MycoBenefits™ line, is designed to support skin, hair, and nails by applying the same synergistic principles. Its drivers target hydration and connective tissue:[fda:note]

• Enokitake mushroom: supports skin hydration.[fda:note]
• Hyaluronic acid: aids hydration and connective tissue function.[fda:note]
• Bamboo shoot: promotes hair strength and bone integrity.[fda:note]

Supporters like reishi, chaga, and antioxidant-rich fruits help protect against oxidative stress and support the body’s natural defenses. The formula is harmonized with biotin, which supports energy metabolism and hair and nail health.[fda:note]

The potential for synergy is especially strong with mushrooms, which contain hundreds of active compounds. When combined with herbs and nutraceuticals, they unlock a broader spectrum of targeted wellness potential.[fda:note]

Formulation is also about adding with intention. Knowing what not to combine is just as important as knowing what to include. For example, pairing a calming herb with one that promotes energy may reduce the impact of both.[fda:note]

At the same time, nuance matters. Someone who’s overtired might actually benefit from a gently energizing ingredient to help the body reset and ease into rest. This is where expertise comes in, not just in understanding ingredients individually but in knowing how they behave together.[fda:note]

It’s also why we avoid the “kitchen sink” approach, throwing in every trending ingredient without a clear role. Supplements come with space constraints, and overstuffed formulas can lead to underdosing or conflicting effects. Whether it's a capsule, powder, syrup, or today’s fan favorite gummy, there’s only so much you can fit into one serving.

This is where harmonizers can come into play. They don’t require a large serving size but can still influence how a formula functions. For example, in the MycoBenefits™ Focus[fda:note] formula, choline works in the background to support neurotransmitter activity and tie together the effects of more direct ingredients like lion’s mane and reishi for better cognitive support.[fda:note]

Formulas are inherently more complex than single-ingredient supplements. But that’s exactly what gives them their potential. While a single compound may serve a purpose, it’s often one-dimensional. Formulas, by design, invite synergy, and when done right, they create a more harmonized, effective path toward health and vitality.[fda:note]

Used in Asia for centuries for its health- and longevity-promoting benefits, the maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), is now considered a “major medicinal mushroom” in the modern world, according to dietitian/nutritionist Brittany Lubeck, MS, RDN.

Benefits of Maitake

Research has uncovered maitake’s usefulness in immunity, likely thanks to its polysaccharide and polyphenol content.

• Anti-Tumor Properties

  “Beta-glucans (types of polysaccharides) are widely present in maitake mushrooms. In laboratory research, beta-glucans have shown antitumor properties,” Lubeck notes. Human clinical trials are needed to back up this information.

  “Flavonoids and other types of polyphenols are also present in maitake mushrooms. These act as antioxidants, which may be necessary for disease prevention,” says Lubeck.

• Polysaccharide Actions

  Since the discovery, more than 30 years ago, of maitake’s D-fraction, researchers have extracted other polysaccharides, including beta-glucans and heteroglycans, from both the fruiting body and the fungal mycelium (root-like structure) of maitake.

  Polysaccharides are maitake’s major immunomodulating components.

• General Immunity

  Maitake extracts are marketed as dietary supplements that “enhance immune function” and help treat cancer and AIDS. The active constituent in these preparations is beta 1,6-glucan, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Human data are limited, however.

  “In small trials,” says the MSKCC website, “oral maitake extract appeared to have immunomodulatory effects in postmenopausal breast cancer patients, and enhanced neutrophil and monocyte function in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome,” a group of disorders caused by irregular blood cells.

  “D-fraction in maitake mushroom has a strong effect on the immune system,” according to a 2022 WebMD article. “It boosts production of lymphokines (protein mediators) and interleukins (secreted proteins) that improve your immune response.” 

Precautions

• Blood Health

  Discuss the use of maitake with your healthcare provider before adding a maitake extract to your supplement regimen, especially if:

  • you take blood thinners (such as Coumadin and Jantoven)
  • you take blood-sugar-lowering medication

  Maitake can increase bleeding risk as well as lowering blood sugar.

• Pregnancy / Breastfeeding

  Because of a lack of safety information on the use of maitake by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, Lubeck suggests they “talk with a healthcare provider before using maitake mushrooms.”

Ever wonder what all those symbols on your favorite product mean?

Messaging through symbols is a growing way for brands to quickly connect with customers over shared values. Symbols might be used to convey how something is grown or how the company is addressing environmental and social issues.

Below, we explore what goes into several important certification/designation symbols, and why industry-leading Fungi Perfecti—makers of Host Defense Mushrooms—is committed to the highest standards.

Host Defense Certifications

• Organic / Vegan / Gluten-Free

  The most obvious place to start when considering a supplement is verification for safety and quality.

