Lab Results Identified Compounds in Rhiza Mycelium
The ingredient, now approved in three countries, contains compounds linked to healthy aging.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Nutrition
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BMC Ingredients has published laboratory findings identifying the presence of ergothioneine and spermidine in its Rhiza mycelium product. The ingredient, produced by fermenting the fungus Neurospora crassa, is currently approved for sale in the United States, Singapore, and Canada.
Why it matters
The publication of these findings highlights specific compounds in the fungal ingredient that have been linked by the manufacturer to healthy aging. This report follows the regulatory approval of the product in three major international markets.
A single batch of dried Rhiza, tested by an independent laboratory and published in the journal Applied Microbiology, confirmed the presence of ergothioneine and spermidine. Researchers have not yet determined how well these specific compounds are absorbed by the human body.
The players
BMC Ingredients
A developer of fungal-based food ingredients that recently secured market approval for its Rhiza mycelium product.
The details
Rhiza is manufactured by fermenting the fungus Neurospora crassa, a process traditionally associated with specific regional uses in Indonesia. BMC Ingredients intends to expand its research by testing additional production batches to understand the stability of these compounds under various conditions, including storage and cooking.
Timeline
The US FDA cleared the Rhiza ingredient in 2024.
Health Canada granted approval for the sale of Rhiza in 2026.
The BMC Ingredients paper was published on October 6, 2026.
Health Landscape
This development aligns with the ongoing research into the bioavailability of ergothioneine in various food sources. It marks a step in characterizing the nutritional profile of ingredients derived from the fermentation of Neurospora crassa as they enter the global market.
While these findings point to the presence of potential aging-related compounds, future studies are needed to determine if these are absorbed effectively by the body. Any interest in the impact of specific functional ingredients on your health should be discussed with your physician.
The takeaway
The identification of ergothioneine and spermidine in Rhiza represents an early step in characterizing this ingredient's potential nutritional value. Consumers interested in dietary supplements or functional foods should continue to monitor future absorption studies and consult with a doctor.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving science of functional foods, visit the Nutrition section.
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