In this blog post, we explore the world of PSK and PSP, two proteoglycan extracts of Turkey tail mushroom that are known for their potential health benefits. These extracts consist of beta-glucan β-1,4 main chain with β-1,3 and β-1,6 side chains and are protein bound polysaccharides isolated from the fruiting body. However, due to high demand and patent restrictions, these extracts are not widely available in the west. Therefore, the article discusses how beta glucan extracts can be used as a proxy for proteoglycan extracts, as they contain similar beta glucans but without the protein or sugar protein complex binding.
What is PSK & PSP
PSK and PSP are two types of proteoglycan extracts derived from the Turkey tail mushroom. These extracts are known for their potential health benefits and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. PSK stands for "Polysaccharide-K" and PSP stands for "Polysaccharide Peptide". Both of these extracts are composed of protein-bound polysaccharides that are isolated from the fruiting body of the mushroom. They have a unique chemical makeup consisting of beta-glucan β-1,4 main chain with β-1,3 and β-1,6 side chains. These compounds are believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help to stimulate the body's natural defences against cancer and other diseases. However, due to patent restrictions and high demand, these extracts are not available in the west.
The Western Substitute
The reason these extracts aren't sold is because these extracts are actually patented, demand a very high price and require authorization to sell. Therefore, these products are not sold in the west. What does that mean for our beta glucan extracts? Our extracts are thus a proxy for the proteoglycan extracts as a proteoglycan extract is made up of around 75% beta-glucans meaning it is very similar. Below is a great picture showing the chemical makeup of the extraction. The extraction focuses on the β-1,3 and β-1,6 side chains as that is where the magic is. Therefore, these extracts both contain the correct beta d glucans however the one is bound to a protein and the other is bound to a sugar protein complex.
What to look out for when choosing a mushroom supplement?
Choosing a good quality mushroom supplement can be a daunting task, as there are many options available in the market. However, there are a few key things to consider when selecting a high-quality mushroom supplement.
