Host Defense Agarikon Capsules use activated, freeze-dried, certified-organic mycelium, with a full spectrum of constituents: polysaccharides (beta glucans, arabinoxylane, glucose, galactose and mannose), glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenoids and other myco-nutrients. Agarikon is now extremely rare, surviving in the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Host Defense Agarikon uses activated, optimally dried, Certified Organic mushroom mycelium, with a full spectrum of constituents: >55% (275 mg/serving) polysaccharides, and an array of extracellular constituents and other myco-nutrients, essential for Supporting Natural Immunity.
Ingredients: Attached
Suggested Dose: Adults: As a dietary supplement take one capsule once per day. Do not use if you are breastfeeding. Consult a health practitioner if pregnant or if you have an immune system disorder and/or diabetes or hypoglycaemia, if you have or develop abdominal pain, nausea, fever or vomiting. Laxative effect may occur in which case discontinue use. Gastrointestinal irritation may occur.
About Host Defense : "Host Defense has a dedicated research team of over ten mycologists that studies mushrooms. For 35 years they have been researching, writing on, teaching about, cultivating, and producing mushrooms. Host Defense is built on mycologist Paul Stamets’ visionary research into the power and potential of mushrooms, especially mushroom mycelium, the root-like structures found growing below ground. The power of Host Defense comes from the discovery that the mycelium is the immune system of the mushroom and helps to support the immune system of humans, it also supports the health and immunity of the natural habitats where it grows. Mushroom mycelium is a cellular bridge connecting bees, trees, bears, plants and humans to the ecosystems in which they live. We share more DNA with mushrooms than with plants. Because of this connection, we can easily utilize compounds from mushrooms. Mushrooms are functional foods, can be used every day and have a full spectrum of constituents. Mycelium produces novel compounds not found in the fruitbody. Recent research shows that 25% more genetic material is active during the mycelial stage as compared to the fruitbody stage. This means that significantly more compounds are created during the mycelium stage.
To grow mushroom mycelium, they use sustainably harvested mushroom cultures to inoculate and ferment an organic brown rice substrate. The fermentation process produces unique novel compounds that have been studied and shown to provide significant and complementary immune support properties. Organic Brown rice medium is an excellent food source for both humans and mushroom mycelium and its naturally Gluten free.
Much like when growing mushroom fruitbodies, growing mushroom mycelium requires a different length of incubation for each different mushroom species. It takes anywhere from two weeks to two months to grow mushroom mycelium. At Host Defense®, we grow 17 different species. It’s important to know the specific incubation timeline for each mushroom species in order to reach peak efficacy. "