FAQ - About MYCES™


About MYCES™

What is MYCES™?

MYCES™ is a premium functional food brand specializing in mushroom superfoods for wellness. The name "Myces" is derived from the ancient Greek word for mushrooms, symbolizing our commitment to harnessing the extraordinary power of medicinal mushrooms to support health and wellness.

Our tagline, "Myces – Mushroom Superfood for Wellness" reflects our belief that wellness is not a luxury but a necessity. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, science-backed products that make natural health solutions accessible to everyone.

What Makes MYCES™ Unique?

  • Dual-Extraction: Ensures maximum bioavailability by extracting both water-soluble (e.g., beta-glucans) and fat-soluble (e.g., triterpenes) compounds.
  • Patented Liposomal Encapsulation: Enhances absorption and ensures optimal delivery of active ingredients to the body.
  • We cultivate medicinal mushrooms, such as Tiger Milk Mushroom, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane, in our award winning with Good Agricultural Practices – Pesticide Free (GAP-PF) certified farm in Penang, Malaysia.
  • For mushrooms that require non-tropical climates, such as Chaga, we partner with trusted global farms to ensure the highest quality raw materials.
  • Soil-less Cultivation Method: Our patent-pending cultivation technology prevents heavy metal contamination, ensuring safety and pharmaceutical-grade quality.
  • Sustainable Practices: We utilize mushroom farm waste to create eco-friendly, mushroom-based packaging materials, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
  • Our products are developed in Australia, adhering to its stringent functional food and health supplement regulations. Australia’s high standards ensure that every MYCES™ product meets international safety, efficacy, and quality benchmarks.
  • Manufactured in GMP and FDA-certified facilities.
  • Certified Halal, HACCP, and FSSC 22000, ensuring suitability for a diverse global audience.
  • MYCES™ products address a range of health concerns, including immune support, respiratory health, cognitive enhancement, stress relief, and overall vitality.

At MYCES™, we combine ancient wisdom with modern science to create products that redefine wellness. Whether you are looking to boost your immune system, support respiratory health, or enhance overall well-being, MYCES™ offers trusted solutions designed to help you thrive.

For more information, feel free to contact us or explore our product range to discover the MYCES™ difference.

Who is the founder of MYCES™?

The founder of MYCES™ is Boey Tze Zhou, a passionate agriculturalist dedicated to the science and health benefits of mushrooms.

When did Boey Tze Zhou start his journey in mushroom cultivation?

Boey began his mushroom cultivation journey in 2012, establishing a farm that marked the beginning of his innovative mushroom business.

What inspired Boey Tze Zhou to pursue mushroom cultivation?

At just 18 years old, despite achieving a perfect CGPA of 4.0 in his pre-university examination, Boey chose to study agricultural science instead of becoming a medical doctor. His goal was to explore the potential of mushrooms in agriculture and medicine.

What is Boey’s academic background?

Boey graduated with First Class Honours in Agricultural Science from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He was awarded the Royal Education Award by the Sultan of Selangor during his convocation.

What further education has Boey pursued related to mushrooms?

To deepen his knowledge of mushrooms’ medicinal properties, Boey completed the Integrative Health and Medicine course from the University of Minnesota (USA) and the Stanford Introduction to Food and Health course from the University of Stanford (USA).

What are some of Boey Tze Zhou’s notable achievements?

Boey has received numerous accolades, including:

  • 2015: Launched the "MushGrow" brand for mushroom growing kits.
  • 2016 & 2019: Penang Top Young Agropreneur Awards.
  • 2018: Best Organic Farm Award in Penang and visitation from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Malaysia.
  • 2022: Invented eco-friendly mushroom packaging using mushroom waste.
  • 2024: Founded MYCES™ and received the Top Ten Outstanding Penang Youth (TOPY) award.

What innovations has Boey contributed to the mushroom industry?

Boey’s contributions include filing a patent for soil-less culture techniques for Tiger Milk Mushroom and inventing eco-friendly mushroom packaging to reduce waste.

