As raw Reishi itself is hard and not edible, the nutritional value of Reishi in its raw form is low without any further processing. It is difficult for the body to absorb the active ingredients of raw Reishi without any extraction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and throughout its history of use, only fully-grown dried Red Reishi was used, cut into slices, boiled in hot water, and then finally drunk in a tea/soup in order to properly digest the active ingredients. Now Japanese manufacturers of Reishi products use a refined and labour-intensive processing technique where raw Reishi is boiled multiple times at a high pressure and sanitary environment to properly extract the nutritional essence of Reishi (hot-water extraction). Inferior Reishi products in the market place are made only with the pulverized powder from raw Reishi which is not further refined.
Besides the feature of raw and extract, I don’t know huge differences. Yet from what I know, traditional medical practitioners prescribe 0.5 to 1.0 grams of reishi extract daily as a maintenance medication. However, I can help you with the fact that Red Reishi Mushroom has significant benefits for our health. I read an article about What are the Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms? and it completely changed my view on mushrooms and their extracts. Did you know that it helps you boost your immune system and gives you energy? Anyways, I began a trial with reishi extract and, I can come up later with some reviews.