  The Certified Organic designation by the USDA, or other reputable third-party certifiers, verifies that ingredients have been grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, and, as with all organic foods, none of it is grown or handled using genetically modified organisms, which the organic standards expressly prohibit.

  This means that any product certified as organic is also non-GMO.

  Host Defense products are certified organic by either the USDA or Washington State Department of Agriculture.

  In addition to being non-GMO, they are also vegan and gluten-free.

• 110% Climate Positive

  Many organizations are beginning to make a “carbon neutral” commitment. This means that they minimize their footprint where they can and offset any emissions they can’t eliminate, bringing their total emissions to zero, or carbon neutral.

  While this is important work, unfortunately, being carbon neutral is no longer enough to keep pace with climate change.

  At Fungi Perfecti, they have committed to being climate positive.

  Working with a third-party carbon management solutions provider, they have minimized their overall impact, and offset not only their remaining emissions, but an additional 10% of the combined totals of their scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions—earning them the designation of 110% Climate Positive.

  By purchasing a Host Defense product, you’re helping to offset over 10% more carbon emissions than were released to produce it!

• Certified B Corporation

  Certified B Corporations value people over profit. They share in the collective mission of transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.

  The process to become a Certified B Corporation requires a strong commitment to transparency.

  Fungi Perfecti, makers of Host Defense, became a Certified B Corporation in 2023 and was evaluated using the rigorous B Impact Assessment on a wide range of criteria, from supply chain practices and sustainability efforts, to employee satisfaction and commitment to corporate responsibility.

  Identifying and supporting B Corporations is a great way to be part of the solution, helping to create a paradigm shift in business practices that can lead to a more equitable future for all.

• BPI Compostable Certified

  The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) compostable mark indicates the end-of-life opportunity for a compostable product. It is a way for consumers to identify products and packaging that can be safely commercially composted, and to determine that an item can be diverted with food or yard scraps where a program exists.

  Years ago, Host Defense set out to create custom crafted material for our singleuse packets that can be commercially composted. In 2024, BPI Certification was achieved after having met the rigorous review process and having met the third-party verification ASTM standard.

  By purchasing products with the BPI Compostable symbol, you are helping to reduce the amount of non-compostable, virgin plastics!

Over the past decade, the lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has captured attention in the herbal and natural wellness sphere, fascinating researchers and health enthusiasts with its potential cognitive benefits. The scientific name “Hericium” means “hedgehog.” Still, scientists dubbed the mushroom “lion’s mane” because the fruiting body looks like a shaggy lion’s mane, which also resembles the quills of a hedgehog.

This unique mushroom is found mostly in North America, Europe, and Asia and has a long history of use in natural medicine. Recent scientific studies have delved into the intricate mechanisms through which lion’s mane influences the brain, offering promising insights into its neuroprotective and cognitive benefits.

Lion’s mane is rich in bioactive compounds, such as hericenones and erinacines, believed to underlie its therapeutic effects. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a critical protein essential for the development, maintenance, and survival of neurons in both the brain and the body as a whole.

In the brain, NGF actively supports neurogenesis, the process of forming new neurons, and facilitates the growth and differentiation of nerve cells. Its role extends beyond the brain, influencing the health of peripheral nerves and impacting sensory and motor functions. Disruptions in NGF levels are associated with potential neurodegeneration. A comprehensive understanding of NGF’s influence provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic approaches.

Lion’s Mane for Brain and Nervous System Wellness

The potential of lion’s mane to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) has spurred increased studies into its cognitive benefits. While human studies are still in the early stages, preliminary results suggest possible applications for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection. Lion’s mane mushroom’s medicinal properties, including potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics, contribute to its neuroprotective effects. It may support optimal nerve cell wellness by scavenging free radicals and supporting the regulation of inflammatory responses.

Beyond cognitive benefits, the fungus shows anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, promising a multifaceted approach to mental health. Animal studies hint that it may positively influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. While additional research is necessary, these findings provide a glimpse into the potential holistic effects of lion’s mane on mental well-being.

Lion’s mane is emerging in the natural wellness and dietary supplement areas as a captivating natural therapy, drawing intense scientific scrutiny for its ability to promote neurogenesis, stimulate NGF production, and exert neuroprotective effects. While the field continues to evolve, early research points toward a promising future, as scientists unravel the mysteries of this remarkable mushroom and its potential to positively impact brain health.

