Is a mushroom a plant? Or not?

Did you know that mushrooms belong to a distinct biological group called fungi, not plants or animals? Biologically, fungi are classified as their own unique form of life, separate from animals and plants. These fungi play a crucial role in the natural cycles and ecosystems where plants are born and are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. The mushrooms we see every day are actually the fruiting bodies of fungi, responsible for producing spores and facilitating reproduction. The root-like part of a mushroom is called the mycelium, which is a network of fungal threads that can extend up to 10km from just a single gram of soil.

What's fascinating is that over the course of countless years, fungi have created intricate networks within forests. This is because fungi and plants collaborate and support each other, forming a symbiotic network. Fungi also serve as excellent detoxifiers of polluted environments and contributors to soil fertility. Thanks to these functions, mushrooms have been praised as "food of the gods" since ancient Greece, referred to as the elixir of immortality by the Chinese, and today, medicinal mushrooms are gaining attention for their pharmacological benefits in the realms of wellness and health food.

Mushrooms have already gained recognition overseas as a "super effective, sustainable" ingredient, finding applications not only in health foods but also as a premium vegan ingredient and even as an alternative to leather. Particularly, the abundant presence of "beta-glucans" in mushrooms, a dietary fiber found in large quantities in the cell walls of grains, yeast, and mushrooms, plays a crucial role in promoting cell growth. It's also one of the six essential nutrients defined by the U.S. FDA. These beta-glucans contribute significantly to boosting skin immunity, reducing skin inflammation, removing active oxygen, preventing skin aging, and offering excellent skin protection, making them versatile in cosmetic formulations.

In fact, global natural skincare brand 'O' has actively incorporated mushrooms into their skincare lines aimed at promoting skin health and improving sensitivity.

At GNS, we have prepared a variety of ingredients that harness the special properties of mushrooms to benefit the skin, including extracts from various mushrooms such as Chaga, Silver Ear, and Lingzhi. From the mushroom's fruiting body, which contains spores, to the mycelium, a nutrient-rich part of the fungus, we offer a diverse range of materials that can enhance the efficacy of mushrooms in skincare.

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycan, Silver Ear and Shiitake Mushroom Complex for Moisture and Elasticity

Because of this role of mushrooms, the English word 'Mushrooming' is used to express rapid growth or proliferation, typically referring to a phenomenon in which new businesses, products, or trends rapidly expand or spread in any field.