Lion's Mane has slowly but surely gained a reputation as a potent natural ally in alternative medicine. Today, it enjoys popularity among health enthusiasts, fitness buffs, and holistic healing practitioners. Some studies point to the benefits for cognitive function and digestive health.
The world of fungi offers a rich tapestry of surprising benefits, including the Lion's Mane mushroom, a unique contributor to cognitive health. Lion's Mane, scientifically known as Hericium Erinaceus[1], is gaining recognition for its potential role in cognitive rescue, primarily due to its neuroprotective properties.
What is Lion's Mane?
Lion's Mane, scientifically known as Hericium Erinaceus[1], is an edible and medicinal mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. Native to East Asia, it has been used for centuries in food and traditional medicine[2,4].
Lion's Mane also is an edible and medicinal mushroom native to North America, Europe, and Asia. The fungus is named from its distinctive appearance, resembling a lion's Mane with cascading white, shaggy spines. It has a seafood-like flavor, often compared to lobster or crab, making it a delicious addition to various culinary dishes. The mushroom grows on hardwood trees and can be found during late summer and fall.
You can find Lion's Mane in the wild, growing on hardwood trees, but it's also cultivated and available in many health food stores and online markets. It can be consumed raw, dried, or as a tea, and it's also available in supplement form.
How Does Lion's Mane Affect Cognitive Rescue?
Lion's Mane mushrooms are rich in compounds known as hericenones and erinacines[1], which stimulate brain cell growth and protect them from damage. These compounds particularly enhance the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for memory and emotional responses[3].
Recent research suggests that Lion's Mane could play a significant role in cognitive rescue, primarily through its active compounds, hericenones, and erinacines[1]. These compounds stimulate the growth of brain cells and improve brain function[4].
One animal study found that Lion's Mane extract helped regenerate brain cells and improved the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for memory and emotional responses[5,8]. This study suggests the potential for Lion's Mane to aid in memory enhancement and managing stress and low mood[6].
Beyond memory enhancement, Lion's Mane may also aid in stress and low mood[6] due to its positive impact on the hippocampus. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the brain[7], a factor contributing to cognitive decline.
Other studies have shown that Lion's Mane can minimize brain inflammation, another factor contributing to cognitive decline. By reducing brain inflammation, Lion's Mane may help maintain neurological health and can boost overall cognitive function.[7]
Moreover, Lion's Mane mushrooms may significantly impact the growth of brain cells and improve memory, which could inspire treatments for cognitive impairments. In a study involving older adults with cognitive impairments[3], consuming three grams of Lion's Mane mushroom daily for four months resulted in noticeable cognitive improvements. However, it's important to note that while the current research is promising, more human studies are needed to understand its potential mental benefits and possible side effects fully.
Why Include Lion's Mane in Your Diet?
So, why should you consider incorporating Lion's Mane into your diet? Simply put, it's a natural, nutrient-dense food that could enhance your mental clarity and overall well-being. As more people seek holistic ways to maintain their health, Lion's Mane is undoubtedly gaining momentum in the wellness industry.
Lion's Mane adds a potent tool to our arsenal for Cognitive Rescue. Its ability to stimulate brain cell growth, minimize inflammation[7], and enhance memory makes it a promising supplement for those seeking to protect and improve their cognitive health[8].
However, while the evidence is encouraging, further research is needed to fully understand the extent of Lion's Mane's cognitive benefits and potential side effects.
References:
[1]He, X., Wang, X., Fang, J., Chang, Y., Ning, N., Guo, H., Huang, L., Huang, X., & Zhao, Z. (2017). Structures, biological activities, and industrial applications of the polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 97, 228–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.040
[2] 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), 7108–7123. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914
[3] 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: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 23(3), 367-372 https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634
[4] Mori, K., Obara, Y., Moriya, T., Inatomi, S., & Nakahata, N. (2011). Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid β(25-35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. Biomedical Research, 32(1), 67-72 https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.32.67
[5] Shimbo, M., Kawagishi, H., Yokogoshi, H. (2005). Erinacine A increases catecholamine and nerve growth factor content in the central nervous system of rats. Nutrition Research, 25(6), 617-623 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2005.06.010
[6] Vigna, L., Morelli, F., Agnelli, G. M., Napolitano, F., Ratto, D., Occhinegro, A., ... & Pinto, A. (2019). Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers? Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/7861297/
[7] "Neurological activity of Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)" mentions its anti-inflammatory properties and promotion of nerve growth factor gene that can help with cognitive impairment. Source
[8] Li, I. C., Lee, L. Y., Tzeng, T. T., Chen, W. P., Chen, Y. P., Shiao, Y. J., & Chen, C. C. (2018). Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines. Behavioral Neurology https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bn/2018/5802634/