Ever wonder how our long-ago ancestors knew what herbs were safe to use? Or what they were good for? There are several theories, watching animals, looking at how and where they grow (doctrine of signatures), or even trial-and-error. None of these seem to explain it all. For instance, estimates have been made that the trial-and-error method simply doesn’t make sense mathematically… there are simply too many plants for this to explain things. One intriguing story, at least in regard to traditional Chinese medicine, is that there was an ancient herbalist who had very thin skin, almost see-through. He would take each herbal remedy and then watch how it worked in his body. This story is probably better thought of metaphorically. Our ancestors, especially early herbalists and healers, lived much closer to and in tune with nature. However this wisdom was uncovered, they were amazingly accurate and detailed much of the time. Today of course, we have modern research efforts that explore this traditional knowledge as well as discovering new applications for many of these natural remedies. In fact, a “hobby” of mine is to compare this traditional wisdom with current research, and I must say, the traditional healers have been amazingly accurate.

An example of this can be seen with the Lion’s Mane mushroom. It was used traditionally as a digestive tonic, whereas, thanks to recent research efforts, it has become a leading, research-backed remedy for brain health. Current research has also, interestingly, confirmed that Lion’s Mane does indeed support the digestive system.* So how does all this relate to extraction? Well our ancestors generally used relatively simple extraction techniques, e.g. hot water (aka tea), wines (aka alcohol extraction) and even vinegars. While these techniques can be quite effective in most cases and are widely used today, the extraction process has also evolved with our increasing scientific knowledge and techniques.

Lion’s Mane Amyloban

I imagine most of you, especially if you are on a mushroom-related website reading this blog, are already familiar, at least to some degree with the Lion’s Mane mushroom and its application for supporting brain function.* As alluded to previously, Lion’s Mane was used traditionally as a digestive and Qi tonic.* And while research has begun to explore, and confirm these benefits, it has to a large degree focused on its actions as they are related to brain and nerve functions. This focus has led some researchers to explore what’s in the mushroom that is responsible for many of these brain benefits. As it is with virtually all the mushrooms in common use, the water-soluble polysaccharides have demonstrated benefits, but, it is the discovery of a couple of compounds that have drawn recent excitement. These two constituents or groups of constituents, namely hericenones and Amyloban®, have been found to be major contributors to Lion’s Mane’s brain benefits. Unfortunately, they are not water soluble, so would not be found in the water-extracted products to any significant degree. In order to obtain this key active compound, Mushroom Wisdom developed a proprietary extraction process to draw this important health-supporting* compounds out. Not only to pull them out, but at concentration levels that are relevant to the desired actions and results. They can be found in the Lion’s Mane Amyloban product and are together called Amycenone®. It is the unique and powerful holistic synergy of Amycenone that yield many of the amazing Lion’s Mane benefits.

Maitake D-fraction

Mushroom Wisdom is probably best known for its unique, research-supported Maitake D-fraction®, in fact, the previous name was Maitake Products. The D-fraction came out of initial studies that found the Maitake mushroom to have promising immune-supporting benefits.* Further research looked into what is the best way to augment and make available these promising immune actions. Researchers went through a number of extract versions and found that one particular extraction yielded the greatest results.* They found that when the Maitake mushroom was refined to a certain point, there was a resulting improvement in immune response. However, if you refined it any further, the results began to decrease. Thus came to be this proprietary extraction that maximized in the most promising effects, the Maitake D-fraction. Comparative studies have confirmed Maitake D-fraction’s spot at the top of mushroom supporting supplements.*

Maitake SX-fraction

As we are seeing with a number of mushrooms today, and as mentioned earlier with regards to Lion’s Mane, researchers are discovering new health supporting applications for them. The same is true for the Maitake mushroom. While the earliest research focused on the immune-related aspects, further research, led by Dr. Harry Preuss, MD, at Georgetown University and Dr. Sensuke Konno, PhD, at New York Medical College, found that other compounds in the Maitake mushrooms resulted in positive effects in supporting healthy blood sugar levels.* Looking into what constituents were most effective at creating this much-needed response, researchers developed an extraction process that led to the development of the SX-fraction®. The efficacy of this standardized extraction of Maitake was further confirmed in both lab and clinical studies. While both are derived from the Maitake mushroom, they are unique, proprietary extraction, different from one another, with the SX-fraction oriented to supporting healthy blood sugar levels and the Maitake D-fraction most useful for supporting healthy immune function.

Science Complementing Ancient Wisdom

We live in exciting times for natural “remedies.” We have access to the traditional wisdom dating back sometimes hundreds and even thousands of years. We also now have a rapidly growing number of researchers exploring these natural substances that just a few years ago were quite commonly disregarded, at least by most of the medical and research communities. One of Mushroom Wisdom’s primary goals is this marriage, bringing together the hands-on wisdom found in traditional medicine with the latest science and research. Mushroom Wisdom has supported, and continues to support, researchers in these ongoing efforts; the results of which can be seen in the potent and effective unique extractions we now call Lion’s Mane Amyloban, Maitake D-fraction, and SX-fraction. Give them a try and see for yourself.