Mushroom Index
Lion's Mane
A natural nootropic - shown to improve memory, focus and mood while providing protection against age-related cognitive decline.
LION'S MANE / HERICIUM ERINACEUS
Overview
Lion’s Mane, also known as the Mountain Priest, is an attractive, coral-like mushroom native to parts of Asia, North America and Europe. It has a spectrum of health benefits, and has recently generated particular interest in clinical circles for its neuroregenerative potential.
Indeed, human studies point to a number of nootropic effects - improving memory, focus and mood - and there is strong evidence showing that regular consumption provides protection against age-related cognitive decline.
Meanwhile, the presence of a range of different beta-glucans and other cell wall polymers, appear to provide beneficial effects on gastritis and ulcers, in conjunction with other anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating properties.
Other names:
- Yamabushitake - “Mountain Priest” in Japan
- Hóu Tóu Gū - “Monkey Head Mushroom” in China
- Pom Pom Blanc - “White Pom Pom” in France
Benefits
Improves memory and cognitive function
Supports mood regulation
Helps counteract gastritis and ulcers
Balances HDL “good” and LDL “bad” cholesterol
Provides anti-Diabetic support
Lion's Mane / HERICIUM ERINACEUS
History of Use
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Buddhist monks are said to use Lion’s Mane as a tea for enhancing brain power and heightening focus during meditation. More broadly, TCM texts recommend Lion’s Mane as a tonic for strengthening the five internal organs, promoting good digestion - specifically for gastric and duodenal ulcers and chronic gastritis.
In fact, one of the most popular Lion’s Mane products in China is a biscuit that’s sold to aid with stomach issues. Lion’s Mane is not only one of the most intriguing medicinal mushrooms, but a highly prized and delicious culinary species.
With a taste redolent of lobster or crab, it’s long been used as a meat alternative in China and other parts of Asia.
Lion's Mane / HERICIUM ERINACEUS
Key Active Compounds
Key Active Compounds
Hericenones and erinacines
Hericenones and erinacines are two alcohol-soluble terpenes isolated from the fruiting body and mycelium of Lion’s Mane.
They are the primary agents responsible for it’s brain-boosting effects, due to the stimulation of Nerve Growth Factor(NGF) and the related Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor(BDNF), which play an essential role in the protection and maintenance of nerve cells(aka neurons) in the brain and, in turn, our ability to focus, learn and regulate mood.
NGF is a large molecule, which cannot pass the blood-brain barrier. This makes it almost impossible to introduce NGF itself into the brain via external supplementation.
However, both hericenones and erinacines have a sufficiently low molecular weight to pass through the blood-brain barrier, from where they can stimulate the body’s own production of NGF. There are very few other natural compounds that are known to produce this effect, and it’s the reason Lion’s Mane is one of the most exciting functional mushrooms out there.
Key Active Compounds
Beta Glucans
Beta-Glucans are a type of polysaccharide—a large molecule made up of multiple sugar molecules - contained within the cell walls of yeasts, bacteria and fungi. Researchers have identified 35 bioactive polysaccharides in Lion's Mane, particularly some unique Beta-Glucans.
These cell wall components are in high concentrations and have antitumor and immunomodulation, anti-gastric ulcer, neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, antioxidation and hepatoprotection, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-fatigue , and anti-aging effects according to many laboratory studies.
Key Active Compunds
Optimal Quantities
A good Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract will rarely contain more than 35% total polysaccharides, and even less as a dual-extract, since some Beta-Glucans are lost during the secondary alcohol extraction.
Lion's Mane / HERICIUM ERINACEUS
Selected Clinical Studies
1. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial (2008)
Conditions: Involved 30 aging people, using 2 grams fruiting body powder daily
Effect: Improvement of cognitive functions. The effect disappeared after discontinuation.
2. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake (2010)
Conditions involved 30 menopausal women using 2 grams fruiting body powder daily
Effect: Improvement in mood, anxiety and sleep quality
3. Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. (2019)
Conditions: 31 aging people taking 3 grams fruiting body powder daily (follow-up of the 2008 case study)
Effect: Improvement of cognitive functions
