Often called the fungus of fortune, Antrodia cinnamomea is known as “niu zhang zhi” in Mandarin. Growing only inside the decaying heartwood of the indigenous Bull Camphor Tree, Cinnamomum kanekirai, Antrodia cinnamomea has been used as a natural therapeutic ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. First discovered by Taiwanese aboriginals, the mushroom is often used as an anecdote to treat intoxication caused by food, alcohol, or drug poisoning by promoting the recovery of liver cells and enhancing the body’s metabolism. In Taiwan, Antrodia cinnamomea has recently been widely studied for its effectiveness in promoting liver functions. Antrodia has been said to be effective in naturally stimulating the immune system. Studies have also shown that Antrodia cinnamomea has antioxidant properties and can reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals that arise naturally over time.

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By simulating the wild growth environment in our modern facilities through optimal temperature and humidity control and the infusion of the right mixture of micro-nutrients depending on the maturation stage of the mushroom, we at Primordia have been able to successfully cultivate the precious fruiting bodies and mycelia of the Antrodia cinnamomea mushroom. In fact, our strain of Antrodia cinnamomea has a rDNA sequence that is almost identical to that of the mushroom found in nature, with a 99.7% similarity.

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Through modern biotechnology techniques designed to attain geographic authenticity, or what the Chinese refer as Dao Di, at last we believe to have taken mushroom cultivation to the 21st century. From our own studies, it is obvious that the key factors influencing the optimal growth and maturation of this mushroom species are not isolated individual factors but rather a host of them that interplay with each other. Thus, the micro-nutrients needed by any mushroom cannot be statically programmed or fixed irrespective of the maturation stage of the mushroom. They have to be molded just as the other physicochemical parameters need to be changed and refined depending on the maturation stage of the mushroom. What comprise these key factors is the result of almost three decades of dedicated study and observation by our group. We have thus developed our own version of proprietary water and trace element chemistries. We have carefully mimicked these changes as they occur in the natural habitats of the mushroom. Our mushroom cultures are enriched with the right balance of bioactive compounds and trace minerals.

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Furthermore, our crops are harvested and extracted carefully to the highest quality and hygiene standards. In fact, we believe that our unique and radically different cultivation techniques enable us to produce crops that exceed the best of those found in the wild. Upon laboratory analysis, our pure Antrodia cinnamomea extracts contain bioactive ingredients that match and exceed those associated with the rare wild mushroom.