Tremella
Tremella fuciformis
Water extract from fruiting bodies with optional standardisation on TFPS polysaccharides and β-glucans
Extract from Tremella fuciformis fruiting bodies from controlled cultivation in a tropical climate (mainly southern China), audited regularly. Hot water extraction as the primary process (TFPS polysaccharides are hydrophilic and require long extraction at 90°C).
Many names, one species
Yin Er (China, 银耳 — "silver ear", from the white, lace-like shape of the fruiting body resembling an ear), Bai Mu Er (China, 白木耳 — "white tree ear"), Xue Er (China, 雪耳 — "snow ear"), Shiro kikurage (Japan — "white tree mushroom"), Snow fungus / Silver ear / White jelly mushroom (English — from the colour and jelly-like texture), trzęsak morszczynowaty (Poland, official botanical name — from the resemblance of the branching lobes of the fruiting body to the thallus of bladderwrack). All these names refer to the same species: Tremella fuciformis. In TCM Yin Er is one of the most highly prized Yin tonics, described in Ben Cao Gang Mu (1578) by Li Shizhen, traditionally used as the imperial court's "plant caviar". The most famous historical consumer of Tremella was the concubine Yang Guifei (719-756 CE) from the court of Emperor Xuanzong (a historical anecdote, not a recommendation). We work with controlled cultivation in a tropical climate (Tremella does not grow in the European climate, so local wild harvest from Polish forests is not an option).
What's in the extract
Tremella fuciformis has a unique polysaccharide profile among functional mushrooms. TFPS (Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides) is the main bioactive complex — structurally a glucuronoxylomannan, i.e. a linear (1→3)-α-D-mannose backbone with side branches of β-D-xylose, α-D-fucose and β-D-glucuronic acid. Molecular weight from 5.82×10⁵ to 3.74×10⁶ Da [Wu et al. 2019]. Standardisation in our extract above 30% (sum of TFPS + β-glucans). β-1,3/1,6-glucans as a fraction activating Dectin-1 and TLR4 receptors. Uridine (a nucleoside described in the literature as a regulator of glucocorticoid signalling and a support for neuronal membrane synthesis). Mannitol (tremellic acid, a natural polyol with osmotic properties). Ergosterol and provitamin D₂. Essential amino acids (lysine, threonine) and trace elements (zinc, selenium, iron).
Tremella contains TFPS polysaccharides with a structure functionally analogous to hyaluronic acid — both compounds bind water through hydrogen bonds and form a three-dimensional humectant network. However, this is NOT the same chemical compound: hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (a conjugate of glucuronic acid with N-acetylglucosamine), TFPS is a glucuronoxylomannan (mannose, xylose, fucose, glucuronic acid). Mendes et al. [2025, MDPI Foods] analysed the TFPS fraction above 2000 kDa and identified up to 87.76% of a structural counterpart to hyaluronic acid — an argument for positioning it as a "non-animal hyaluronic acid source", but NOT for declaring it "natural hyaluronic acid" (different chemical compounds). At Aloha Fungi we use exclusively fruiting-body extract for this species.
Typical batch specification
Typical batch: total polysaccharides (TFPS + β-glucans) above 30% by Megazyme method + monosaccharide analysis by HPLC-RID. TFPS (glucuronoxylomannan) [TBD: typical value]% as the dominant fraction. β-1,3/1,6-glucans [TBD: typical value]% by Megazyme K-YBGL method. Monosaccharide ratio (mannose : xylose : fucose : glucuronic acid) [TBD: typical profile] as a marker of species authenticity. Uridine [TBD: typical value] mg/g by HPLC. Moisture ≤ 5%. Extraction ratio 10:1. Microbiology compliant with the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.). Every batch comes with a full COA including test methodology. For partners requiring the highest precision we offer TFPS molecular-weight analysis by SEC-MALS (key for cosmetic applications — higher molecular weight means surface hydration, lower means deeper skin penetration).
Premium variant
★ Co-brandingFor brands that want to create their own functional-mushroom product and base it on our raw-material standard. You use extracts selected by Aloha Fungi, and once the criteria are met you can add our quality seal to your packaging.
MOQ: 5 kg
Our logo on your product →Raw material
Mature Tremella fuciformis fruiting bodies from controlled cultivation in southern China (mainly Fujian, Sichuan), in the tropical and subtropical climate this species requires. Cultivation on hardwood together with a host fungus (most often Annulohypoxylon spp.) — in nature Tremella does not grow directly on wood, but as a parasite of other wood-decomposing fungi. This two-species cultivation system is unique and requires specialised infrastructure. Cultivation time from inoculation to harvest: 60-90 days. Farms audited quarterly, including microbiological testing of the substrate. Harvest at full maturity (a fruiting body with a full, lace-like shape, white to yellowish, 5-15 cm in diameter), dried at low temperature to preserve the polysaccharide structure. Tremella does NOT GROW in the European climate (requires an average annual temperature above 18°C and relative humidity above 80%), so wild harvest from Polish forests is not possible.
