Cordyceps sinensis extract

Functional (adaptogenic) mushrooms are natural sources rich in bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, triterpenes, and hericenones, which support the immune system, the nervous system, and the body’s overall balance. As the name suggests, functional mushrooms support the body’s functions, helping it better adapt to stress and daily demands.

Used for centuries in natural medicine, today, thanks to modern extraction methods, they provide concentrated and bioavailable active compounds.

Forest River are extracts designed to support the natural flow of the body and mind—purely, effectively, and mindfully.

Adaptogens are natural substances (including functional mushrooms) that help the body better cope with stress, fatigue, and overload by restoring the body’s balance (homeostasis). They do not treat symptoms, but rather regulate the body’s response to stress by influencing the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, including the HPA axis responsible for cortisol levels.

In practice, this means that adaptogenic mushrooms (such as Reishi, Cordyceps, or Lion’s Mane) support the body’s natural ability to adapt—they improve resistance to physical and mental stress, support regeneration, and stabilize energy without causing a sudden surge of stimulation.

That is why adaptogens are increasingly chosen as natural support for balance, immunity, and the nervous system, especially in conditions of chronic stress and an intense lifestyle.

Our functional mushrooms come exclusively from Polish farms, grown on organic substrates, which is crucial for the quality and purity of the raw material. This gives us full control over the production process—from cultivation to the final mushroom extract rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharides.

We do not import raw materials from other continents because we believe that functional mushrooms from local farms are best for health, and long-distance transport can negatively affect the quality and stability of bioactive compounds.

Every batch of raw material meets food safety standards and undergoes laboratory testing, which guarantees the absence of contaminants and the high quality of the supplement.

In practice, this means that when you choose Forest River functional mushrooms, you receive a product made locally, under controlled conditions, with a focus on purity, bioavailability, and efficacy.

Biophotons are natural, ultra-weak light emitted by the cells of living organisms (known as ultra-weak photon emission – UPE), associated with metabolic processes and oxidation reactions. This phenomenon demonstrates that biological matter—including functional mushrooms – is sensitive to light and energy from the environment.

Biophotonic glass (dark violet glass) acts as an advanced filter – it blocks visible light, which can accelerate the degradation of active compounds, while selectively transmitting UV-A and infrared (IR) radiation. This helps limit processes such as photooxidation and protects sensitive ingredients, including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds.

In practice, this means that extracts from functional mushrooms stored in such packaging retain their stability, quality, and bioavailability for longer.

Forest River uses biophotonic glass to maximize the protection of the extracts’ natural properties and ensure their shelf life without compromise. Additionally, it is a material that is 100% recyclable, which can be reused multiple times, supporting an environmentally conscious approach.

The effects of using functional mushrooms (such as Reishi, Cordyceps, or Lion’s Mane) usually become apparent after 2–4 weeks of regular supplementation, although the first, subtle changes may be noticeable sooner.

The full effect, resulting from the presence of compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, develops gradually and usually requires consistent use for 2–3 months—the time it takes for the body to begin regaining its balance.

It is worth remembering that the effectiveness of mushroom supplements depends on many factors, such as the quality of the extract, the beta-glucan content, your health, and your body’s individual response – which is why regularity, patience, and a well-chosen mushroom supplement are key.

Yes, functional mushrooms and adaptogens are intended for daily use, as their effects are based on gradually restoring the body’s balance rather than providing a quick, one-time effect. Regular supplementation allows you to fully harness the potential of compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, which support immunity, the nervous system, and regeneration.

The recommended daily dose is approximately:

• 1 ml (approx. 1 pipette) – for extracts
• 4 capsules – for powdered extracts

They can be easily incorporated into your daily routine—for example, by adding them to coffee, a smoothie, or an infusion.

Consistency is key, as only regular use of adaptogenic mushrooms allows the body to effectively adapt to stress, maintain energy, and support natural vitality.

Yes, functional mushrooms and adaptogens can be safely combined with coffee, tea, and other supplements; in fact, this is a popular form of daily supplementation. Active compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes are thermally stable, so adding the extract to a hot beverage does not reduce its effectiveness.

