Organic certification audits the growing medium. Independent testing checks the result.
Image 1 of 11 — Amber glass bottle with a white label, two capsules, and a white packaging sleeve labeled 'Animate' on a light gray background.
In stockLook out for the small day-to-day shifts that tell you it's working.
Hericenones are aromatic compounds concentrated in the fruiting body of Lion's Mane. They are studied as potentiators of nerve growth factor rather than substitutes for it: they prompt glial cells to synthesise and release more of the body's own. That work is in vitro, on cultured cells.
Cordycepin is 3′-deoxyadenosine: adenosine with one hydroxyl group missing. The resemblance is the point — it enters cells through the same transporters adenosine uses, and is converted into a nucleotide the AMP-activated pathway reads as the real thing. That pathway is the switch that decides how a cell spends energy.
There is no compound-level route from Lion's Mane or Cordyceps to mood in the research we hold. What there is: a 2023 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 41 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 took 1.8 g of Lion's Mane a day for 28 days. The researchers reported faster performance on a standard attention task an hour after a single dose, and a trend towards lower subjective stress at 28 days. They call it a pilot study and a trend rather than a finding. It used a different preparation and a different dose from ours.
This is a hard product to make properly — months of cultivation, then extraction that takes real expertise — and a very easy one to fake: gummies, tinctures, ten-species blends at doses too small to matter. In one study, 74% of mushroom supplements didn't contain what the label claimed.
We publish the things that can be checked: what's in the capsule, who measured it, and what they found. Five of them are listed here. Run the same five on anyone else.
¹ Wu D. et al., Scientific Reports, 2017.
Mushroom supplements vary in quality more than almost any other category. Unlike creatine or magnesium — simple compounds, easy to standardise — mushrooms contain hundreds of bioactive compounds that demand the right growing conditions, careful extraction, and independent verification for each species.
Know what you're buying
Look for species-specific markers: hericenones in Lion's Mane, ganoderic acids in Reishi, cordycepin in Cordyceps. These are what you're paying for. If a label doesn't specify, the product probably doesn't contain meaningful amounts.
DNA and NMR testing
A 2017 study of 19 commercial reishi products found 74% did not contain what the label claimed.¹ DNA or NMR testing confirms you're getting the actual species — not a cheaper substitute. Our Lion's Mane extract carries Purity-IQ's Certified Authentic mark, which covers identity, purity and batch-to-batch consistency.
Bioavailability starts here
Mushroom cell walls are made of chitin — the same substance that gives crab shells their hardness. Without proper extraction, your body can't absorb them. Many brands sell dried powder with no extraction at all. This ends up being very expensive fibre.
High numbers aren't always better
Extraction concentrates mushroom — 8:1 means 8kg of raw mushroom reduced to 1kg of powder. How far a species can be concentrated and still hold as powder varies: Lion's Mane tops out around 8:1; Reishi is stable well beyond it. A ratio with no measured bioactive beside it is a number, not evidence.
How it's delivered affects what you absorb
Gummies require heat and additives that degrade sensitive compounds. Tinctures are mostly water and alcohol, so deliver small doses. Capsules protect compounds from degradation and deliver measurable, consistent amounts.
Potency, purity, heavy metals, microbial
Independent lab verification of potency, purity, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. If a company won't share their batch reports, ask why.
The substrate is audited, the result is tested
Mushrooms hyperaccumulate compounds from their environment — good and bad. Organic certification audits the growing medium; independent testing checks the result. Look for an established certifying body like the Soil Association.
Grown to parameters we publish, harvested pre-sporulation, extracted 8:1 in hot water and ethanol.
Fruiting body only. Two flushes, harvested pre-sporulation, 8:1 dual extract — hot water and ethanol.
Single 60-day harvest. Deep-orange stromata, freeze-dried for cordycepin retention, 8:1 dual extract.
These are the questions we get asked most.
Our mushrooms are sourced from the pristine, remote mountain regions of Southeast China, an area celebrated for its rich heritage and long-standing expertise in cultivating medicinal mushrooms.
This location, far removed from industrial areas, allows us to harvest organic certified mushrooms of the highest quality. Emphasising purity and potency, we select only the finest mushroom fruiting bodies, grown and wild-harvested in carefully protected environments.
We’ve chosen to focus exclusively on utilising the fruiting bodies of mushrooms for our extracts. While mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, does possess beneficial properties, the industry-wide practice of growing mycelium on grain substrates (known as myceliated grain) often results in products with high starch content and significantly diluted levels of active mushroom compounds. This dilution potentially compromises the health benefits that these compounds can offer.
To avoid any ambiguity in the potency and purity of our products, we therefore opt for mushroom fruiting bodies. These parts of the mushroom are not only the most recognised and studied but are also rich in crucial bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans and triterpenes.
Our standard recommended dose is 1000 mg(about 1/2 teaspoon or 2 capsules) per day for general health and immune support. This dosage can be adjusted according to individual health needs and goals. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if you have specific health conditions or are taking other medications.
It is generally recommended to take mushroom supplements on an empty stomach for optimal absorption of the active compounds. However, individual responses can vary, and some people may prefer or require taking them with a small amount of food. Listening to your body and making adjustments as needed is key, and consulting with a healthcare professional can provide additional guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Mushroom supplements are best taken consistently over an extended period — as part of a daily routine, rather than as a quick fix.
Medicinal mushrooms, as adaptogens, generally show their effects over time with consistent use. The body’s response to these compounds varies from person to person; some may experience benefits within weeks, while for others it might take longer. Consistent, long-term use is key to experiencing the full range of benefits these mushrooms offer.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used safely for thousands of years. While allergic reactions or sensitivities are rare, they can occur. We recommend individuals who are taking medication or have preexisting health conditions consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting mushroom supplements.
