Emma Wilson
Lion's mane mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and are now available in many grocery stores and as supplements. They have been hailed for their potential health benefits, including improving cognitive function, boosting the immune system, and fighting cancer cells. However, despite promising results in animal studies, there is limited research on their effectiveness in humans, and no products made from lion's mane mushrooms have been approved for the treatment of any condition. So, do they work?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Used in traditional medicine | Used for centuries in Chinese medicine for stomach remedies and to fight dementia |
| Human studies | Limited research in humans, no product made from the mushrooms has been approved for the treatment of any condition |
| Non-human studies | Lab studies and animal studies suggest that lion's mane mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with nerve growth, cognitive function, and cholesterol levels |
| Side effects | May include stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, skin sensitivity, headache, gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, and allergic reactions |
| Safety | Possibly safe when consumed in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks, but people with mushroom allergies or those taking blood thinners should take precautions |
| Availability | Fresh, dried, or as a supplement in specialty grocery and health food stores, as well as online |
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What You'll Learn
Improving cognitive function
Lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. They are also commonly used in culinary dishes in many Asian countries, including Korea, Japan, India, and China. The mushrooms are rich in vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, as well as essential minerals like manganese, zinc, and potassium.
In recent years, lion's mane mushrooms have gained popularity for their potential cognitive benefits. Laboratory tests have shown that compounds isolated from lion's mane mushrooms can promote the growth of brain cells and improve memory. Specifically, these compounds increase the size of growth cones in neurons, enhancing their ability to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain.
A 2023 study found that participants who took a single dose of lion's mane mushroom demonstrated quicker performance on a task, indicating improved processing speed. Additionally, a small human study showed that younger adults who took capsules of lion's mane mushroom powder exhibited improved mental performance speed. Another study of 30 older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that those who took tablets containing lion's mane mushroom powder for 4 months showed temporary improvements on cognitive tests.
However, it is important to note that the research on the cognitive benefits of lion's mane mushrooms is mixed. For example, a 2022 study found that 4 weeks of lion's mane supplementation in a group of students had no positive effect on cognitive function. Furthermore, there is currently a lack of extensive human studies on lion's mane mushrooms, and the optimal dosage for cognitive improvement is not yet established. While the initial findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the potential cognitive benefits of these mushrooms.
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Boosting the immune system
The Lion's Mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, hou tou gu, or yamabushitake, is a large, white, shaggy mushroom that resembles a lion's mane. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American healing practices.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are believed to have immune-boosting properties, primarily through their ability to reduce inflammation and prevent oxidation in the body. This is due to the presence of potent antioxidants, which can help fight cancer and prevent various diseases. Animal studies have shown that Lion's Mane mushrooms can boost the intestinal immune system, protecting the body from pathogens that enter through the mouth or nose. Additionally, these mushrooms promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which is crucial for a healthy immune system.
Research on mice suggests that Lion's Mane mushrooms can enhance the activity of infection-fighting white blood cells, increasing the body's capacity to fight harmful viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. A 2012 study found that supplementing with Lion's Mane extract daily nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with a lethal dose of salmonella bacteria.
While the immune-boosting effects of Lion's Mane mushrooms are promising, more research is needed, especially in humans, to fully understand their therapeutic potential. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement into your diet, as natural products are not always safe, and dosages can be important.
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Reducing anxiety and stress
Lion's mane mushrooms are big, white mushrooms that resemble a lion's mane. They are used as both food and medicine and are extensively used in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, India, and China. They can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. As a supplement, the mushroom comes in powders, liquids, and capsules.
Lion's mane mushrooms and their extracts have been shown to have various health benefits. Animal studies have suggested that lion's mane may help reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression. A 2010 study of menopausal women found that eating cookies containing lion's mane mushrooms daily for 1 month helped reduce self-reported feelings of irritation and anxiety. Another study of Japanese women with menopausal symptoms and poor sleep found that consuming cookies made with lion's mane extracts for 4 weeks reported lower levels of depressive symptoms and stress compared to the placebo group.
