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Parasol Mushroom Mushroom  Mycotopia
Parasol Mushroom Mushroom  Mycotopia
Parasol Mushroom Mushroom  Mycotopia

Parasol Mushroom

$20.00
  • Liquid Culture
  • Agar Slant
  • Agar Plate
  • Microtube

The parasol mushroom, scientifically known as Macrolepiota procera, is a striking fungus characterized by its large, umbrella-shaped cap and tall, slender stem. Widely distributed across temperate regions worldwide, this edible mushroom has a rich history of culinary and medicinal use. However, it is its medicinal properties that truly set it apart, offering a diverse array of health benefits that have been harnessed by various cultures for centuries.

The parasol mushroom is revered for its potent medicinal properties, which are primarily attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. Among these, polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds stand out for their therapeutic potential. Here are some of the key medicinal qualities of the parasol mushroom:

Polysaccharides present in the parasol mushroom, such as beta-glucans, have been shown to enhance immune function by stimulating various immune cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells. By modulating the immune response, these compounds help the body defend against pathogens and reduce the risk of infections.

Studies have demonstrated that extracts from the parasol mushroom possess significant anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like terpenoids and phenolic acids. By inhibiting inflammatory pathways, these bioactive components can alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds equips the parasol mushroom with powerful antioxidant activity. These compounds scavenge harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. As a result, the mushroom may help combat oxidative stress-related disorders, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging.

Certain constituents of the parasol mushroom exhibit antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This antimicrobial activity not only supports the immune system in fighting infections but also contributes to overall health and well-being.

Emerging research suggests that the parasol mushroom may harbor anticancer properties, attributed in part to its ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. Compounds like polysaccharides and flavonoids have been investigated for their role in suppressing cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, offering promising avenues for cancer therapy and prevention.

Throughout history, various cultures have recognized the parasol mushroom for its medicinal virtues and incorporated it into traditional medicine practices. In Chinese medicine, it is valued for its immune-boosting and detoxifying properties, often prescribed to strengthen the body's defenses and promote longevity. Similarly, indigenous peoples of North America utilized the mushroom for its anti-inflammatory effects, employing it to alleviate rheumatic pain and joint stiffness.

While the parasol mushroom is primarily esteemed for its medicinal benefits, it is also prized as a culinary delicacy in many parts of the world. With a flavor profile reminiscent of almond or coconut, it can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and risottos. However, caution must be exercised when foraging for wild mushrooms, as misidentification can lead to poisoning. It is advisable to seek guidance from experienced foragers or purchase mushrooms from reputable sources.

The parasol mushroom stands as a remarkable example of nature's pharmacy, offering a treasure trove of medicinal compounds with the potential to promote health and vitality. From bolstering the immune system to combating inflammation and oxidative stress, its therapeutic effects are wide-ranging and profound. Whether enjoyed on the dinner plate or incorporated into herbal remedies, the parasol mushroom continues to captivate and inspire with its healing prowess, reaffirming its status as a true medicinal marvel of the natural world.

The shipping time for our custom-made culture product is 10 days. This is why:

  • Our method for sending you fresh cultures is a process, differing from most other suppliers with the goal of eliminating contamination which avoids wasting your time and resources. Managing a library of mycology cultures in cold storage is our solution to be efficient given the large number of varieties we have—almost 800.
  • All mycology cultures are maintained in cold storage, which helps preserve their viability and genetic integrity. This is crucial for long-term storage, especially with such a diverse collection.
  •  When a particular culture is ordered, the corresponding culture is retrieved from cold storage. This minimizes the risk of degradation while ensuring that the culture remains viable.
  •  The retrieved culture is then inoculated into both agar plates and liquid culture media. This step allows for the expansion of the culture and provides a suitable environment for growth.
  • After a set incubation period, the cultures undergo a quality check to assess their health, purity, and growth characteristics. This ensures that the cultures are robust and meet your standards before they are sent out.
  • Once the cultures pass the QC, they are prepared for packaging. This involves ensuring that the cultures are securely contained to prevent contamination and damage during transit. Finally, the fresh cultures are shipped to the customer. You will receive an email with tracking information once shipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our laboratory quality practices encompass a set of systematic and standardized procedures that are implemented to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and precision of a high-quality product. We view these practices as essential for maintaining the overall quality and integrity of laboratory operations, as well as for providing 100 % pure, contamination free cultures. These practices include:

  • Equipment Calibration: Laboratory instruments and equipment are regularly calibrated to establish and maintain optimum performance. As one example, our flow hoods are routinely tested to provide 0.2 micron filtered laminar air flow at all workstations. Calibration ensures that instruments are providing reliable and consistent outcomes.
  • Quality Assurance (QA): we maintain a quality management system, conduct internal audits, and continuously monitor and evaluate laboratory performance.
  • Quality Control (QC): We use control materials to monitor the accuracy and purity of culture products. Control materials are run alongside culture samples to assess performance of our methods. Any deviations from expected outcomes indicate issues with the process and prompt corrective action.
  • Culture Testing: Quality assessment programs are in place, where each culture is tested on agar petri dishes on a regular interval. Virility of genetics performance is assessed by spot checking the strain in fruiting conditions. 
  • Documentation and Record-Keeping: A crucial component of quality control. This includes documenting instrument maintenance, calibration records, QC data, corrective actions taken, and relevant product information. Proper documentation ensures traceability, allows for retrospective analysis, and facilitates compliance with our standardized process.
  • Personnel Training and Competency: Laboratory staff receive appropriate training to perform their tasks competently. Training programs cover standard operating procedures, safety protocols, good laboratory practices, and quality control procedures. Regular competency assessments are conducted to ensure that staff members consistently perform at the required proficiency level.
  • Error Investigation and Corrective Action: When errors or deviations occur, they are promptly investigated to identify root causes. Corrective actions are implemented to prevent the recurrence of errors and improve laboratory processes. We feel that documentation of errors, investigations, and corrective actions is crucial for continuous improvement and compliance with contamination free product.
  • Quality Control Data Analysis: QC data is regularly analyzed to identify trends, shifts, or any patterns that may indicate a deterioration in process or product performance.

    By implementing these laboratory quality control practices, we can ensure accurate, contamination free products in order to enhance patient safety, and maintain our integrity. 

We custom-made all of our cultures to ensure freshnesh. Lead time to ship is 10 days.

Our process:

  • Our method for sending you fresh cultures is a process, differing from most other suppliers with the goal of eliminating contamination which avoids wasting your time and resources. Managing a library of mycology cultures in cold storage is our solution to be efficient given the large number of varieties we have—almost 800.
  • All mycology cultures are maintained in cold storage, which helps preserve their viability and genetic integrity. This is crucial for long-term storage, especially with such a diverse collection.
  •  When a particular culture is ordered, the corresponding culture is retrieved from cold storage. This minimizes the risk of degradation while ensuring that the culture remains viable.
  •  The retrieved culture is then inoculated into both agar plates and liquid culture media. This step allows for the expansion of the culture and provides a suitable environment for growth.

  • After a set incubation period, the cultures undergo a quality check to assess their health, purity, and growth characteristics. This ensures that the cultures are robust and meet your standards before they are sent out.
  • Once the cultures pass the QC, they are prepared for packaging. This involves ensuring that the cultures are securely contained to prevent contamination and damage during transit. Finally, the fresh cultures are shipped to the customer. You will receive an email with tracking information once shipped.