Lion’s Mane (Hericium ERINACEUS)
-is an edible medicinal mushroom which has been used in traditional chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is believed to treat cancer, gastric ulcers, and improve brain health
Lions mane has a long history of use in East Asian medicine. Lion's mane mushroom has shown to improve nerve development and function. It might also play a crucial role in protecting nerves from becoming damaged.
It also seems to help protect the lining in the stomach.
People use lion's mane mushroom for Alzheimer disease, dementia, stomach problems, and many other conditions
The active ingredients in lion's mane include polysaccharides, erinacines, hericerins, steroids, alkaloids, and lactones. “These ingredients help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, and they [help to] promote the growth and regeneration of nerve cells.
Lion's Mane is packed with a vast array of potent bioactive compounds that stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). In a double-blind study, researchers found that supplementing with Lion's Mane resulted in improved memory and cognitive function, provided it's taken CONSISTENTLY.
What Does the Data Say?
Traditional chinese medicine considers Lion's Mane mushroom to be a powerful remedy that can improve brain health as well as several other health conditions, but what does the research show? As it turns out, a growing body of evidence supports the notion that Lion's Mane extract may possess neuroprotective properties.
Lion's Mane extract may improve cognition through a number of mechanisms, some of which will be discussed in this article. It is likely that these apparent cognitive benefits are due to the fact that numerous bioactive compounds from the mycelium and fruiting bodies have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This could have profound implications in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Studies in Animal Have Found:
recovery from nerve injury from daily supplementation of Lion’s Mane extract in rats.
Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in mice, both of which play a role in cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reduced anxiety in mice.
Enhanced memory (locomotor, short-term, spatial) in mice.
Studies in Humans Have Found:
Improved cognitive performance after 16 weeks with daily supplementation of dried Lion’s Mane powder. These findings were reported in a Japanese study conducted mend and women with mild cognitive impairment.
Improved short-term memory after 12 weeks of daily supplementation with fruiting body.
Improved Cognition and Activities of Daily Living scores in subjects diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s Disease after 49 weeks of daily supplementation with Lion’s Mane mycelium extract.
This is the first study to directly test the effects of lion’s mane supplementation on patients with some for of Alzheimer’s.
The amount of time it takes for Lion's Mane to start working varies from person to person, but most people begin to feel benefits after a few weeks of regular use. However, for the best results, it is advised that you take a regular Lion's Mane supplement for at least 2 to 3 months.
Choosing a Lion’s Mane Supplement
Several companies currently produce and sell lion's mane extract. It is generally available for purchase in capsule form, as a tincture, or as a powder.
If you are interested in supplementing with Lion’s mane, here are a few ways you can integrate it into your life and diet:
Take a supplement: this is probably the simplest method. Refer to the previous paragraph on choosing the right supplement.
Use as a tea: you can do this with a powder or a tincture. Add some to your morning coffee or tea, to hot water, or even a smoothie.
Cook it: You can buy whole fresh lion’s mane and cook a delicious “steak” with it. Several recipes are available and easy to find through a quick Google Search.
Pro tip: Try and find locally farmed lionsmane. Not only will you support local small businesses, but it’s your best bet in finding organic produce made with love!