What certifications has Boey achieved for his farm?

In 2024, his farm became the first in Penang to be certified with Malaysia Good Agriculture Practice - Pesticide Free (MyGAP-PF).

Has Boey represented Malaysia at international conferences?

Yes, Boey has represented Malaysia as a speaker at major global mushroom events, including the World Mushroom Conference 2024 and the China World Mushroom Days 2025, two of the largest international conferences focused on mushroom research and industry advancements.

Does Boey collaborate with research institutions?

Boey and his companies actively collaborate with leading institutions such as Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and the Sarawak Biodiversity Center (SBC). These partnerships explore the potential of mushrooms in the health and biomaterial sectors.

Has Boey published any research papers on mushrooms?

Yes, Boey has published research on mushroom cultivation and biomaterial applications, including:

  1. Effect of cultural conditions and inoculum types on mycelial development and fruiting in Pleurotus sajor-caju.
  2. Effect of beeswax and coconut oil as natural coating agents on morphological, degradation behaviour, and water barrier properties of mycelium-based composite in a modified controlled environment.

Are MYCES™ products safe for daily consumption?

Yes, all MYCES™ products are made using high-quality, natural ingredients and undergo rigorous safety testing, including checks for heavy metals and microbial contamination. Always follow the recommended dosage on the product packaging.

What certifications does MYCES™ have?

At MYCES™, we take pride in maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, from mushroom cultivation to product manufacturing. Our certifications reflect our commitment to delivering premium, safe, and effective products:

Farm Certifications:

Malaysia Good Agriculture Practice – Pesticide-Free (MyGAP-PF):

  • Our medicinal mushrooms are organically cultivated at our own farm in Penang, Malaysia, following stringent pesticide-free protocols. MyGAP-PF is a standard equivalent to GMP for functional food and health supplement manufacturing plants.

Award-Winning Organic Farm:

Our Penang farm was recognized as the First Place Winner for Organic Farming in Penang State (2018)by the Penang State Government and Department of Agriculture, showcasing our commitment to sustainable and high-quality farming practices.

  • Partner Farms:
  • We source additional medicinal mushrooms from partner farms worldwide, ensuring all are grown organically or using pesticide-free methods to meet our rigorous quality standards.

Manufacturing Certifications:

  • Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): Ensures the consistent production and control of MYCES™ products according to quality standards.
  • US FDA Registration: Compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration for safe product manufacturing.
  • Halal Certification: Our products meet stringent Halal requirements, making them suitable for diverse consumers.
  • HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points): Demonstrates our commitment to identifying and managing potential hazards in food production.
  • MeSTI (Food Safety is Responsibility of the Industry): Ensures compliance with Malaysian food safety standards.
  • FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification): Validates that our manufacturing facility meets international food safety management system requirements.

By adhering to these certifications, MYCES™ guarantees the highest quality and safety standards for our functional food products, ensuring trust and confidence in every product we offer.

What patents are used in MYCES™ products?

MYCES™ incorporates patented and patent-pending innovations throughout its processes, from cultivation to manufacturing, ensuring exceptional quality, safety, and sustainability in our products.

1. Cultivation Patent-pending Innovation:

  • "A Method for Cultivating Sclerotium of Mushrooms of Lignosus sp." (2023):
  • This patent enables us to grow Tiger Milk Mushroom using a soil-less cultivation method. This innovative approach prevents heavy metal contamination, ensuring the mushrooms meet optimal health and safety standards for consumption.

2. Sustainability Patent-pending Innovation:

  • Mushroom-Based Packaging Biomaterial (2022 and 2023):
  • Our patents focus on utilizing mushroom farm waste to create eco-friendly, mushroom-based packaging materials. This approach minimizes carbon footprint and aligns with our commitment to sustainability, making MYCES™ products environmentally responsible. For more information, please refer to this report: https://vulcanpost.com/789879/mycopack-malaysia-mushroom-waste-packaging-eco-friendly-alternative-styrofoam/

3. Manufacturing Patents:

  • Patented Liposomal Encapsulation Technology:
  • This advanced technology significantly enhances the bioavailability of bioactive compounds in our products, ensuring optimal absorption and efficacy for consumers.

