Emma Wilson
Erinaceous mushroom extract is derived from the Hericium erinaceus, a culinary-medicinal mushroom commonly known as lion's mane. This extract has been widely studied for its therapeutic properties, particularly its ability to promote nerve and brain health. The lion's mane mushroom contains various compounds, including hericenones and erinacines, which have been found to provide several health benefits. For example, erinacine A has been shown to have pharmacological actions in the central nervous system and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for its potential to mitigate Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Additionally, lion's mane extract has demonstrated positive outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal disorders and has the potential to prevent heart disease and improve sleep quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hericium erinaceus |
| Common Name | Lion's Mane |
| Type of Mushroom | Culinary-medicinal |
| Active Compounds | Erinacines, Hericenones, Erinacerins, Polysaccharides |
| Health Benefits | Brain and nerve health, improved sleep quality, gastrointestinal health, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, longevity, cognitive enhancement |
| Forms Available | Powder, capsules, tablets, tincture, vegicaps |
| Dosage | Varies from 750 to 5,000 mg per day; a single dose of 1.8 g may improve neuropsychological test performance |
| Administration | Oral |
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What You'll Learn
Lion's Mane, the common name for Hericium erinaceus
Lions Mane, the common name for Hericium erinaceus, is a species of tooth fungus. It is native to North America and Eurasia and typically grows on hardwood trees such as beech and maple. It is considered saprophytic as it feeds on dead trees but can also be found on living trees, usually in association with a wound.
Lions Mane mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are now widely available as dietary supplements. They are also used as food additives and in gourmet cooking, with young specimens considered the best. The fruiting bodies of Lions Mane mushrooms contain 57% carbohydrates (8% as dietary fiber), 4% fat, and 22% protein.
Lions Mane mushrooms and their extracts contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain and heart. Studies have found that they contain two special compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate the growth of brain cells. This may explain why the mushroom has been shown to improve cognitive performance in older adults and slow Alzheimer's symptoms and brain changes linked to the disease in mice. Additionally, Lions Mane extracts have demonstrated inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation and HMG-CoA reductase activity, which are triggers of oxidative stress-mediated heart disease.
The artificial cultivation of Lions Mane mushrooms was first reported in China in 1988. It is cultivated using artificial logs, bottles, and polypropylene bags. However, this type of cultivation is not suitable for industrial production due to its low yield and long cultivation cycles. The production of Lions Mane mushrooms is widespread in Asia, mostly using extensive production practices on wood logs or stumps. In North America, its production occurs only on a small scale, with most of it being intensive indoor production.
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Erinacines and their potential health benefits
Erinacines are compounds derived from the mycelia of the Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane) mushroom. They have been widely studied for their therapeutic effects on nerve and brain health. Lion's mane is an ideal culinary-medicinal mushroom that has been used as a food additive and supplement. It is renowned for its purported health benefits, particularly in cognitive enhancement.
Erinacines have been found to promote nerve growth and protect against neurotoxicity, making them potentially useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In mice studies, lion's mane extracts have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and bleeding, protect the intestinal lining, and improve sleep quality. Lion's mane mycelium, when administered to mice with sleep disturbances, improved sleep quality, which is a widespread public health issue.
Additionally, erinacines have been investigated for their neurotropic and neuroprotective effects, with erinacine A currently undergoing clinical trials for the mitigation of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Erinacines have also been found to possess inhibitory effects on α-glucosidases, suggesting their potential as antidiabetic agents. Furthermore, erinacines have been shown to have cytotoxic effects on several human cancer cell lines, indicating their potential in cancer treatment.
The presence of erinacines in H. erinaceus mycelia can also achieve pharmacological benefits. The isolation of erinacines from H. erinaceus mycelia is important for quality control, ensuring the efficacy, quality, and safety of this mushroom in future markets. However, it is important to note that while preclinical studies have shown potential improvements in ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, it has been challenging to extrapolate in vivo studies to clinical situations.
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Hericium erinaceus as a culinary-medicinal mushroom
Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion's mane, is a culinary-medicinal mushroom. It is a unique-looking mushroom with cascading spines resembling a lion's mane. It has been widely reported to have therapeutic properties promoting nerve and brain health. The bioactive compounds in lion's mane induce the expression of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factors (NGF). The two classes of compounds found in lion's mane, hericenones and erinacines, promote nerve growth and fight neurotoxicity linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Lion's mane extracts have also demonstrated inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation and HMG-CoA reductase activity, which are triggers of oxidative stress-mediated heart disease.
