Established in 1998, Alpha specialises in harnessing the power of fungi and natural herbs to create functional health products
Where it all started
Through our self-developed low-temperature, low-pressure extraction technology, we meticulously extract the active ingredients and essence from nature’s finest resources. Our commitment to ongoing research ensures that we continually bring the benefits of nature to people, delivering products that are natural, pollutant-free, and highly effective. By combining innovative technology with the wisdom of nature, we provide a path to health and well-being that is as pure and potent as nature intended.
Professor Yihuai Gao, our founder, began his journey in fungi research at Landcare Research, a Crown Research Institute. There, he discovered and proved the powerful health benefits of polysaccharides extracted from Reishi mushrooms, including immune support and regulation of blood pressure and cholesterol. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for Alpha’s commitment to harnessing nature’s power for human wellness.
Meet Our Research Partners
Alpha-Massey Natural Nutraceutical Research Centre
The Alpha-Massey Natural Nutraceutical Research Centre, established by Alpha and Massey University, specialises in researching and extracting bioactive components from New Zealand’s natural plants and fungi. Currently, we are collaborating with Massey University to demonstrate how these components can benefit human health at the same time enhancing Massey University’s expertise in natural nutrition and boosting New Zealand’s global reputation in nutraceuticals.
Riddet Institute
Established in 2003, the Riddet Institute at Massey University is a key strategic food research centre, recognised as a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) by the New Zealand Government in 2007. The institute specialises in food materials science, innovative food processing, human nutrition, and gastrointestinal biology. Professor Gao is an honorary fellow of the institute.
Callaghan Innovation
Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s innovation agency, providing research and development expertise to help businesses grow. We collaborate with Callaghan Innovation to enhance our fermentation technology, enabling us to reduce processing time and extract more active bio-components, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our products.
Tongji Alpha Natural Medicine Research Institute
Tongji University is a prestigious institution known for its excellence and long-standing reputation. In partnership with Alpha, Tongji University co-founded the Tongji Alpha Natural Medicine Research Institute. This high-level international collaboration focuses on advancing biotechnology, particularly in the areas of traditional herbs, herbal extracts, and life sciences.
New Zealand Institute of Natural Medicine Research
The New Zealand Institute of Natural Medicine, supported by leading mycologists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, botanists, biochemists, and clinical specialists, is dedicated to researching and developing natural medicines derived from medicinal fungi, natural plants, and marine life.
Leadership & experts
Prof Yihuai Gao
WeiGao
Dr. Paul Moughan
Dr. Harjinder Singh