Through these patented and patent-pending innovations, MYCES™ delivers premium-quality, science-backed products that promote wellness while prioritizing sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

What makes MYCES™ unique?

MYCES™ stands out as a premium mushroom-based functional food brand because of its commitment to quality, innovation, and efficacy. Our products are crafted with cutting-edge technology, sourced from the highest quality ingredients, and backed by science to provide unparalleled health benefits.

What Makes MYCES™ Unique:

  • Our products are dual-extracted to maximize the bioavailability of key bioactive compounds, ensuring optimal efficacy.
  • Patented liposomal encapsulation further enhances absorption, making our functional foods significantly more effective than traditional formulations.
  • We grow medicinal mushrooms, such as Tiger Milk Mushroom and others, in our own Good Agricultural Practices – Pesticide Free (MyGAP-PF) certified farm in Penang, Malaysia, ensuring pesticide-free, high-quality raw materials.
  • For mushrooms that do not thrive in tropical climates, we partner with globally certified farms, ensuring all ingredients meet our stringent quality standards.
  • Our patent-pending soil-less cultivation method ensures our mushrooms are free from heavy metals and environmental contaminants.
  • We also use eco-friendly, mushroom-based packaging materials, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
  • Every MYCES™ product undergoes microbial, heavy metal, and pesticide testing to ensure safety.
  • Manufactured in GMP and FDA-certified facilities, our products are also Halal-certified and comply with international safety standards, including HACCP and FSSC 22000.

MYCES™ products are formulated in Australia, a country renowned for its stringent regulatory standards for functional foods and health supplements with rigorous guidelines to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of functional foods and supplements. By adhering to these high standards, MYCES™ ensures its products meet the expectations of both local and global consumers.

  • Each MYCES™ product is formulated to address specific health concerns, such as immune support, respiratory health, cognitive function, and overall wellness, offering precise and reliable benefits.
  • We prioritize sustainability in every step, from cultivation to packaging, minimizing our carbon footprint and contributing to environmental conservation.

Our Promise:

MYCES™ is not just a functional food brand; it’s a commitment to your health and the planet. By combining nature’s wisdom with modern science, we deliver products that redefine wellness and set a new standard in functional foods.

If you have further questions about our products, feel free to contact us!

Why doesn’t MYCES™ grow all kinds of medicinal mushrooms on its own farm instead of sourcing some raw materials from around the world?

While we are proud to have an award-winning, Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) certified farm in Penang, Malaysia, we prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to the raw materials used in MYCES™ products.

1. Climate Suitability:

  • Malaysia’s tropical climate is ideal for growing certain medicinal mushrooms, such as Reishi (Ling Zhi), Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail.
  • However, other mushrooms, like Chaga, thrive only in cold, temperate climates. Growing them outside their natural environment may compromise their potency and quality.

2. Substrate Availability:

  • The substrate material used to cultivate mushrooms significantly impacts their bioactive compound levels. For instance, Antrodia cinnamomea requires the wood of Cinnamomum kanehirae, which is native to Taiwan and unavailable in Malaysia.

3. Commitment to Excellence:

  • By sourcing medicinal mushrooms from partner farms worldwide, we ensure that all raw materials meet the highest standards, whether grown locally or internationally. Our global partners adhere to strict organic and pesticide-free cultivation practices, ensuring that every MYCES™ product delivers maximum efficacy.

By growing certain mushrooms locally and sourcing others globally, we combine the best of both worlds to maintain the superior quality and efficacy of MYCES™ products.

What is the difference between medicinal mushroom products made from mycelium, fruiting bodies, and sclerotia? Which one is better?

Medicinal mushroom products can be made from the mycelium, fruiting body, or sclerotium, each offering distinct benefits depending on their bioactive compounds and cultivation process.