Hericium erinaceus has been studied for its neuroprotective effects and is being evaluated in clinical trials for its mitigation of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. In mice with ulcerative colitis, lion's mane extracts significantly reduced inflammation and bleeding and protected the intestinal lining. Lion's mane mycelium has also been shown to improve sleep quality in mice with sleep disturbances. In a human study, healthy adults showed improved performance in neuropsychological tests after a single dose of 1.8 g of lion's mane supplement.
Hericium erinaceus is available as a supplement in the form of whole mushroom powder, capsules, and tablets. The standard dosage for lion's mane supplements has not yet been established, with clinical studies using dosages ranging from 750 to 5,000 mg per day. Lion's mane supplements have the potential to provide positive outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal disorders and promote brain and nerve functions.
The presence of erinacines in Hericium erinaceus mycelia can also achieve pharmacological benefits. Erinacines have been shown to have inhibitory effects on α-glucosidases, suggesting their potential as antidiabetic agents. Additionally, erinacine A has been reported to have pharmacological actions in the central nervous system in rats. The biosynthesis of erinacines using bioreactors can potentially lead to the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and novel drugs.
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Bioactive compounds in Hericium erinaceus
Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion's mane, is an edible and medicinal mushroom widely consumed in Asia for its nutritional and health benefits. It has been characterised as having neuroprotective activities, promoting nerve and brain health.
The mycelium and fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus contain many bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical efficacy. Erinacines (cyathane diterpenoids), are constituents of H. erinaceus mycelium (HEM). Among the 15 erinacines (HeA-K and P-S), HeA has been found to induce the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) to stimulate neuronal differentiation. HeA-enriched HEM extract was reported to reduce Aβ plaques and gliosis in the cortex and hippocampus of transgenic mice, and increase NGF and hippocampal neurogenesis. The findings also indicated that HeS, a sesterterpene isolated from HEM ethanol extract, attenuated Aβ plaque accumulation in transgenic mice and increased the level of insulin-degrading enzyme in the cerebral cortex.
Hericenones, another class of compounds found in lion's mane, also promote nerve growth while fighting neurotoxicity linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In mice with acute ulcerative colitis, lion’s mane extracts significantly reduced inflammation and bleeding and protected the intestinal lining. Lion's mane has also demonstrated inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation and HMG-CoA reductase activity, both of which are triggers of oxidative stress-mediated heart disease.
H. erinaceus mycelium and its small bioactive compounds have been found to promote oligodendrocyte maturation with an increase in myelin basic protein. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) produce a myelin extension that enwraps axons to facilitate action potential propagation. An effective approach to induce oligodendrogenesis and myelination is important to foster CNS development and promote myelin repair in neurological diseases.
The production of bioactive compounds in H. erinaceus can be improved by adding certain growth regulators. For example, gibberellic acid (GA) increased protein content (165%), free amino acids (100%), polysaccharides (108%), and polyphenols (26%) in one study.
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Availability of Hericium erinaceus supplements
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom that grows on the trunks of dead hardwood trees, such as oak. It has been used extensively in East Asian medicine and as a food source in countries like China, India, Japan, and Korea.
Hericium erinaceus supplements are widely available in various forms, including powders, liquids, and capsules. You can find these supplements in supplement shops, grocery stores, and online.
The powders are typically made by grinding either the mushroom head (fruiting body) or the root (mycelium). The loose powder can be added to food or beverages, or it can be encapsulated. The liquids are usually extracts, which can also be added to beverages or taken directly. The capsules are convenient for those who prefer a pre-measured dose and a more discrete method of consumption.
It is important to note that while Hericium erinaceus supplements are readily available, the research on their effectiveness is limited, and they are not regulated by the FDA in the United States. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are planning to have surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
Erinaceous mushroom extract is derived from the Hericium erinaceus mushroom, commonly known as Lion's Mane. This culinary-medicinal mushroom is known for its neuroprotective and nootropic properties.
Lion's Mane mushroom supplements are believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including improved cognitive function, enhanced nerve growth, reduced inflammation, and improved sleep quality.
Erinaceous mushroom extract is commonly available as whole mushroom powder, capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