Extraction process
Milling of dried fruiting bodies. Primary process: hot water extraction at 90°C, 4-6 hours, for optimal recovery of TFPS, β-glucans, uridine and mannitol. TFPS polysaccharides are hydrophilic and require long extraction at high temperature (short "cold" extractions give trace amounts of TFPS). Additionally, optional chromatographic fractionation for isolation of TFPS within a defined molecular-weight range (useful for cosmetic applications, where lower weights are needed for skin penetration, vs. supplement applications, where higher weights better support collagen synthesis). Concentration at reduced temperature, drying to powder form without maltodextrin.
Tremella fuciformis — fruiting body from our controlled cultivation
Mechanisms described in the literature
Contemporary research on Tremella fuciformis (in vitro, animal models and TWO human RCTs, which is rare in the functional-mushroom group) describes three main mechanisms of action.
- 01
Hydration via glucuronoxylomannan polysaccharides
The best-described mechanism in the literature. Thanks to a combination of mannose, xylose, fucose and glucuronic acid, TFPS polysaccharides form a three-dimensional water-binding network, holding water molecules through hydrogen bonds. In in vitro tests, lower-molecular-weight TFPS shows deeper skin penetration than conventional high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid [Wu 2019]. In animal models (mice with D-galactose-induced skin ageing), oral TFPS supplementation reduced the loss of hydroxyproline and hyaluronic acid in the skin and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GSH-Px [Wen 2016]. In UVA-stimulated skin fibroblasts, TFPS increased the production of type I collagen, elastin and endogenous hyaluronic acid by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway [Hu 2021]. The humectant mechanism works both with oral use (from within, via reinforced extracellular matrix synthesis) and topical use (surface water binding).
- 02
Cognitive support via NGF and the cholinergic system
The second mechanism with strong RCT support. Park et al. [2007] showed that an aqueous Tremella extract (0.01-1 μg/ml) stimulated neurite outgrowth in PC12h cells in a dose-dependent manner. Later work by the same team [Park 2012] showed that oral administration of Tremella (100 or 400 mg/kg for 14 days) reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats and activated CREB transcription while increasing ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) expression in the medial septal nucleus. The mechanism does not consist in direct NGF production by Tremella (as in Lion's Mane and its hericenones) but in stimulation of astrocytes to synthesise NGF and support of the CREB pathway in cholinergic neurons. Clinical translation: Ban et al. [2018, J Med Food] conducted an 8-week double-blind RCT with n=75 subjects with subjective memory impairment. Doses of 600 mg/day and 1200 mg/day of Tremella extract significantly improved scores on the memory complaint questionnaire and on tests of short-term memory and executive function vs. placebo; additionally, voxel-based morphometry showed grey-matter changes. This is preliminary but a well-designed study awaiting replication in larger groups.
- 03
Modulation of metabolic parameters
The third direction, the most recent in clinical literature. Gitsomboon et al. [2024, BMC Nutrition] conducted a 12-week RCT with n=56 overweight subjects, showing that consumption of a Tremella β-glucan beverage significantly influenced metabolic parameters: HbA1c (6.03% → 5.96%, p=0.047, Cohen's d=0.39) and waist circumference (95.2 cm → 93.46 cm, p=0.022, Cohen's d=0.45). Effects were modest (Cohen's d in the small-to-medium range) but clinically noticeable and without side effects. Mechanistically, Tremella β-glucans activate the PI3K/Akt insulin signalling pathway, regulate adipogenesis genes (PPAR-γ, leptin) and influence the gut microbiota through increased production of short-chain fatty acids. The same β-glucan mechanism acts in parallel on Dectin-1 and TLR4 receptors of dendritic cells.
★ Tremella in the Aloha Fungi brand
This is how Tremella looks as a finished product
Aloha Fungi is not only a B2B raw material — it's also our consumer brand. Here's how we use the same Tremella extract in our own products LONGEVITY and PRIME on alohafungi.pl. You can distribute these products or draw inspiration from their form and communication for your own brand.
Consumer communication — what's allowed, what to avoid
Health claims on finished products are regulated by EU rules (1924/2006 and 432/2012). Tremella has no authorised EFSA claim, so any phrasing about the product's effect on the body requires particular care in consumer communication. TCM tradition (Yin Er in Ben Cao Gang Mu 1578, more than 2000 years of documented use) and two controlled human RCTs (Ban 2018 memory, Gitsomboon 2024 metabolic parameters) allow communication about Tremella's traditional use and reporting of specific studies — provided certain language boundaries are observed. Below are the boundaries that are legally permitted.
