Growing Your Brain With Lion’s Mane
An Ancient Remedy
Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been used medicinally since Hippocrates (450 BC) discovered two important and potentially life saving benefits for his patients:
- Its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties.
- Its positive effect on wound cauterization.
Reincarnated and Vindicated
In a 2015 human trial adults, Lion’s Mane mushroom was investigated for its benefits on the aging brain. People aged 50 to 80 were randomized into two groups. One group was given four 250-milligram tablets of lions mane mushroom extract three times daily for 16 weeks. The other group was given a placebo. Testing of cognitive function before and after treatment showed that subjects receiving the extract scored significantly higher than those taking placebo.
Analysis of this result demonstrated that lion’s mane increases “nerve growth factor” In simple language, the density of neuronal circuits and receptor increased for those taking Lion’s Mane. Accordingly, their cognitive ability continued to improve for duration of the16 week study.
Interestingly, four weeks after discontinuing lion’s mane supplementation, cognitive test scores decreased. This suggested that benefits were sustained during ongoing use of the extract.
Building Better Brains
A 2021 study in Antioxidants revealed some exciting research on lion’s mane mushroom among those who had experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study found that both lion’s mane mushroom and Coriolus versicolor (another type of mushroom also known as turkey tail) exhibit neuroprotective effects against the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with TBI[6].
A 2015 abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggests that lion’s mane may offer protection from disease that degrade nerve fiber or as well as functional decline. The same study concluded that Lions Mane provides additional health-promoting benefits, including:
- Regulation of blood sugar.
- Reduction of high blood pressure.
- Promotion of natural energy increase while combating fatigue.
- Preventing excess blood lipid accumulation.
Rediscovering Lion's Mane: A Blend of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
The ancient use of lion's mane mushroom has found renewed interest and validation through modern research, which highlights its substantial neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. Studies have demonstrated its ability to improve cognitive function in the elderly, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in traumatic brain injury, and offer additional health benefits like regulating blood sugar and reducing blood pressure. These findings support the traditional applications of lion's mane mushroom and suggest its potential as a versatile supplement supporting brain health and overall well-being.
Citations
1. Spelman K, Sutherland E, Bagade A. Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium
erinaceus). Journal of Restorative Medicine. 2017;6(1)19-26.
2015, 63, 7108–7123.
3. D’Amico R, Salinaro AT, et al. Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Molecular and Biochemical Changes after Traumatic Brain Injury. Antioxidants. 2021;10(6):898.
4. Ghosh S, Nandi S, et alBanerjee A, Sarkar S, Chakraborty N. Prospecting
Medicinal Properties of Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2021;45(8).
5. Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(1):163.
6. Chen YW, Lin PY, et al. Significantly Lower Nerve Growth Factor Levels in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder than in Healthy Subjects: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2015;11:925-933.
7. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research. 2009;23(3):367-72.
8. Wang M, Konishi T, Gao Y, Xu D, Gao Q. Anti-Gastric Ulcer Activity of Polysaccharide Fraction Isolated from Mycelium Culture of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2015;17(11):1055-60Wang M, Konishi T, Gao Y, Xu D, Gao Q.