1. Mushroom Mycelium:

  • What is it?
    Mycelium is the root-like structure of the mushroom that grows underground or within a substrate. It represents the vegetative stage of the mushroom lifecycle.
  • Key Compounds:
    Mycelium contains polysaccharides, enzymes, and secondary metabolites that support immunity and digestion.
  • Advantages:
  • Easier to cultivate in controlled environments.
  • Rich in unique metabolites during active growth.
  • Cheaper in cost and selling price compared to the fruiting body and sclerotium.
  • Considerations:
  • Quality depends on the substrate; products may contain residual grain if grown on non-ideal substrates.
  • Lacks triterpenes, higher beta-glucans, and other bioactive compounds found in the fruiting body.

2. Mushroom Fruiting Body:

  • What is it?
    The fruiting body is the above-ground part of the mushroom, including the cap and stem, traditionally used in culinary and medicinal applications.
  • Key Compounds:
    Fruiting bodies are rich in triterpenesbeta-glucans, and moderate levels of polysaccharides, providing potent, well-rounded health benefits.
  • Advantages:
  • Higher concentration of bioactive compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes.
  • Widely researched and used in traditional medicine for immune and anti-inflammatory support.
  • More rounded raw material compared to mycelium.
  • Considerations:
  • More resource-intensive to cultivate.
  • Higher cost and selling price compared to mycelium.

3. Mushroom Sclerotium:

  • What is it?
    The sclerotium is a hardened, nutrient-dense structure that some mushrooms form as a survival mechanism. It contains concentrated bioactive compounds.
  • Key Compounds:
    Sclerotia, such as those from Tiger Milk Mushroom and Chaga, are rich in polysaccharides, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.
  • Advantages:
  • Highly concentrated source of nutrients and bioactives.
  • Used specifically for certain mushrooms like Tiger Milk Mushroom and Chaga, where the sclerotium is more beneficial than the fruiting body.
  • Considerations:
  • Limited to specific mushroom species.
  • Can be challenging to cultivate and harvest at scale.

Which Is Better?
The choice between mycelium, fruiting body, and sclerotium depends on the desired health benefits and product focus:

  • Fruiting Body: Offers a comprehensive range of bioactives, including beta-glucans, triterpenes, and polysaccharides, making it ideal for immune and anti-inflammatory support.
  • Mycelium: Focuses on enzymes and secondary metabolites, making it just suitable for enzymatic and digestive health.
  • Sclerotium: Provides highly concentrated nutrients and is specifically used for certain mushrooms like Tiger Milk Mushroom and Chaga to address unique health concerns.

At MYCES™, we prioritize using the fruiting body for most of our products due to its well-rounded health benefits. For mushrooms like Tiger Milk Mushroom and Chaga, we use the sclerotium to harness their full potency. If you have specific health goals, feel free to contact us for personalized guidance.

How can I identify whether a medicinal mushroom product uses mycelium or fruiting body if it is not mentioned on the label?

If a medicinal mushroom product does not clearly state whether it is made from mycelium or fruiting body, you can look for the following clues to help identify the source:

1. Check the Ingredient List:

  • Mycelium-based products often include terms like “mycelium,” “mycelial biomass,” or “mycelial extract.” If the ingredient list mentions a grain substrate (e.g., brown rice, oats), it is likely mycelium cultivated on the substrate.
  • Fruiting body-based products will typically list “mushroom fruiting body”.

2. Look for Beta-Glucan and Polysaccharide Content:

  • High levels of beta-glucans (e.g., >20%) are often associated with fruiting body extracts.
  • Products with lower beta-glucan levels but containing polysaccharides may indicate the use of mycelium.

3. Examine the Extraction Process:

  • Products made from fruiting bodies usually highlight advanced extraction methods, such as dual extraction (water and alcohol).
  • Mycelium-based products might focus on fermentation or water extraction techniques.

4. Review the Price Point:

  • Fruiting body-based products are typically more expensive due to the higher cultivation cost and bioactive content.
  • Mycelium products are generally more affordable because they are easier and faster to grow.