What works
Communication directions safe for partners
Traditional use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Tremella was traditionally used in the context of supporting skin and mucous-membrane condition, and to tonify Yin) — using the form "traditionally used in the context of X", not "supports X". Description of bioactive compounds (TFPS polysaccharides as the signature glucuronoxylomannan, β-glucans above 30%). Description of the process (fruiting-body extract, two-species cultivation with Annulohypoxylon, hot water extraction). Reporting research findings ("the Ban 2018 RCT with 75 subjects with subjective memory impairment…", not "Tremella improves memory"). Reference to the profile of functional markers (TFPS as a structural counterpart of polysaccharide humectants). For cosmetic applications: positioning as a "non-animal humectant from mushroom" is SAFE and legally permitted, but WITHOUT equating it with hyaluronic acid.
What to avoid
Strictly prohibited communication
Attributing to the product the treatment, prevention or alleviation of specific disease entities (covered by the ICD-10 classification, including mild cognitive impairment MCI, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, dry conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, diabetes, prediabetes, post-menopausal dryness syndrome). Forbidden words: "treats", "cures", "prevents", "therapy", "natural hyaluronic acid" (TFPS is a STRUCTURAL COUNTERPART, not the same chemical compound — this is a regulatory difference in the label declaration), "rejuvenates skin", "reverses wrinkles", "replaces cosmetics", "treats AD", "cures vaginal dryness", "replaces insulin", "treats MCI", "clinical efficacy", "normalises", "dosage" (we use "recommended daily portion"). Regardless of any study quoted, research must not be cited in a way that suggests the product acts on a specific condition.
Critical for Tremella
Three specific regulatory risks:
1) "Natural hyaluronic acid". This is the MOST COMMON marketing mistake among Tremella producers. TFPS is a structural counterpart (comparable humectant function), but it is NOT chemically hyaluronic acid. The label declaration must state "polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis" or "glucuronoxylomannan", NOT "plant hyaluronic acid".
2) Beauty-influencer marketing. Tata Harper, Dermalogica, Origins and other luxury brands use Tremella in cosmetics — this is an attractive PR argument, but the "celebrity-grade ingredient" narrative in consumer communication is risky (it suggests efficacy comparable to luxury skincare).
3) Diabetes and prediabetes. Gitsomboon 2024 is a STRONG study (n=56, 12 weeks, double-blind), but citing it in supplement marketing is interpretable as a "for diabetes" (ICD-10 E11) or "for prediabetes" (R73.0) claim.
Extract applications
Tremella extract is one of the most technologically versatile in our functional-mushroom portfolio. Capsules — standard fill 300-500 mg of extract. Powder — readily soluble in cold and warm water (an exception vs. Reishi/LM/Chaga, which require hot water), ideal for smoothies, desserts, DIY cosmetics. Tremella has a sweet-neutral flavour, without bitterness, easy to compose with — a UNIQUE feature of this mushroom. Liquid extract (tincture) — drops under the tongue for 30-60 seconds or into a drink. Chocolates and bars — flavour tolerance up to 5% by weight (the highest among mushrooms). Oral beauty / skincare — the dominant segment in the cosmetics industry — "ingestible beauty" with Tremella as the main ingredient (capsules, gummies, beauty shots). Creams, serums and cosmetic masks — the lower-molecular-weight TFPS fraction penetrates the skin superficially — IMPORTANT: this is a cosmetic, not a supplement, a different regulatory path (Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009). Functional drinks (gummies, kombuchas, cacao, lattes) — "beauty drinks" are a growing segment and Tremella fits naturally into this category. Vegan jellies — an alternative to gelatine (at appropriate TFPS concentrations).
Stability, storage and packaging
Stability: 24-36 months in original packaging, at room temperature, away from direct light. Inert packaging (nitrogen) on request. TFPS is thermally stable up to 80-85°C; above that it begins to depolymerise (loss of molecular weight, drop in humectant function). This is relevant for applications in hot drinks (RTD lattes at 80°C OK, boiling at 100°C not recommended) and in cosmetic sterilisation (autoclaving at 121°C destroys TFPS, sterile filtration is better). Tremella is moderately hygroscopic; we recommend airtight closure after sampling and storage below 60% relative humidity. In extracts with high TFPS content a slight tendency to clumping may appear — this is not a defect but a natural feature of water-binding polysaccharides.
Precautions
Tremella is ONE OF THE SAFEST functional mushrooms. In both human RCTs (Ban 2018, Gitsomboon 2024) no side effects were reported over 8-12 weeks of supplementation. In Chinese culinary history it has been consumed widely for more than 1000 years. Nevertheless, there are situations requiring caution.