Our capsules are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC), a plant-derived material. This choice is in line with our commitment to natural, environmentally friendly, and health-conscious practices. HPMC is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, kosher, and halal diets, and is free from animal products, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer or require plant-based supplements.
Yes, we provide certificates of analysis for our products upon request. These certificates offer detailed information about the composition, purity, and potency of our mushroom extracts, reflecting our dedication to transparency and trust.
The decision not to sell liquid extracts or tinctures is grounded in our commitment to offering the most potent and effective mushroom products. Most liquid tinctures on the market are predominantly composed of alcohol and water, with active mushroom compounds comprising only a small fraction of the total product. This means that customers are often paying for a product where the majority is water and alcohol, not the beneficial mushroom compounds.
Additionally, the vast majority of scientific research on the benefits of medicinal mushrooms is based on studies using hot water or dual extracts in powdered form. This body of research supports the efficacy of powdered extracts over liquid forms in delivering health benefits. By focusing on powdered extracts, we ensure that our products are aligned with scientific evidence and provide a higher concentration of active compounds, offering greater efficacy and value to our customers.
Our products have a shelf life of 36 months after opening. To ensure optimal preservation, they should be stored away from intense heat and light.
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery, provided the items are unused and in their original condition. Please note that we cannot accept returns of opened packages. While customers are responsible for the return shipping costs, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and fair return process. In cases of damaged or defective items, we request customers to contact us immediately for resolution, including replacement or refund as appropriate.
You can find a comprehensive FAQ section on our website that addresses a wide range of common inquiries.
The company manifesto, in seventy-four seconds. Filmed at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, near Penzance in west Cornwall.
1:14The company manifesto, in seventy-four seconds. Filmed at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, near Penzance in west Cornwall.
The four things in the box, what each one is made of, and what to do with it when it is empty.
Grown from mushroom mycelium and straw. Break it apart at the end and it goes in the compost heap or the organics bin.
Apothecary glass, built to be refilled rather than replaced. The amber shields the capsules from the sunlight that degrades them.
Home compostable, so the empty pouch goes on the heap rather than in the bin. Flat enough to come through the letterbox.
A plant-cellulose shell rather than gelatine, so the capsule is vegetarian. No titanium dioxide.
Every review here was written by a genuine customer, matched against our own order records, in their own words and unedited. Where we can match a review to an order history, we say how long they've been with us.
Upgraded to Animate after trying some Lion's Mane gummies from another company that turned out to be massively underdosed. It took me about 5 weeks to feel the effects but this is the real deal.
My focus and creativity is so much better and my job is reliant on it. You can tell these guys care a lot about the product, from the packaging to the ingredients, it's top.
The Animate lionsmane mushroom bottle is a beautiful thing, and was delivered promptly and in a very useful box which you can use (and I'm going to) for cultivating err, mushrooms. The capsules have a relatively mild effect, but an interesting and very clarifying one. They help you make good decisions - and who's going to complain about that?
As someone who has worked in the wellness industry for over a decade, I've tried numerous supplements and been an advocate of medicinal mushrooms for many years. The Functional Mushroom supplements stand head and shoulders above the rest.
I've been taking Animate for over a month now. It is the most superior and potent mushroom supplement I've ever encountered. I've experienced a huge improvement in my focus, mental clarity and general energy levels. I love this brand, I cannot recommend these supplements highly enough.
I've incorporated Animate into my morning routine and I can't imagine starting my day without it now. It's helped me cut down on coffee and tea while giving me the energy I need, and the cognitive boost is noticeable after the first week or so. The attention to detail in the packaging, the information on the website, and the quality of the product itself have made me a loyal customer.
…, great product and service… on my second month of subscription now, really feel great taking the Animate supplement and delivery etc has been spot in
Single extracts and blends, held to the same testing and the same published doses.
The science we follow, the practice around it, and the species themselves.
The genus Ganoderma comprises approximately 80 species worldwide, with Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi) emerging as the most studied for its medicinal properties. Long revered in East Asian traditions, particularly in China where it's known as...
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One small morning ritual — what it is, how it took shape, and why we built the day around it.
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How hericenones and erinacines are being studied — what the research measures, what it suggests, and where the evidence stops.
Continue readingDose, allergens, certifications and sourcing, spelled out in full.
Each two-capsule serving provides the dry-weight equivalent of 3,600 mg Lion's Mane and 3,600 mg Cordyceps, reflecting the 8:1 concentration of the extract. Independently tested by NMR metabolomics at Purity-iQ. Certified organic by the Soil Association.
Our Lion's Mane, Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake and Chaga extracts are made from fruiting bodies, grown on wood with natural light, fresh air and spring water. Our Cordyceps is liquid-fermented mycelium — the form used in the published research.
We use an advanced, temperature-controlled dual-extraction and vacuum-drying process to condense the mushrooms into a high-concentration powder extract.
Contains none of the 14 allergens regulated under UK food law.
The capsule shell is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a plant-derived material. It is free from animal products and suitable for vegan, kosher and halal diets.
Certified organic by the Soil Association, licence DA31648.
Lion's Mane extract carries Purity-IQ's Certified Authentic mark, which verifies identity, purity and batch-to-batch consistency.
Extraction is carried out in a facility certified to cGMP and ISO 22000.
Potency and contaminant testing by Altitude Consulting. B Corp certification pending.
Our supplements are packaged in eco friendly mycelium packaging, a material made from mushrooms and straw.
To properly dispose of the packaging, simply break apart and place it in your organics bin or compost heap.
Beyond the assay: how the company is run, what the pack is made of, and what the formula leaves out.
Certified organic
Species authenticated
B Corp pending
Registered vegan
Compostable packaging
Plastic-free packaging
Living wage employer
