Scientists studied how the medicinal mushroom Lingzhi changes chemically as it grows from mycelium through various stages to mature fruiting bodies. They found that the mushroom contains many beneficial compounds, including special molecules called triterpenoids, that help block α-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in blood sugar control. Interestingly, the immature mushroom stage showed the strongest anti-diabetic activity, suggesting farmers should harvest at specific times depending on desired health benefits rather than always waiting for full maturity.