Why We Test This Way

Most supplement companies test only the finished product — a single pass/fail that tells you very little about what’s actually inside. We test at two levels: individual ingredient COAs from each supplier verifying purity, potency, and active compound content, plus finished product testing for heavy metals, microbials, and identity confirmation.

For mushroom extracts, we require beta-glucan specific testing using the Megazyme enzymatic method — not total polysaccharide testing, which can be inflated by starch from grain-based substrates. For Rhodiola, we require DNA barcoding to confirm species identity, because generic Rhodiola is one of the most adulterated botanicals on the market.

Every COA on this page is from our current production lots. When lots change, the COAs update.

Glossary

COA (Certificate of Analysis) — Document from a laboratory verifying that a product meets its specifications for purity, potency, contaminants, and identity.

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) — Analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify specific compounds. Used for creatine purity, cordycepin content, and caffeine assays.

Beta-(1,3)(1,6)-Glucans — Bioactive polysaccharides with unique branched structure found in mushroom cell walls. Measured using Megazyme enzymatic method to exclude starch interference.

Cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine) — Primary bioactive compound unique to Cordyceps species. Nucleoside analogue structurally similar to adenosine.

Rosavins — Phenylpropanoid compounds unique to Rhodiola rosea that drive the adaptogenic effect. Not found in other Rhodiola species commonly used as substitutes.

Cologne List® — German testing program by Olympiastützpunkt Rheinland that regularly screens supplements for steroids, stimulants, and banned substances.

TPC (Total Plate Count) — Measure of total viable microorganisms per gram. Lower numbers indicate cleaner production.

LQL (Lower Quantification Limit) — The lowest concentration at which a substance can be reliably measured. Results below LQL mean the substance is effectively undetectable.