Some of nature’s most sophisticated intelligence grows not above the ground — but beneath it.
Mushrooms, long revered across cultures and continents, are now at the forefront of modern preventive science. And for good reason.

Fungi are not only among the oldest living organisms on Earth — they also share surprising cellular similarities with humans. Their cell walls, composed of beta-glucans, and their amino acid structures offer a unique compatibility with our own biology, making them remarkably bio-intelligent in how they interact with the human body.

At ICON DNA, this synergy lies at the heart of our research — and the foundation of our vision for the future.

Mushrooms and Human Biology: A Natural Affinity

Unlike plants, mushrooms are more genetically and biochemically aligned with humans.

• They contain all essential amino acids, including those the body cannot produce on its own

• They offer unique compounds such as ergothioneine, a naturally occurring amino acid with antioxidant properties, which the human body absorbs via a dedicated transporter

• Their complex matrix of beta-glucans, polyphenols, sterols, and micronutrients supports multiple physiological systems in tandem

This structural and biochemical alignment is what makes mushrooms so relevant in functional nutrition and preventive health strategies.

Ergothioneine: A Natural Cellular Defender

One of the most intriguing compounds found in mushrooms is ergothioneine — sometimes referred to as the “longevity vitamin.” Though not officially classified as a vitamin, its presence in human tissues, especially the liver, brain, and eyes, has drawn increasing scientific interest.

Ergothioneine acts as a cellular antioxidant, and early research suggests it may help:

• Protect cells from oxidative stress

• Support mitochondrial health

• Modulate inflammatory responses

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is widely acknowledged as a contributing factor in many modern health conditions. While ergothioneine is still under investigation, its role as a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties points to exciting potential — especially in the context of long-term cellular maintenance.

Mushrooms and Preventive Wellness

Mushrooms are not pharmaceutical — they are nutritional, and that is their strength.
Ingested consistently in food-grade, biologically active forms, mushrooms may help support:

• The normal function of the immune system

• Microbial balance in the gut

• Nutrient diversity in plant-based or low-variety diets

• The body’s ability to maintain homeostasis under physiological stress

Mushrooms are not designed to treat or cure disease — but they are uniquely suited to support foundational health, gently and over time.

Health Begins Before Diagnosis

At ICON DNA, we believe that the future of wellness lies in what we do before symptoms appear.
Our focus is on daily, biologically intelligent supplementation that nourishes the systems most often under stress — particularly immunity, digestion, and cellular resilience.

We are proud to announce that our long-term research commitment will be extended through the ICON DNA Foundation, where we will support and collaborate with scientists exploring the role of Pleurotus eryngii and other functional mushrooms in cognitive health and dementia prevention.

This is not about promising cures — it’s about supporting the science that helps us understand how mushrooms interact with the brain, immune cells, and aging processes.

Designed for Longevity. Supported by Nature. Guided by Science.

We do not see mushrooms as trends — but as timeless allies.
From ergothioneine to beta-glucans, from natural vitamin D₂ to a complete amino acid profile, mushrooms offer a unique blend of nutrients that align with the human body’s long-term needs.

ICON DNA is our expression of this belief: a formulation designed not only for today, but for the decades to come.

Grounded in science. Driven by integrity. Refined through design.