Medicinal Mushrooms

Lion’s Mane is an ancient Chinese medicinal mushroom that is becoming universally recognized as a supplement that provides a wide array of benefits.

Its proven neuroprotective qualities,‍ its ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and potential for cognitive enhancement‍ and relief of depression and anxiety‍ makes Lion’s Mane one of the most popular and promising natural nootropics.

Used for centuries as a general tonic and health treatment, the Lion’s Mane Mushroom (also known as Hericium Erinaceus, Yamabushitake, or Satyr’s Beard) is native to China, Japan, North America, and Europe. Though it was traditionally prescribed as a restorative, its effect on the brain has always been recognized, and ancient physicians used it to treat what we would now describe as neurodegenerative diseases.‍

Modern research has discovered that Lion’s Mane extract enhances the production of nerve growth factor (NGF).‍ NGF is a protein that, in the brain, plays a critical role in the survival and function of neurons responsible for attention, arousal, motivation, memory, and consciousness.‍ Increased levels of NGF have been shown to enhance memory and learning.‍

Studies also suggest that Lion’s Mane is a powerful neuroprotectant that could help treat various conditions such as liver damage,‍ obesity and even some types of cancer.‍

Benefits of Lion's mane

Health Benefits

Proponents claim that lion's mane can help with a variety of health problems, including:

Alzheimer's disease

Anxiety

Depression

High cholesterol

Inflammation

Parkinson's disease

Ulcers

In addition, lion's mane is said to strengthen the immune system, stimulate digestion, and protect against cancer.

So far, research on the specific health effects of lion's mane is fairly limited. However, findings from animal-based research, test-tube studies, and small clinical trials indicate that lion's mane may offer certain health benefits, including support for neuronal health.2 Here's a look at some key study findings.

Brain Function

Lion's mane may benefit older adults with mild cognitive impairment, according to a small study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2009. For the study, researchers assigned 30 older adults with mild cognitive impairment to take either lion's mane extract or a placebo every day for 16 weeks. In cognitive tests given at weeks eight, 12, and 16 of the study, members of the lion's mane group showed significantly greater improvements compared to members of the placebo group.3

In a more recent study (published in Biomedical Research in 2011), scientists examined the effects of lion's mane on brain function in mice. Results revealed that lion's mane helped protect against memory problems caused by the buildup of amyloid beta (a substance that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease).4 Studies have also shown a possible neuro-protective effect against ischemic stroke.5

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) cautions that while some small preliminary studies on the impact of natural supplements on cognitive function have shown modest effects, "direct evidence is lacking." Claims made to the contrary are not supported by evidence.6

Herbs and Spices to Help Improve Your Brain Health

Depression

Lion's mane may help alleviate depression and anxiety, suggests a small study published in Biomedical Research in 2010. For the study, 30 menopausal women consumed cookies containing either lion's mane or a placebo every day for four weeks. Analyzing study findings, researchers observed that members of the lion's mane group were less irritable and anxious and had less difficulty concentrating than members of the placebo group.7

Cancer

Preliminary research suggests that lion's mane shows promise in protection against cancer. For instance, in a 2011 study published in Food & Function, tests on human cells revealed that lion's mane may help knock out leukemia cells.8

In addition, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that lion's mane extract helped reduce the size of cancerous colon tumors in mice.9 The study's findings suggest that lion's mane may help fight off colon cancer, in part by increasing activity in certain cells involved in the immune response. Another study found that the extract might help reduce the spread of colon cancer cells to the lungs.10 However, it's too soon to tell whether lion's mane can help prevent or reduce cancer in humans.