Lion's Mane (Hericium Erinaceus)

Hericium Erinaceus is an edible belonging to the tooth fungus group. Native to North America, Europe and Asia, it can be identified by its long spines, its growth on hardwoods, such as broadleaf trees and fallen logs, and its tendency to grow a single clump of dangling spines. These mushrooms are useful for both culinary and medicinal functions and have a long history of usage in traditional Chinese medicine and have since been predominantly used in Asian countries such as Japan, India, China and Korea. Lion’s Mane is listed as one of the "four famous cuisines" of China. While the health benefits of Lion’s Mane have been known, scientific studies regarding physiological and pharmacological functions only started appearing in the literature in the 1990s, mostly from Chinese researchers. It is believed to have multiple health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating properties. According to a traditional Chinese medicine text, lion's mane mushroom is capable of "fortifying the spleen, nourishing the stomach, and tranquilizing the mind." (9) The mushroom and its extracts contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain, heart and gut.

 

Protection from Dementia and Altzeimers Symptoms: Dementia is caused by the loss of cells as well as the declining ability to form new cells in the brain. Studies have found Lion’s Mane to contain two compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines, indicating Lion’s Mane may be used to prevent dementia, as well as suppress its symptoms. (1) Similarly, Lion’s Mane has been shown to reduce memory loss symptoms in mice by preventing neuronal damage. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and promotion of nerve growth factor gene expression and neurite (axon or dendrite) outgrowth, Lion’s Mane shows great promise for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. (5) Additionally, there has been a study in older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that consuming 3 grams of powdered Lion’s Mane mushroom daily for four months significantly improved mental functioning and showed improved scores on a cognitive function test. These benefits disappeared when supplementation stopped. (4)

Protect Against Anxiety/Depression: Chronic inflammation is a big contributing factor of anxiety and depression symptoms. Lion’s Mane contains anti-inflammatory effects that can prevent/lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, Lion’s Mane can help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for processing memories and emotional responses. (6) Another small Japanese study, performed on women with a variety of health complaints such as menopausal symptoms and poor sleep quality, showed that women ingesting Lion’s Mane reported improvement including lower levels of anxiety and irritability. (8)

Stomach Health: Lion’s Mane is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants may fight both inflammation and oxidation in the body and in turn may naturally enhance the immune system. Inflammation contributes to many medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. A 2012 study evaluating the medicinal potential of 14 types of mushroom found that lion’s mane had the fourth highest antioxidant activity, which researchers described as “moderate to high”. Another study done on mice indicates that Lion’s Mane boosts the activity of the intestinal immune system, encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and decreases growth of bad bacteria which may strengthen immunity, improve digestion, and protect from stomach ulcers. (8)

 

Clinical Summary:

Main Applications: Natural antioxidant, cognitive functions, anxiety/depression, stomach health, nerve damage.

Methods of Ingestion: Lion’s Mane may be taken raw, cooked, steeped in tea, or in the form of a supplement. Its extracts are often used in over the counter health supplements. It is described as “meaty” with a seafood taste much like crab or lobster.

Dosage: Clinical trials support the dosage of 3-5 g/day of the dried, fruiting body. (9)

Side Effects: No noted side effects have been found in humans. In studies done on rats and mice, no dangerous side effects were noted, even at high levels of dosage. However, there have been a few reports of skin rash and short breath, likely due to an allergy to mushrooms, so anyone with a known mushroom allergy should avoid Lion’s Mane. (9)