LeafWorks Goes All-In On Mushroom Testing
We can hardly contain our excitement! We just announced our launch of a full panel of qPCR tests for top functional mushrooms in the natural products supply chain: chaga, turkey tail, lion’s mane, reishi, shiitake and cordyceps. Creating new DNA ID tests takes a tremendous amount of hard work, and these tests were no exception. With accuracy rates to the tune of 98% for lion’s mane and 96% for turkey tail, we have achieved a big milestone at LeafWorks in providing highly accurate and specific testing options. Today, we opened new doors for the mushroom supply chain for better testing and more testing options. We could not be prouder.
Why These Tests Matter
- Consumers demand transparency. As functional mushroom products flood the market, consumers’ awareness and demand for verified ingredients in natural products have never been higher. Ensuring that what’s on the label is truly in the bottle is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s essential for brand trust.
- Adulteration is common. Mislabeling and substitution in global supply chains can damage brand trust, and lead to regulatory issues. Adulteration is particularly difficult to detect using other testing methods in complex blends and with mushrooms of overlapping chemistries. DNA cuts right through that to identify what mushroom is really in there.
The New Solution with DNA
LeafWorks’ use of validated species-specific qPCR assays ensures fast, accurate detection down to the individual species level. These tests were developed with care and a large amount of verification:
- Built using authenticated botanical reference materials
- Validated across 1,400+ genomes (way beyond typical validation numbers in the industry!)
- Tested in over 2,900 qPCR reactions
- Verified on over 280 commercial industry samples, including complex blends
That means no more relying on outdated public databases, less reliable methods, or universal markers—just confident, actionable test results.
What These Tests Offer:
- Accuracy in many forms: Our tests are designed to work in complex blends and finished products.
- Rapid turnaround time (7-9 business days) with ability to request rush jobs (as soon as 4 days).
- More ID options to meet your products where they are at, whether testing with us or when submitting for testing at Eurofins Botanical Testing
- Real compliance: These tests meet quality standards and regulations like 21 CFR Part 111, which mandates accurate ingredient labeling.
- Peace of Mind: Mushrooms are globally sourced, often in forms that make it impossible to know, by eye or traditional testing methods, exactly what you are getting. These tests solve that problem for you.
At LeafWorks, we believe that trust in natural products starts with truth about what’s inside. This expanded panel of mushroom DNA tests represents more than just technical achievement—it reflects our commitment to helping the industry grow with integrity, transparency, and confidence. We’re honored to support the brands, farmers, and formulators who care deeply about quality, and we’re proud to offer tools that make it easier to stand behind every ingredient. Here’s to raising the bar—together.
