Lion’s mane (latin name: Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s mane got my attention for it’s brain benefits a while back. I’ve been including this super helpful mushroom powder into my daily food daily ever since. In this article I’ve gathered together some information along with links to scientific studies about the health benefits of this super helpful brain food. I hope it’s helpful. Please feel free to share anything else that might be helpful in the comments below.

If you’d like some recipe ideas for lions mane try this drink here: Lion’s Mane Mushroom Hot Drink (plus more recipes)

Active compounds in Lion’s Mane and their health benefits

Hericenones and erinacines

These are found in the fruiting body of lions mane mushroom and appear to have excellent antioxidant properties

These compounds are thought to be good for the brain with potential benefits for managing neurodegenerative diseases. They’ve been shown to help prevent nerve damage, whilst promoting nerve growth. Nerve growth factor (NGF) from erinacines seems to enable growth and survival of the nerve cells in the brain.

Promising studies show that it could help with Alzeiheimer’s and Parkinsons disease. Let’s keep an eye out for human studies in the near future.

β glucan polysaccharides

β glucan polysaccharides are said to activate immune-boosting cells (like macrophages) within the body. This helps us to fight infections and diseases.

Here’s an excellent video I found about Lion’s Mane, well worth a watch for a tonne of helpful insight on the benefits, including human-based scientific research…

The quality of beneficial compounds in your lion’s mane

If you want the best out of your Lions Mane then it’s important to be mindful about how your supplement was processed. This can vary hugely depending on the quality of the mushrooms and knowledge of the person creating them.

Here is a helpful article on how the benficial mushroom compounds are extracted is going to effect which benefits you can access. https://www.realmushrooms.com/mushroom-extraction/

Are they extracting from the fruiting body of the mushroom or from the mycelia (mycelia are the thread like structures of fungi that are similar to the roots).

Hot water will draw out the non-soluble compounds. To extract the soluble compounds a solvent like acetic acid, ethanol is needed. Exactly what gets extracted from your lions mane varies hugely between each supplier. Therefore it is important to look at each individual option to find out the quality of extraction.

and with the mycelia – what is the medium that they are grown in. mushrooms concentrate the medium which they are grown in – so quality is key

Nerve growth factor (NGF)

Lions mane is said to stimulate the release of neuro growth factor which appears to be key for the neuro protective effects of this fungi. This is an helpful factor for anyone interested in longevity.

The highest expression of NGF is active in the hypocampus. The hypocampus is responsible for memory, spatial awareness, regulation of emotions and cognitive learning.

Nerve growth factor is said to be especially helpful for congnitive learning. Small studies have also shown that it can reduce anxiety and improve mood in specific populations.

Lions mane in traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional chinese medicine has been using lions mane as a medicine and food for a long time.

In the East, reverence for fungi is evident in the Chinese description of ling zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), as the “spirit plant,” believed to provide longevity and spiritual potency.

Known health benefits of lion’s mane powder

Improvement for cognitive decline

Improvement for conginitive decline erinacine seemed to be expecially helpful. In human studies benefits faded 4 weeks after supplement stops.

Scientific study: The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress & Mood

Scientific study: Cognitive benefits in older age

Lion’s mane support for depression, anxiety and sleep

Due to the action on the brain, there is potential for reduction in symptoms in depression and anxiety and increased benefit in sleep.

Scientific Study: Therapeuric potential of Lion’s Mane for depression

Scientific Study: Reduction of anxiety and depression after taking Lion’s Mane for 4 weeks

Healing from traumatic brain injury

Here is a fascinating story of how a woman seemed to heal traumatic brain injury with the use of lion’s mane.

She says “this fungus was an amazing healing ally that helped me on the path to recovery, alongside gentle yoga, eating healthy, and rest”. Healing traumatic brain injury with lions mane

Scientific study: The healing effects of lions mane after brain injury