Science Vault
Ancient wisdom meets modern science
At Hogsback Mushrooms, everything we create begins with reverence. Reverence for Mother Natur e, for Mama Mycelium, and for the extraordinary gifts fungi offer. We believe mushrooms are not just food-they are ancient medicines, teachers , and allies that can help us heal ourselves, our loved ones, and the planet.
Our ethos is simple but uncompromising
We will never sell anything we have not eaten, tested, and enjoyed ourselves.
We will always strive to make products that are as pure, natural, and functional as possible.
We see mushrooms as a bridge-between people and nature, between tradition and science, between food and medicine.
This is not a trend – This is our life’s work – a passion bordering on obsession.
Our Commitment
To Nature
To Science
Transparent, credible, and evolving research partnerships.
To People
References & Research
Here is a growing selection of peer-reviewed studies that inspire and inform our work with functional mushrooms:
Kawagishi H. et al. (1994).
Hericenones from Lion’s Mane stimulate Nerve Growth Factor
Mori K. et al. (2009).
Lion’s Mane mushroom improves cognitive function in older adults: a double-blind placebo-controlled
Nagano M. et al. (2010).
Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks of Lion’s Mane intake.
Zhang C. et al. (2016).
Neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) in neurodegenerative
Eteraf-Oskouei T. & Najafi M. (2013).
Samarghandian S. et al. (2017).
Honey and health: Polyphenols, antioxidants, and therapeutic
Srinivasan K. (2007).
Black pepper and piperine: bioavai/ability and health-promoting properties.
While our hearts belong to the forest, our minds are rooted in rigorous science.
For years, Kinesh Chetty (Founder of Hogsback Mushrooms) and Dr. Marieke Gryzenhout (Professor of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State) have collaborated on the Hogsback Mushroom Festival-bringing world-class knowledge about fungi to the public.
Now, that partnership deepening. Hogsback Mushrooms and the University of the Free State are aligning on long-term research and development in the field of-
- Functional mushrooms (evidence-based nutrition, nootropics, and medicinal fungi)
- Radical mycology (exploring the broader, revolutionary potential of fungi for health, environment, and society)
Together, we are working to expand the scientific understanding of mushrooms-while making sure that this knowledge translates into safe, effective, and life-improving products for everyday people.
This unique forest-to-lab relationship ensures that every jar, every elixir, and every product we release is both soulfully crafted and scientifically credible.
