Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, especially in China, Japan and Korea, because of its health benefits.
Lion’s Mane has been studied extensively for its medicinal properties. It contains bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, erinacins and hericenones, which are believed to provide various human health benefits.
Some of the possible benefits and applications of Lion’s Mane in human health include:
1. Neuroprotective properties:Â
Compounds present in Lion’s Mane, such as erinacins and hericenones, have been shown to have neuroprotective effects, including the following:
1.1. Growth and regeneration of nerve cells, which may be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These compounds in Lion’s Mane can stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a crucial role in the development, maintenance and survival of nerve cells.
1.2. Supporting myelination: Myelin is a substance that coats and insulates nerve fibres, allowing efficient transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system. It has been suggested that Lion’s Mane may help promote myelination by stimulating the production of oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for the formation of myelin.
2. Improved cognitive health:
Several studies have investigated the effects of Lion’s Mane on brain function as follows:
2.1. Nerve growth factor stimulation: Lion’s Mane has been linked to stimulating the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a protein vital for the growth, maintenance and survival of nerve cells. It has been shown in laboratory studies that the bioactive components of Lion’s Mane can increase the synthesis and release of NGF, potentially helping to improve cognitive function.
2.2. Improved memory and learning: Administration of Lion’s Mane extracts has been shown to improve performance in spatial memory and recognition tests in animal models. These effects may be related to Lion’s Mane’s ability to stimulate NGF and promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a brain region important for memory and learning.
2.3. Protection against cognitive impairment: Some clinical studies have investigated the effects of Lion’s Mane in people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Supplementation with Lion’s Mane has been found to improve cognitive symptoms.
3. Possible gastroprotective effects:
Some studies suggest that Lion’s Mane may have protective effects on the gastrointestinal system as follows:
3.1. Gastric mucosal protection: Compounds in Lion’s Mane may help strengthen the protective barrier of the gastric mucosa and reduce damage caused by irritants such as stress, ulcers and dietary irritants.
3.2. Reducing gastrointestinal inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal system can contribute to the development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The anti-inflammatory compounds present in Lion’s Mane may help reduce inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms.
3.3. Improving intestinal health: Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane can help strengthen the intestinal barrier and regulate gastrointestinal function. This may be beneficial in preventing damage to the intestinal mucosa and promoting healthy digestion.
4. Antioxidant activity:
Here are some highlights related to the antioxidant activity of Lion’s Mane:
4.1. Antioxidant content: Lion’s Mane contains a variety of natural antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione and other phenolic compounds. These antioxidants have the ability to neutralise free radicals, which are unstable and highly reactive molecules that can damage the body’s cells and tissues.
4.2. Protection against oxidative stress: Oxidative stress has been associated with ageing, inflammation and the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The antioxidants present in Lion’s Mane may help counteract oxidative stress and protect cells from oxidative damage.
4.3. Supporting healthy ageing: The antioxidants present in Lion’s Mane may help reduce cell damage and protect against premature ageing. This may have overall benefits for health and well-being as you age.
5. Immunomodulatory effects:
The polysaccharides and beta-glucans present in Lion’s Mane have been associated with immunomodulatory properties, meaning that they can modulate the body’s immune response. These compounds have been shown to stimulate the production of immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, and enhance the immune response to infections.
Admission:
Food supplements based on Lion’s Mane can help maintain health without interacting with other medicines. However, certain quality criteria regarding organic cultivation and extraction method must be guaranteed. Important information on the quality and safety of food supplements can be found on our quality page.