Lion's Mane Mushroom: A Natural Approach to Support the Brain

In the realm of natural remedies and dietary supplementation, lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have emerged as a star player, captivating the attention of researchers and health enthusiasts alike. With cascading spines resembling a lion's mane, this peculiar fungus boasts a treasure trove of potential benefits for cognitive function and overall brain health.

Delving into the Science: Hericenones, Erinacines, and NGF

Lion's mane's benefits lie in its unique composition, particularly bioactive compounds called hericenones and erinacines. These special molecules have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain. It is important to note that hericenones are more prevalent in the fruiting body of the mushroom, while erinacines are more prevalent in the mycelium. NGF is a critical protein that plays a vital role in the growth, survival, and repair of neurons, the brain's communication cells. It's essential for maintaining the health and function of the nervous system. It's also important to note that NGF cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, suggesting that lion's mane likely increases NGF production through indirect mechanisms within the body.

Previous Studies and Promising Results

A growing body of research is exploring the potential of lion's mane to enhance cognitive function and address various brain-related concerns. Here are some key findings from these studies:

·       Improved memory and learning: Mori et al. (2009) conducted a study with 30 older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The participants who consumed lion's mane extract for 16 weeks showed significant improvements in cognitive function tests compared to the placebo group. These improvements were observed in areas such as memory, attention, and language skills. Another study by Brandalise et al. (2017) (2) found that lion's mane supplementation improved spatial memory and recognition memory in mice.

·       Boost focus and concentration: A study published by Spelman et al. (2017) (3) examined the effects of lion's mane on cognitive function in healthy adults. The participants who took lion's mane extract for 8 weeks showed improvements in tasks that measured attention and working memory.

·       Support brain health in older adults: Lion's mane may help protect against age-related cognitive decline by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain (4). A study by Tsai-Teng et al. (2016) (5) found that Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium improved antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced markers of inflammation in aged mice with Alzheimer's related pathologies.

·       Reduce symptoms of mild cognitive impairment: The Mori et al. (2009) study mentioned earlier (1) also showed that lion's mane extract could help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

·       Promote Neurotrophic Effects: In-vitro studies have shown that lion's mane extract can promote neurite outgrowth, which is essential for nerve regeneration (6). This suggests that lion's mane may have potential for therapeutic effects related to nerve damage and neurodegenerative diseases, but more in-vivo (living organism) research in humans is needed.

Comparing Lion's Mane to Other Nootropics

Lion's mane stands out among other nootropics, natural or synthetic substances that enhance cognitive function, due to its unique mechanism of action. Unlike stimulants like caffeine or modafinil that provide a temporary boost in alertness, or other natural nootropics like Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola Rosea, lion's mane works by supporting the brain's long-term health and function through NGF stimulation. This makes it a promising option for individuals seeking sustainable cognitive enhancement.

Potential Uses and Applications

The potential applications of lion's mane are vast and continue to be explored. Some potential uses include:

·       Lion's mane may benefit anyone seeking to support memory and focus.

·       Managing symptoms of cognitive decline: Lion's mane may offer a natural approach to managing symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and potentially slowing down age-related cognitive decline.

·       A potential future area of application that requires more research is how lion’s mane mushroom could support brain health after injury or stroke: Lion's mane's neurotrophic effects may be valuable for individuals recovering from brain injuries or strokes.

·       Enhancing mood and well-being: Some studies suggest that lion's mane may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (1).

Dosage and Forms

Lion's mane is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and extracts. The typical dosage ranges from 500mg to 3000mg per day, with most studies using ~1000mg per day. It is essential to follow the supplement manufacturer's dosage information and consult your doctor for final decisions. It is generally advised to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as needed.

Compliance and Responsible Use

While lion's mane is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. The FDA's GRAS status only recognizes the safety of the supplement, and not its effectiveness for treatment of any condition. It's also crucial to choose high-quality lion's mane supplements from reputable sources.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Lion's Mane

Lion's mane, with its unique composition and potential benefits for brain health, has captured the attention of the scientific community and the public alike. While further research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects, lion's mane presents itself as a promising natural approach to supporting cognitive function and promoting overall brain health. As research continues to unravel the secrets of this fascinating mushroom, its potential to revolutionize the way we care for our brains becomes increasingly evident.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment.

References:

1.     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, 23(3), 367-372.

2.     Brandalise, F., Cesaroni, V., Gregori, A., Repetti, M., Romano, C., Orlandi, M., ... & Rossi, P. (2017). Dietary supplementation of Hericium erinaceus increases mossy fiber-CA3 hippocampal neurotransmission and recognition memory in wild-type mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 334, 1-14.

3.     Spelman, K., Sutherland, E., & Bagade, A. (2017). Herbal medicines for the management of Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(3), 159-167.

4.     Khan, M. A., Tania, M., Liu, R., & Rahman, M. M. (2023). Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values. Journal of Functional Foods, 106, 105863.

5.     Tsai-Teng, T., Chin-Chu, C., Li-Ya, L., Wan-Ping, C., Chung-Kuang, L., Chien-Chang, S., ... & Shiao, Y. J. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Journal of Biomedical Science, 23(1), 1-14.

6.     Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., ... & Malek, S. N. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6).