MAITAKE

Only Hericium erinaceus is true Lion’s Mane.

Whilst there are many Hericium species dotted all over the globe, and these may have some similar compounds, these are not Lion’s Mane.

Hericium erinaceus is the only species clinically studied for nerve growth factor stimulation, cognitive effects, and neuroprotection.

We, for this reason, exclusively grow Hericium erianceus strains sourced from the world's leading culture banks.

Only cultivated Cordyceps militaris produces the true fruiting body used in modern research and safe human consumption.

While several Cordyceps species exist in nature, most are unsuitable for cultivation or supplementation. Cordyceps sinensis, the wild variety native to the Himalayan plateau, cannot be reliably farmed; products sold as C. sinesis are mycelium based.

Cordyceps gunnii, an Australian native species, remains poorly studied and has not been demonstrated to be safe or pharmacologically comparable to C. militaris. For that reason, we do not use it.

Our cultures are pure C. militaris, bred from isolated spores collected from multiple regions around the world. This genetic diversity is critical, it ensures stable fruiting, high cordycepin yield, and resilience across growth cycles.

Every strain we maintain is verified through microscopic and genetic profiling, then tested for fruiting potential before production. This ensures each batch reflects the true, research-validated species behind Cordyceps' reputation.

Our production strain was isolated by Thomas Bell, just fifteen minutes from our grow site in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. This unique local origin is not a coincidence. The strain is perfectly adapted to the microclimate, humidity, and air composition of the region.

We believe this proximity, the mushroom being grown so close to where it was found, is a key reason we achieve yields and consistency rarely seen elsewhere in the world.

The strain is maintained under sterile culture conditions, periodically re-isolated to ensure purity and vigour, and used exclusively by MYCRO, keeping the genetics, and the story, exceptionally Australian.

Reishi is a collective name for several species within the Ganoderma genus, often written as Ganoderma spp. to reflect its taxonomic complexity.

Thousands of years of traditional use, combined with decades of scientific misclassification between Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma lingzhi, have created significant confusion in the literature. What was once referred to simply as “Reishi” is now understood to represent a group of closely related species, each with slightly different bioactive profiles.

Modern research has shifted from naming to quantifying biomarkers, particularly triterpenes and polysaccharides, as the true indicators of potency and authenticity.

We leverage this global field of research to select domestically available Ganoderma strains with demonstrably high triterpenoid content, verified through both analytical testing and controlled cultivation trials. These strains exhibit the characteristic varnished surface, red-brown pigmentation, and dense fruiting texture associated with mature, bioactive Reishi.

We cultivate Strain 9827, the global reference strain for Maitake, originally isolated for its exceptional fruiting consistency and high beta-glucan yield. This strain is held in the world’s leading culture banks and forms the standard for clinical and nutritional research worldwide.

Each culture is purity-tested and maintained through periodic rejuvenation to prevent genetic drift — ensuring every batch expresses the same biochemical fingerprint that has made G. frondosa (Strain 9827) the benchmark for authentic Maitake cultivation.

It is one of the most extensively cultivated and genetically characterised mushrooms in the world, with hundreds of strains adapted to different substrates, climates, and production systems. Despite this diversity, not all Shiitake strains express the same balance of lentinan and eritadenine, the compounds responsible for its immune and cardiovascular benefits.

We cultivate Strain 3790, the global reference standard for L. edodes, sourced from the world’s leading culture banks. It is prized for its dense fruiting body formation, consistent bioactive yield, and rich, authentic aroma profile.