In the world of functional mushrooms, there is rarely as much discussion and potential for application in human health as for Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus). This unusual mushroom, distinguished by its unique appearance resembling a lion's mane and growing on rotting trees in the northern temperate zone, has attracted a lot of attention from mycologists and health enthusiasts in recent years.
Read on to learn more about Lion's Mane and the latest research supporting its ability to improve your brain function.
Improving brain function
"Mice fed with H. erinaceus crude extract and hericene A also exhibited increased neurotrophin expression and downstream signaling, resulting in significantly enhanced hippocampal memory. Hericene A therefore acts through a novel pan‐neurotrophic signaling pathway, leading to improved cognitive performance." [1]
Research shows that the Lion's Mane mushroom contains compounds that support brain health and function. By promoting nerve growth factor (Nerve Growth Factor), or NGF production, this mushroom can play a crucial role in improving cognitive abilities such as memory, information intake and concentration.
Neuroprotective properties
"[...] H. erinaceus has many medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hemagglutinating, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic and antidiabetic, as well as anticancer effects." [2]
Studies have found powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in the Lion's Mane mushroom. These properties not only help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, but also, with long-term use, make them resistant to degenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Mood regulation
"Thirty women were randomly assigned to H.erinaceus and a placebo group and for four weeks respectively received either H.erinaceus cookies, or placebo cookies. [...] Our results show that the use of H.erinaceus has the potential to reduce depression and anxiety." [3]
New research shows that the Lion's Mane mushroom can have a positive effect on mood regulation. Its ability to adjust neurotransmitter levels and support neuroplasticity offers promising ways to naturally address anxiety and depression.
Digestive tract support
"H. erinaceus is closely related to the modulation of the gut microbiota. Overall, it appears to be capable of altering the quantitative and qualitative phenotypes of the gut microbiota in a health-promoting manner." [4]
In addition to its direct effects on brain health, the Lion's Mane mushroom also plays a role in supporting gut health. Serving as prebiotic substances, it feeds the beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiome, which, in turn, improves immune system function and can positively affect emotional well-being.
Conclusion
The Lion's Mane mushroom is a great introduction to the world of functional mushrooms due to its powerful properties that its users can observe the beneficial effects on well-being after only a few times of use. Popularly called the "smart mushroom," it more and more disproves that title with each passing study examining its effects on the human mind, body, and mood.
Whether you're looking to improve your cognitive abilities, protect your brain from age-related decline, or simply improve your overall well-being, Lion's Mane may be the key to unlocking your body's true potential!
References:
- The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model
- Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus
- Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks of Hericium erinaceus intake
- Hericium erinaceus , a medicinal fungus with a centuries-old history: Evidence in gastrointestinal diseases
- Neurological Activity of Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