However, it is worth remembering that concentrated mushroom extracts (e.g., Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane) are significantly more potent than so-called “mushroom coffee,” which contains only a small amount of mushrooms.

Regularly combining extracts with daily beverages is a simple way to incorporate functional mushroom supplementation into your routine and fully leverage their immune-boosting, energy-enhancing, and body-balancing effects.

Yes, functional mushrooms and adaptogens are safe for long-term supplementation; however, with high-potency extracts (e.g., high beta-glucans), it is best to use them in cycles. They work by regulating the body’s systems (immune, nervous, and endocrine), so they require time and a rhythm, rather than constant stimulation.

Optimal usage schedule:
3 months of supplementation → 1-month break

This cycle helps maintain the high efficacy of active compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, and supports the body’s natural regeneration and balance.

Yes, functional mushrooms and adaptogens are suitable for people who have never used them before, as they have a gentle effect and support the body naturally, without causing a sudden surge of energy. Thanks to compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, they help gradually build immunity and restore the body’s balance.

For beginners, it is best to start with smaller doses of extracts or capsules, and then gradually increase them while observing the body’s reaction.

Regular, gentle supplementation makes it easy to incorporate adaptogenic mushrooms into your daily routine, allowing you to safely and effectively harness their potential.

The best time to take functional mushrooms depends on their effects, as each one supports different bodily functions—from energy and concentration to recovery and relaxation.

👉 In the morning and throughout the day, it’s best to take mushrooms that support energy, immunity, and metabolism:

• Cordyceps → energy, performance, adrenal support
• Lion’s Mane → concentration, memory, nervous system
• Maitake → metabolism, glucose, immunity
• Chaga → antioxidant effects and support for the body throughout the day
• Agaricus (Agaricus blazei) → immune support, best in the morning or before noon

👉 In the evening, the following work best:

• Reishi → calmness, regeneration, support for sleep and nervous system balance

Thanks to this division, the body receives beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes at the times when it can best utilize them—in the morning for energy and adaptation, in the evening for regeneration.

To ensure that functional mushroom supplements retain their full effectiveness, they should be stored in a dry, dark place, at room temperature between 15–25°C, away from light and moisture. Excessively high temperatures (above 30°C) can reduce the activity of compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes, so it is important to avoid sudden temperature changes.

It is best to store extracts in their original, tightly sealed containers—especially in glass (e.g., biophotonic glass), which protects the stability of the active ingredients.

👉 Key principles: no moisture, no light, constant temperature – this ensures that the mushroom extract retains its bioavailability and effectiveness throughout the entire period of use.

Each type of mushroom is intended for a different target group, but mostly for people who want to strengthen their immunity and physical fitness. For people who have recovered from illness, to strengthen and aid convalescence.

The effectiveness of supplements containing functional mushrooms depends on the form (extract or capsules) and the daily dosage, which affects the efficacy and the level of beta-glucans delivered to the body.

50 ml extract – how long does it last?

• 1 ml ≈ 20 drops
• 50 ml ≈ 1,000 drops

Dosage:

• 10 drops daily → approx. 100 days of use
• 20 drops per day → approx. 50 days of use

With standard use, the extract lasts on average for 1.5 to 3 months

How long will 90 capsules last? (dosage of 2 and 4 per day)

• 2 capsules per day → 90 ÷ 2 = 45 days (approx. 1.5 months)
• 4 capsules per day → 90 ÷ 4 = 22–23 days (approx. 3 weeks)

The higher the dose, the greater the supply of beta-glucans and active compounds, which affects the potency of the functional mushroom supplement.

Mushroom extract is a concentrated form of functional mushrooms, in which the full spectrum of bioactive compounds is obtained through a dual water-alcohol extraction process. Each stage yields different components:

• water extraction → releases beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which support immunity and the body’s balance
• alcohol extraction → yields triterpenes, sterols, and anti-inflammatory compounds

👉 In the final stage, the alcohol is evaporated, allowing the extract to retain its active ingredients while remaining a pure and safe form of supplement.

Our extracts have a concentration of DER 10:1, which means that 1 liter of extract is produced from 10 kg of fruiting bodies, ensuring high concentration and quality of the functional mushroom supplement.