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Health Supported Studies Include:
Health Supported Studies Include:
Brain and Nervous System Health
Brain and Nervous System Health
Mood and Anxiety
Mood and Anxiety
Digestive and Gut Health
Digestive and Gut Health
Other Potential Health Benefits
Other Potential Health Benefits
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory
Immune System
Immune System
Anticancer Properties
Anticancer Properties
Medicines:
Medicines:
Tincture:
Tincture:
Hericenones: Found in the mushroom's fruiting body (the visible, bulbous part), these aromatic compounds stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This are alcohol soluble only.
Hericenones: Found in the mushroom's fruiting body (the visible, bulbous part), these aromatic compounds stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This are alcohol soluble only.
Erinacines: Found mainly in the mycelium (the root-like structure of the fungus), these diterpenoids also promote the synthesis of NGF. Some research suggests erinacines may have stronger neuroprotective effects than hericenones.
Erinacines: Found mainly in the mycelium (the root-like structure of the fungus), these diterpenoids also promote the synthesis of NGF. Some research suggests erinacines may have stronger neuroprotective effects than hericenones.
Capsules from Fruiting Body:
Capsules from Fruiting Body:
Polysaccharides, and especially beta-glucans, are well-known for their immune-modulating properties. They can stimulate immune cells and support gut health.
Polysaccharides, and especially beta-glucans, are well-known for their immune-modulating properties. They can stimulate immune cells and support gut health.
Lions Mane : Hericium erinaceus
Lions Mane : Hericium erinaceus
Lions Mane Mushroom: An Evidence-Based Overview of Medicinal Benefits and Uses
Lions Mane Mushroom: An Evidence-Based Overview of Medicinal Benefits and Uses
Lion's Mane mushroom, is a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining recognition for its potential health benefits, which are increasingly supported by modern research. The mushroom's unique compounds, notably hericenones and erinacines, are believed to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), proteins crucial for brain and nervous system health.
1. Brain and Nervous System Health
Lion's Mane is most widely studied for its neuroprotective properties. Research has explored its potential to improve cognitive function, support nerve regeneration, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Cognitive Function: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment showed significant improvements in cognitive performance after consuming Lion's Mane extract for 16 weeks [1]. A separate study involving people with mild Alzheimer's disease demonstrated that daily supplementation with 1 gram of the mushroom significantly enhanced cognitive test scores [2].
Nerve Regeneration: Animal studies suggest that Lion's Mane extract can accelerate recovery from nervous system injuries by promoting the growth and repair of nerve cells [3]. It has also been shown to reduce the severity of brain damage following a stroke in mice.
Mood and Anxiety: The mushroom may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Animal studies indicate its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to regenerate brain cells in the hippocampus may be responsible. A small study in menopausal women found that daily consumption of Lion's Mane reduced feelings of irritability and anxiety [4].
2. Digestive and Gut Health
Lion's Mane is believed to promote digestive wellness through its anti-inflammatory and prebiotic effects.
Protection Against Stomach Ulcers: Research in animal models indicates that Lion's Mane extract can protect against stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of ulcers. It may also help prevent and reduce the severity of inflammatory bowel diseases [5].
3. Other Potential Health Benefits
Preliminary research suggests additional health-promoting properties, although further human studies are needed.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Lion's Mane is rich in antioxidants and demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, which are thought to contribute to its various health benefits and protection against chronic diseases [6].
Immune System Support: Early research suggests that the mushroom may bolster the immune system by enhancing the activity of immune cells and reducing oxidative stress [7].
Potential Anti-Cancer Effects: In-vitro and animal studies have shown that Lion's Mane extracts can inhibit the growth of various cancer cells, including those from the liver, colon, stomach, and leukemia. These findings are promising, but their effects have not yet been validated in humans [8].
Works cited
Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). "Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial." Phytotherapy Research. 23(3), 367-372.
Li, I. C., et al. (2020). "Neurotrophic properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) on neural precursor cells in the brain and its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases." International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 21(1), 163.
Wong, K. H., Naidu, M., David, R. P., et al. (2012). "Neuroregenerative potential of Lion's Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (Review)." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 14(4), 427-436.
Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., et al. (2010). "Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake." Biomedical Research. 31(4), 231-237.
Wong, J. Y., Abdulla, M. A., Raman, J., et al. (2013). "Gastroprotective effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) extract against ethanol-induced ulcer in rats." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013, 492976.
Friedman, M. (2015). "Chemistry, nutrition, and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom fruiting bodies and mycelia and their bioactive compounds." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 63(32), 7108-7128.
Diling, C., et al. (2017). "Immunomodulatory Activities of a Novel Polysaccharide from the Mycelium of Hericium erinaceus." Molecules. 22(12), 2056.
Kim, S. P., et al. (2013). "Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom extracts inhibit metastasis of cancer cells to the lung in CT-26 colon cancer-transplanted mice." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 61(20), 4898-4904.
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