Index
What is Lion’s Mane?
Lion's Mane, scientifically referred to as Hericium Erinaceus, is more than just an ordinary mushroom. It's a remarkable fungus celebrated for its array of health benefits, most notably its impact on cognitive functions and brain health. Distinguished by its long, flowing, white spines that resemble a lion's mane, this mushroom has been a subject of interest in both traditional medicine and modern research.
The mushroom stands out in the fungal kingdom for its potential to support neural health, improve mental clarity, and offer a natural remedy for conditions like brain fog.
The Science Behind Lion's Mane
The remarkable cognitive benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom stem from its rich composition of bioactive substances, primarily hericenones and erinacines. These compounds, which have garnered significant attention in clinical research, play a pivotal role in brain health. They have been demonstrated to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a key protein in the brain.
NGF is essential not just for the growth of neurons, but also for their maintenance and survival. Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, responsible for processing and transmitting information.
By enhancing NGF levels, Lion's Mane can support neuronal health, thereby fostering improved cognitive functions and neural communication.
Learn about the clinical trials and literature that support the benefits lion’s mane can have on cognitive function.
How Lion’s Mane Provides a Remedy for Brain Fog
How to buy good quality Lion’s Mane Mushroom
How to Take Lion’s Mane
Lion's Mane offers versatile consumption options to suit different preferences and lifestyles, ranging from powders and capsules to teas and tinctures.
The best way to take lion’s mane largely depends on personal choice and daily habits.
What Dose Should You Take?
References
- Tang W, Gao Y, Chen G, Gao H, Dai X, Ye J, Chan E, Huang M, Zhou S. A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. J Med Food. 2005 Spring;8(1):53-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53. PMID: 15857210.
- Zhao H, Zhang Q, Zhao L, Huang X, Wang J, Kang X. Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:809614. doi: 10.1155/2012/809614. Epub 2011 Dec 10. PMID: 22203880; PMCID: PMC3236089.
- Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W, Huang M, Dai X. Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunol Invest. 2003 Aug;32(3):201-15. doi: 10.1081/imm-120022979. PMID: 12916709.
- Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W, Huang M, Dai X. Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunol Invest. 2003 Aug;32(3):201-15. doi: 10.1081/imm-120022979. PMID: 12916709.
- Bhardwaj N, Katyal P, Sharma AK. Suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses by pharmacologically potent fungus Ganoderma lucidum. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2014;8(2):104-17. doi: 10.2174/1872213x08666140619110657. PMID: 24948193.
- Qiu Y, Mao ZJ, Ruan YP, Zhang X. Exploration of the anti-insomnia mechanism of Ganoderma by central-peripheral multi-level interaction network analysis. BMC Microbiol. 2021;21(1):296. Published 2021 Oct 29. doi:10.1186/s12866-021-02361-5
- Wu X, Zeng J, Hu J, Liao Q, Zhou R, Zhang P, Chen Z. Hepatoprotective effects of aqueous extract from Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (higher basidiomycetes) on α-amanitin-induced liver injury in mice. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(4):383-91. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i4.60. PMID: 23796220.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health care plan.