Smart drugs and ‘nootropics’ (substances and supplements thought to improve mental performance) are all the rage nowadays.
There is a plethora of ‘smart drugs’ out there, and most of them rely on anecdotal evidence to support their claims. However, some of such supplements benefit from scientific research. One such supplement is Lion’s Mane Mushroom, also known as the Hericium Erinaceus or Yamabushitake.
The following article will explain the research done on Lion’s mane mushroom to date, where one can find it, along with when to take it.
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
The plant is a rare medicinal mushroom found in Asia and North America. It has been in use for almost thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (although the records show it was used in Japan and other parts of the world for a far more extended period).
It is a giant mushroom with long, spindly teeth (hence the name) and grows on hardwood trees. However, it could also be grown indoors via culture or purchased in a dried form online. The dried mushrooms are often coated with rice flour to prevent them from sticking together.
Hericium erinaceus (also called lion’s mane mushroom, mountain-priest mushroom or bearded tooth fungus) is an edible mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group.[1] Native to North America, Europe and Asia, it can be identified by its long spines (greater than 1 cm length), occurrence on hardwoods, and tendency to grow a single clump of dangling spines. The fruit bodies can be harvested for culinary use. (Source: Wikipedia)
Benefits of Using It
It Can Boost Brain Function and Maintain Brain Cells
In one particular study, researchers found that an extract of Lion’s Mane Mushroom could significantly improve the cognitive function of mice with dementia. It did so by activating the Nerve Growth Factor inside their brains, helping to regenerate neurons in the hippocampus. This is a significant part of the brain, mostly associated with memory and learning.
Another study found that an extract of Lion’s Mane Mushroom could protect the brain cells in mice from oxidative stress and neurotoxicity caused by alcohol over-consumption.
They also found the same effects when using the extracts on human neurons in a test tube. These results were so promising that they led to another study where the researchers found that the Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract could also protect against ischemic brain damage in mice.
It Can Fight Cancer and Boost the Immune System
A polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate) called “Hericenone B” in Lion’s Mane Mushroom can selectively destroy several cancer cells inside the body of a human being without endangering the healthy cells. Researchers found this effect to hold in both leukemia and colon cancer cells.
Although there is no research on humans, an experiment conducted on mice with lymphoma found that this particular mushroom enhances the immune system of the normal mice while simultaneously slowing the growth of the cancerous tumours.
It Can Treat Depression and Anxiety
There is evidence that Lion’s Mane Mushroom can help treat depression and anxiety. In one study, researchers found that an ethanol extract of the mushroom significantly reduced the immobility time in a forced swim test (a measure of how long it takes for a mouse to give up trying to escape) compared with a control group.
In another study, researchers fed the mice traditional food and dried powdered Lion’s Mane Mushroom every day for eight weeks long. The results showed that those on the mushroom-enriched diet had significantly less immobility time than the control group and displayed higher serotonin and dopamine concentrations inside their brains.
It Can Improve Dental Health and Prevent Tooth Decay
One study found that extracts of this mushroom can inhibit critical enzymes in the process of tooth decay. These extracts are also effective against bacterial biofilms – a sticky, slimy mass resistant to antibiotics and forms on many surfaces (including teeth).
Researchers suggest that this may explain why many traditional cultures use it to preserve food and maintain oral health.
It Can Protect the Liver and Prevent Cirrhosis
One study on rats found that Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract protected against alcohol-induced liver damage by increasing antioxidant enzyme levels, glutathione levels, and reducing lipid peroxidation.
Researchers in this study concluded that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the mushroom extract might help prevent or treat liver-related diseases.
It Can Improve Heart Health by Reducing High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides
The fermentation process used to make Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract results in high levels of erinacine. This substance shows to have blood pressure-lowering effects in animal studies. It does so by inhibiting angiotensin II, which causes blood vessel constriction.
In one study, high cholesterol levels were reduced by 9%, and the triglyceride levels decreased by 29% in hyperlipidemic mice, which ate a particular diet including 0.1% ethanolic Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract for eight weeks.
It Can Prevent Diabetes and Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
In one study, diabetic mice were given 1% or 5% powdered Lion’s Mane Mushroom in their food every day for sixteen weeks. At the end of the experiment, the mushrooms’ doses significantly improved the fasting blood sugar and the glucose tolerance, with the latter almost reaching up to the control levels. In addition, it also decreased insulin resistance by 34% in this group of diabetic mice.
Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Could Protect Against Dementia
Helps Relieve Mild Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
May Speed Recovery from Nervous System Injuries
Protects Against Ulcers in the Digestive Tract
Reduces Heart Disease Risk
Helps Manage Diabetes Symptoms
Improves Dental Health and Prevent Tooth Decay
May Help Fight Cancer
Protect the Liver an
Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Boosts the Immune System
Safety and Side Effects
No human studies have examined the side effects of lion’s mane mushroom or its extract, but they appear to be very safe.
No adverse effects have been seen in rats, even at doses as high as 2.3 grams per pound (5 grams per kg) of body weight per day for one month or lower dosages for three months.
However, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to mushrooms should avoid lion’s mane, since it is a species of mushroom.
There have been documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or skin rashes after exposure to lion’s mane mushrooms, likely related to allergies.