Absolute contraindications: known allergy to mushrooms of the Tremellaceae family or cross-hypersensitivity to other medicinal mushrooms. Post-organ-transplant status with active immunosuppression (cyclosporin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, everolimus) — β-glucans activate Dectin-1 and TLR4. Children under 18 — no safety studies.
Requires consultation with a physician: anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, NOACs, clopidogrel, ASA in cardiological doses) — Tremella polysaccharides may prolong partial thromboplastin time, modulating the endogenous coagulation pathway [Wu 2019]. The effect is mild but with concurrent anticoagulant therapy requires INR monitoring. Antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, incretins) — Tremella lowers HbA1c (Gitsomboon 2024), so concurrent treatment may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Glycaemic monitoring and consultation with a diabetologist. Pregnancy and breastfeeding — in TCM traditionally considered safe, but no clinical RCTs, we recommend caution. Planned surgeries — discontinue Tremella at least 14 days before a surgical procedure.
Possible side effects (rarely reported): gastrointestinal disturbances (bloating, loose stools) related to the mucilaginous nature of the polysaccharides — split the portion into 2 doses and take with a warm meal. Allergic reactions (itching, swelling) in cases of mushroom hypersensitivity. As standard, we include the key warnings on the consumer label of the final product.
Regulatory status
Tremella fuciformis is traditionally present on the EU market as an ingredient in food supplements (documented use in TCM for more than 1000 years, in European phytotherapy and supplementation since the 1990s) and does not appear on the Novel Food list (regulation 2015/2283). Its pre-1997 status is based on historical use but is not formally confirmed by EFSA — different member states interpret this differently.
NOTE: two parallel regulatory paths
Tremella has a parallel regulatory path as a COSMETIC ingredient (Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009) — here the standard naming (INCI) is "Tremella fuciformis (Mushroom) Polysaccharide" or "Tremella fuciformis Extract". A cosmetics manufacturer does NOT need to notify GIS but rather CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal). A food supplement manufacturer must notify GIS under the food safety act. The same extract can be used in both categories, but the documentation, labelling and claims are regulated separately.
We support partners with technical documentation, certificates of cultivation origin and raw-material specification for notification on both paths (supplement / cosmetic) — but we don't replace professional legal counsel.
★ Fastest path
Ready-made Aloha Fungi products for your business
Choose ready-made products from the LONGEVITY or PRIME line, or individual SKUs, and sell them under the Aloha Fungi brand in your channel.
This solution is for shops, clinics, practices and online partners who want to add functional mushrooms to their offer quickly, without building a product from scratch.
MOQ
1 500 PLN
Lead time
24h
First delivery
24h
Selected literature
12 sources
Selected literature
12 sources- Gitsomboon S et al. (2024). RCT n=56, 12 weeks, double-blind, Tremella vs. placebo, reduction in HbA1c (p=0.047) and waist circumference (p=0.022). BMC Nutrition. PMID: 38439104.
- Ban S et al. (2018). RCT n=75, 8 weeks, double-blind, Tremella 600/1200 mg/day, subjective memory impairment, improvement in short-term memory and executive function tests. J Med Food. PMID: 29319408.
- Wu YJ et al. (2019). Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides — structure, bioactivities, applications (review). Int J Biol Macromol. PMID: 31030755.
- Park KJ et al. (2007). Tremella in PC12h cells — stimulation of neurite outgrowth. Mycobiology. PMID: 24015063.
- Park HJ et al. (2012). Tremella reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats via CREB and ChAT activation. Behav Brain Res. PMID: 22227505.
- Hu X et al. (2021). TFPS in UVA-stimulated fibroblasts — stimulation of collagen I, elastin, endogenous HA via Nrf2/Keap1. J Cosmet Dermatol. PMID: 33686752.
- Wen L et al. (2016). TFPS protects against D-galactose skin ageing in mice — SOD, CAT, GSH-Px. J Sci Food Agric.
- Shen T et al. (2017). TFPS protects skin fibroblasts from H2O2 oxidative stress via SIRT1. Mol Med Rep. PMID: 28627707.
- Mendes M et al. (2025). Tremella as a "non-animal hyaluronic acid" — structural characterisation and comparison with HA. Foods (MDPI).
- Lee H et al. (2025). Anti-stress effects of Tremella fuciformis in an animal model. Antioxidants.
- Khamlue R et al. (2024). Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides — isolation, structures, bioactivities, applications (review). Front Pharmacol.
- Wu Y et al. (2016). Mushroom cosmetics: the present and future (review for the cosmetics industry). Cosmetics.