The science, history and benefits of Lion's Mane Mushrooms

ALSO KNOWN AS YAMABUSHITAKE, THIS MUSHROOM HAS A UNIQUE LOOK RESEMBLING A LION'S MANE (HENCE THE NAME).

Lion's Mane is the mushroom to turn to when it comes to putting your brain health first. When it comes to igniting focus, reducing brain fog, healing damage, and much more, Lion's Mane is the greatest multi-tasker as it stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF).

SIX Scientific Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushrooms

Supports Brain Health

Not only does Lion's Mane help you focus, but it can also support function of the nervous system in long term.

Lion's Mane can promote neuronal prolongation, prevent cognitive decline, and even neuronal regrowth after injury. [1][2][3]

Boosts Mood

Research has shown that Lion's Mane contains anti-inflammatory properties such as antioxidants. This helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. [4]

Reduces risk of heart disease

When taking Lion's Mane, studies have shown that the levels of triglycerides are lowered as well as improving fat metabolism and lowering blood pressure.

With these three components under control, a user of Lion's Mane is less at risk of heart disease/issues. [5]

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation can cause many issues, and the antioxidants that Lion's Mane contains has been shown to contribute to better health.

Diabetes, digestive health, autoimmune disease, and enhancing the immune system all can be helped thanks to the antioxidants in Lion's Mane. [6]

Cancer Fighting Properties

Antioxidants in Lion's Mane can also help prevent or treat some cancers.

Studies have shown that extracts of the mushroom have this potential against leukemia, and can fight colon, liver, and even gastric cancer cells in some animals. [7]

Wound Healing

Studies have shown that applying Lion's Mane extract directly to a flesh wound resulted in faster healing and less scar width. [8]

History of Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane was used as a tonic for supporting overall health and longevity in traditional Chinese medicine.

Buddhist monks used Lion’s Mane mushroom powder as a tea to heighten their focus during meditation, as well as enhance brain power. [9]

Do you know who else loves Lion's Mane?

Blake Shelton

This country singer isn't shy when it comes to trying new things. Shelton has expressed on NBC's: The Voice that he saw Lion's Mane growing on the side of a tree.

"I found, collected, fried and ate a Lion's Mane mushroom."

Shelton is known to have an interest in foraging mushrooms, and during quarantine revealed he spent his free time finding and eating fungi.

Scientific Evidence

2008 Randomized controlled study on the effects of Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane improved cognitive function in 4 weeks

In a double-blind and placebo-controlled study in adults who were diagnosed with 'mild cognitive impairment', it was shown that Lion's Mane significantly improves cognitive function.

This study revealed that over the 16 weeks of the subjects taking Lion's Mane, cognitive function increased. Once the subjects stopped taking the supplement, there was decline in cognitive function over the next four weeks. [11]

Try Lion's Mane Mushroom's in Our:

Frequently asked questions about Lion's Mane

How much Lion's Mane should I take?

For the most reliable information regarding dosage of Lion's Mane, consult your doctor. The only human study has used a dose of 1,000mg of Lion's Mane orally, three times per day. [10]

Note: The use of Lion's Mane should be halted if pregnant or breastfeeding.

How long does it take for Lion's Mane to work?

Most medicinal mushrooms take around two weeks to work and start giving a desired result.

What are the side effects of Lion's Mane?

Some people who have used Lion's Mane revealed difficulty breathing or rashes on the skin. Be sure to consult your doctor before using Lion's Mane to avoid such side effects.

Does Lion's Mane get you high?

Lion's Man does NOT get you high. It is a very promising, non-psychoactive mushroom.

References

1. Abdulla, M. A., Fard, A. A., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., Kuppusamy, U. R., Abdullah, N., & Ismail, S. (2011). Potential activity of aqueous extract of culinary-medicinal Lion's Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in accelerating wound healing in rats. International journal of medicinal mushrooms13(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushr.v13.i1.50

2. Wong, K. H., Naidu, M., David, P., Abdulla, M. A., Abdullah, N., Kuppusamy, U. R., & Sabaratnam, V. (2011). Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Following Crush Injury to Rat Peroneal Nerve by Aqueous Extract of Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae). Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM2011, 580752. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neq062

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 : PTR23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634

4. Yao, W., Zang, J., Dung, C., Zhuang, C., Hirota, S., Inanaga, K., & Hashimoto, K. (2015). Effects of amycenone on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and depression-like behavior in mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. PubMed. Retrieved 14 October 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26150007/.

5. Hiwatashi, K., Kosaka,, Y., Suzuki, N., Hata, K., Mukaiyama, T., & Sakamoto, K. et al. (2010). Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. PubMed. Retrieved 14 October 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20622452/.

6.Hunter, P. (2012). The inflammation theory of disease. NCBI. Retrieved 14 October 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492709/.

7. Li, G., Yu, K., Li, F., Xu, K., Li, J., & He, S. et al. (2014). Anticancer potential of Hericium erinaceus extracts against human gastrointestinal cancers. PubMed. Retrieved 14 October 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24631140/.

8. Abdulla, M., Fard, A., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K., Kuppusamy, U., Abdullah, N., & Ismail, S. (2011). PubMed. Retrieved 15 October 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22135902/.

9. Superbatter.com. (2020). Retrieved 15 October 2021, from https://www.superbatter.com/post/the-story-of-the-lions-mane-mushroom.

10. How Much Lion's Mane Should I Take?. Rritual Superfoods. (2021). Retrieved 15 October 2021, from https://rritual.com/blogs/usage/how-much-lions-mane-should-i take#:~:text=To%20give%20you%20a%20rough,any%20feelings%20of%20potential%20nausea.

11. THE SCIENCE BEHIND SYNAPTAID®. www.synaptaid.co.uk. (2021). Retrieved 15 October 2021, from https://www.synaptaid.co.uk/pages/why-synaptaid.

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