Apr 12, 2024

6 Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom

The mushroom market is booming, fueled by a surge in vegan demand. As of 2021, the global mushroom market was valued at more than $50 billion, and it is expected to grow by almost 10% from 2022—2030.

One mushroom currently enjoying the spotlight is the lion’s mane mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus. Lion’s mane is popular for its brain-enhancing function and other medicinal properties.

If you are looking to explore the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms, this article will explain their health benefits, uses, dosage, and potential side effects.

What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion’s mane’s mushroom, also called bearded hedgehog or Pom pom mushroom, is a white saggy mushroom that gets its name from its close resemblance to the lion’s mane. This mushroom is grown in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Unlike other mushrooms, lion's mane does not have a distinct cap. Instead of a single, distinct cap, the lion’s mane mushroom has a semi-spherical body with long, cascading thread-like spines growing from it.

These mushrooms have a mild, crab-like/lobster flavor and can be eaten cooked or raw. It can also be dried, powdered, and packaged as a supplement. Lion Mane’s supplement may be available as tea, coffee, capsules, and powders.

Health Benefits of lion’s mane mushroom

Lion’s mane is known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. According to the US Department of Agriculture, it is rich in vitamins like Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), folic acid, niacin, and thiamine. It is also rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Here are six possible health benefits of lion’s mane mushroom:

1. Enhances Brain Function

Lion’s mane is one of the most popular nootropic mushrooms in the market. By nootropic mushrooms, we mean mushrooms known to enhance brain functions like memory.

In a 2013 study, researchers isolated two important neurotrophic compounds from lion’s mane mushroom: Hericenones, and erinacines, which they believe boost the production of nerve growth factors of nerve cells in the brain. Neurotrophic factors help brain cells (neurons) grow and develop properly.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, researchers from Australia and South Korea investigated how the compounds in lion’s mane mushrooms affected brain cells.

The researchers found that the compounds in lion mane mushrooms have potent neurotrophic properties, significantly improving hippocampal memory and overall cognitive function.

This finding is exciting because it suggests that lion’s mane might be beneficial for supporting brain health and memory, especially short-term memory, which relies heavily on the hippocampus.

It’s important to note that research on the lion’s mane is still ongoing, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in improving brain function.

2. May protect against dementia

The neuroprotective function of lion’s mane mushrooms makes them a potential treatment for protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In a 2020 study published in Aging Neuroscience, researchers found that when patients with mild Alzheimer’s took 350 mg of Lion’s Mane Extract for about 49 weeks, there was an improvement in their cognitive function.

Other preclinical studies have also found that using lion’s mane mushroom daily improved Alzheimers. However, more research is needed to establish the effect of lion’s mane on Alzheimer’s and dementia, especially in humans.

3. May Protect Against Stomach Ulcers

There is evidence that lion mane mushrooms may protect against stomach ulcers. One study found that extracts containing Hericium erinaceus inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

Another study found that when mice infected with Helicobacter pylori were given Hericium erinaceus extract, the number of bacteria in the stomach was significantly reduced compared to those without the extract.

Another 2013 study found that lion’s mane mushrooms may protect against alcohol-induced stomach ulcers.

Overall, several studies suggest that the lion’s mane protects against stomach ulcers. However, more human studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

4. Reduces Inflammation

Studies also suggest that lion’s mane mushroom has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In fact, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

One study found that lion’s mane reduced inflammatory agents in the body and can be applied as a protective agent in treating IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Although more studies are needed to confirm this benefit, the anti-inflammatory properties of lion mane appear promising.

5. It may help in the management of nerve injury.

Lion’s mane mushroom extract has neurodegenerative properties, which may make it useful in nerve injury, especially those difficult to heal.

Scientists have found that the active ingredient in lion mane, Hericium erinaceus, may encourage faster growth and repair of nerve cells.

6. Could Reduce Anxiety and Depression

Some researchers believe that lion’s mane mushrooms may help reduce anxiety and depression.

In a 2010 study involving 30 menopausal women, those who took lion’s mane cookies reported feeling less anxious and irritated than those who took placebo cookies.

In a more recent study, researchers investigated whether Hericium erinaceus treatment improved depression, anxiety, and sleep in people who are overweight or obese.

The researchers found that people who received treatment with lion’s mane for about eight weeks had improved mood and decreased depression and anxiety.

Forms of lion’s mane

Lion’s mane mushroom is available in different forms. You can purchase it as food or as a supplement.

Some common forms of lion mane’s supplement include:

Capsules
Powders
Liquid
Tablets

You can purchase Lion Mane supplements online, in grocery stores, and local pharmacies.

Side Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Although lion’s mane mushrooms are generally well tolerated, some people may experience side effects. Some common side effects include abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash (mostly due to an allergic reaction).

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Dosage

There is no universal recommended dosage for lion’s mane mushrooms. However, some surveys have found that lion mane supplements are safe up to 3g, taken twice daily.

In a 2020 study, adults (50 years and older) were given 350mg of lion mane supplement daily for 49 weeks to treat mild Alzheimers.

However, each lion mane supplement will come with a specific dosing. Always stay within the recommended dosage and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about dosing.

Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom Safe?

In general, lion’s mane mushroom and its supplements are considered safe. However, some people may be allergic to mushrooms or have underlying medical conditions that might make it unsafe for them.

Also, there is not enough safety data on taking lion’s mane during pregnancy, so it is often best to avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Who Should Not Use Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

The following people should not use Lion mane mushrooms without consulting their primary care physician:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People allergic or sensitive to mushrooms
Those preparing for surgery
People with a bleeding disorder
People with a history of heart disease

Bottom line

Lion mane mushrooms have nutritional and medicinal benefits. Although research is still ongoing to confirm these benefits, these mushrooms may help boost cognition and protect against dementia, stomach ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Lion’s mane mushrooms are not intoxicating and are generally considered safe. However, always use lion mane’s mushroom as directed by the manufacturer, except otherwise directed by a physician.