5. Contact the Manufacturer:

  • When in doubt, reach out to the company for clarification. A reputable brand should be transparent about the mushroom parts used in their products.

Why Does It Matter?
The part of the mushroom used—whether mycelium or fruiting body—determines the concentration and type of bioactive compounds in the product. Fruiting bodies are often preferred for their high levels of beta-glucans and triterpenes, while mycelium offers unique enzymes and secondary metabolites.

At MYCES™, we prioritize transparency by clearly labelling the mushroom parts used in our products, ensuring you get the highest quality and efficacy for your health.

Is it a concern if a medicinal mushroom product does not mention whether it is dual-extracted?

Yes, it is important to know whether a medicinal mushroom product has undergone dual extraction, as this process significantly impacts the product's quality and effectiveness.

Why is Dual Extraction Important?

  • Maximizes Bioactive Compounds:
  • Medicinal mushrooms contain water-soluble compounds (e.g., polysaccharides like beta-glucans) and alcohol-soluble compounds (e.g., triterpenes). Dual extraction ensures that both types of compounds are extracted, providing a full spectrum of health benefits.
  • Enhanced Potency:
  • Products that undergo dual extraction generally have higher bioavailability and potency compared to single-extraction products.

What If Dual Extraction Is Not Mentioned?

  • If the product does not specify the extraction method, it may indicate:
  • Single Extraction: Only water or alcohol may have been used, leading to an incomplete profile of bioactive compounds.
  • Raw or Minimally Processed: The mushrooms may have been dried and powdered without any extraction, resulting in limited bioavailability of the active compounds.

How to Identify Dual-Extracted Products?

  1. Check the Label: Look for terms like "dual extraction," "water and alcohol extraction," or specific percentages of beta-glucans and triterpenes.
  2. Price Point: Dual-extracted products are often priced higher due to the advanced process.
  3. Contact the Manufacturer: Reputable brands are usually transparent about their extraction methods.

At MYCES™, all our medicinal mushroom products undergo dual extraction and liposomal encapsulated to ensure maximum potency and a full spectrum of health benefits. We prioritize transparency and clearly label our extraction methods, so you can trust the quality of what you’re consuming. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.

Does the term "extraction" on medicinal mushroom product labels mean the product is dual-extracted?

Not necessarily. The term "extraction" simply indicates that bioactive compounds have been isolated from the mushroom, but it does not guarantee that the product has undergone dual extraction.

What Does "Extraction" Mean?

  • Single Extraction:
  • This typically refers to using either water or alcohol as the solvent.
  • Water extraction isolates water-soluble compounds, such as polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucans).
  • Alcohol extraction isolates fat-soluble compounds, such as triterpenes.
  • Dual Extraction:
  • This process involves both water and alcohol extraction to ensure a complete profile of bioactive compounds.

How to Determine the Extraction Method?

Check the Label:

  • Products labelled as "dual-extracted" or "water and alcohol extracted" indicate the use of both methods.
  • If only "extracted" is mentioned without further details, it is likely single extraction.

Ask About Compound Details:

Dual-extracted products typically list both beta-glucan (water-soluble) and triterpene (alcohol-soluble) contents on the label.

  • Contact the Manufacturer:
  • Reach out to the company to clarify the extraction process. A trustworthy brand should provide transparent information.

Why Does It Matter?
Dual extraction ensures the product contains a full spectrum of bioactive compounds, offering maximum health benefits. Single-extraction products may lack key compounds, potentially limiting their efficacy.

At MYCES™, all our medicinal mushroom products are dual-extracted and liposomal encapsulated, ensuring a comprehensive and potent blend of bioactive compounds for optimal health support. Transparency is our priority, and we encourage consumers to make informed decisions when choosing mushroom functional food or supplements.

What is liposomal encapsulation?

Liposomal encapsulation is an advanced delivery technology designed to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of active ingredients in functional food or supplements, including medicinal mushrooms.

How Does It Work?