Lion's mane mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are a good source of hericenones and erinacines, two chemicals that accelerate the growth of brain cells and affect the release of nerve growth factor (NGF), a substance that regulates the growth and survival of brain cells. Researchers believe that improved hippocampus functioning may explain the reductions in anxious and depressive behaviors in mice receiving lion's mane extracts.
In 2023, researchers studied the effects of 28 days of lion's mane supplementation in 41 healthy adults aged 18–45. Participants reported signs of reduced stress, which the researchers suggested could be linked to lion's mane's ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein associated with mood regulation. Similarly, a 2022 animal study found that combining chlorella and lion's mane mushroom had an antidepressant-like effect by increasing dopamine levels in mice.
While the current research is promising, more studies involving humans are needed to develop practical health applications for lion's mane mushrooms. Most studies on lion's mane mushrooms have used animals, and there is limited research in humans. The dosages of these supplements vary, and people should follow the instructions on the label carefully. It is also advisable to discuss the use of any new supplement with a doctor.
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Improving gut health
Lion's mane mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American healing practices. They are also used extensively in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, India, and China for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Lion's mane mushrooms are a natural source of key vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid), potassium, manganese, zinc, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and oxidation in the body.
When it comes to gut health, Lion's Mane mushrooms have been shown to support the gut microbiome and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones. This can help improve gastrointestinal health and manage disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD). Additionally, the dietary fibre in Lion's Mane mushrooms can help keep digestion running smoothly by supporting regular bowel movements.
Lion's Mane mushrooms also have immune-boosting effects, which may be partly due to the beneficial changes in gut bacteria that they stimulate. A 2012 study found that supplementing with lion’s mane extract daily nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with a lethal dose of salmonella bacteria.
While Lion's Mane mushrooms have been shown to have many potential health benefits, it is important to note that most of the research has been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more human studies are needed to fully understand their therapeutic potential.
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Slowing the spread of cancer
Lion's mane mushrooms, or Hericium erinaceus, have been used in traditional medicine in East Asia and by Native Americans for centuries. They are now being studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to slow the spread of cancer.
Several studies have found that lion's mane extract can slow the spread of cancer in mice. In one study, lion's mane extract reduced the spread of cancer to the lungs by 69% in mice with colon cancer. Another study found that lion's mane extract was more effective than traditional cancer medications at slowing tumour growth in mice and had fewer side effects. Additionally, a Korean study found that lion's mane significantly reduced leukaemia cells, and research from Ajou University in Korea suggested that lion's mane has "therapeutic potential against human leukaemia" due to its phytochemicals.
Lion's mane mushrooms contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help reduce the impact of illnesses such as cancer. They also contain two special compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate the growth of brain cells. These compounds have also been shown to have neuroprotective, antineuroinflammatory, and cognition-improving effects.
While the research on the anticancer effects of lion's mane mushrooms is promising, it is important to note that these effects have not been tested in humans. More research is needed to determine the practical health applications of lion's mane mushrooms for cancer treatment. However, the potential of lion's mane mushrooms in slowing the spread of cancer warrants further investigation and larger, well-designed trials.
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Frequently asked questions
Lion's mane mushrooms are believed to have a variety of health benefits, including boosting cognitive function, improving mood, and fighting inflammation. They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Lion's mane mushrooms are likely safe to consume in moderate quantities, as they are in many Asian countries. However, there is limited research on the safety of consuming lion's mane mushrooms for certain groups of people, including pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with mushroom allergies or those taking blood thinners should also take precautions.
Side effects of consuming lion's mane mushrooms are typically mild and may include stomach discomfort. However, some people have reported allergic reactions, such as breathing problems or rashes.
Some studies suggest that lion's mane mushrooms may improve cognitive function, enhance memory and focus, and speed up recovery from brain injuries. However, other studies have found no significant effect on cognitive function. More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of lion's mane mushrooms in this area.
You can find lion's mane mushrooms in specialty grocery and health food stores, either fresh or dried. They are also available online. You can also purchase supplements containing lion's mane mushrooms, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.