  • Liposomal Structure:
  • Liposomes are tiny, spherical vesicles made of phospholipids, the same material that makes up cell membranes.
  • These vesicles act as protective carriers for the active ingredients, shielding them from degradation in the digestive system.
  • Encapsulation Process:
  • The active ingredients are enclosed within the liposomal vesicle, creating a "protective bubble" that facilitates their absorption into the bloodstream.

Benefits of Liposomal Encapsulation:

Enhanced Bioavailability:

  • Liposomes improve the absorption of water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds, ensuring more of the active ingredient reaches the bloodstream.

Protection Against Degradation:

  • The liposomal coating protects delicate bioactive compounds from being broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
  1. Efficient Delivery:
  • Liposomes mimic cell membranes, allowing the active ingredients to be more easily absorbed by cells.

Why Is It Important for Medicinal Mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes that are beneficial for health but may have limited bioavailability. By using liposomal encapsulation:

  • Beta-glucans (water-soluble) are protected during digestion.
  • Triterpenes (fat-soluble) are delivered more effectively to the cells.

At MYCES™, we incorporate patented liposomal encapsulation technology in our products to maximize the efficacy of medicinal mushroom compounds, ensuring you receive the full health benefits in every dose.

What is the percentage increase in bioavailability of bioactive compounds in MYCES™ products (dual-extracted and liposomal encapsulated) compared to non-extracted and dual-extracted medicinal mushroom products?

MYCES™ products are designed to maximize the bioavailability of medicinal mushroom bioactive compounds through dual extraction and advanced liposomal encapsulation technologies. These processes significantly enhance the absorption and efficacy of key compounds such as beta-glucans and triterpenes.

Bioavailability Comparisons:

  • Non-extracted raw mushroom powders: The bioactive compounds in raw powders, such as beta-glucans, are locked within the indigestible chitin cell walls. Studies indicate that less than 5%-10% of these compounds are absorbed by the body due to the inability to break down chitin.
  • Dual-extracted products: Dual extraction (using both water and alcohol) increases bioavailability to approximately 30%-50%, as this process releases water-soluble polysaccharides and fat-soluble triterpenes.
  • Dual-extracted products with liposomal encapsulation: Liposomes protect bioactive compounds from degradation in the digestive tract and enhance cellular absorption. This can increase bioavailability by an additional 50%-100% compared to standard dual extraction. For example, liposomal technology is known to improve absorption rates for similar compounds in other functional food or supplements by 2x or more.

Scientific Evidence:

  • A study published in International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2017) found that liposomal encapsulation improved the bioavailability of bioactive polysaccharides by up to 90% compared to non-liposomal formulations.
  • Research on triterpenes (Journal of Functional Foods, 2020) demonstrated that liposomal delivery systems significantly enhanced the uptake of these compounds, doubling their absorption compared to non-liposomal extracts.

Estimated Increment for MYCES™:

  • Non-Extracted: 5%-10% bioavailability
  • Dual-Extracted: 30%-50% bioavailability
  • Dual-Extracted + Liposomal Encapsulation: 70%-90% bioavailability

By combining dual extraction and liposomal encapsulation, MYCES™ products ensure maximum efficacy, delivering a significantly higher concentration of bioactive compounds to your body compared to non-extracted or standard dual-extracted products.

For further references or detailed studies, feel free to contact our support team.

What products are currently available for sale at MYCES™?

MYCES™ offers two premium mushroom superfood products designed to support your health and wellness:

1. MYCES™ GanoZen™

  • Crafted with Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi) and Lion’s Mane Mushroom, GanoZen™ supports immunity, stress relief, and improved sleep quality.

2. MYCES™ LignoMind™

  • Featuring Tiger Milk Mushroom and Lion’s Mane Mushroom, LignoMind™ promotes respiratory health, cognitive clarity, and immune resilience.

Both products are formulated with cutting-edge dual-extraction and patented liposomal encapsulation technologies to ensure maximum potency and bioavailability. Explore MYCES™ today to elevate your wellness journey!