Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus, Yamabushitake, Hedgehog Mushroom, 山伏茸, 猴头菇)

In recent years Lion’s Mane has become one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, specifically for its nerve regeneration and nootropic qualities. Traditionally, it was considered a food that was eaten for reducing inflammation in the digestive system and cooling gastrointestinal ulcers.

Lion’s Mane is sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Nutrition for the Neurons” and is widely known for its ability to significantly stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF). It makes sense that it was traditionally used to calm an inflamed digestive tract, as there are many nerves in this part of the body.

NGF plays an essential role in maintaining neurological health, homeostasis, and modulating the immune system. Deficiency of NGF has been linked to dementia and early stages of Alzheimer’s. NGF is considered a potent antioxidant, and its deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndromes such as type 2 diabetes. Healthy levels of NGF not only support the nervous system, they significantly accelerate wound healing, reduce ulcerations, and lower asthma related airway constriction.

Due to Lions Mane’s relatively new status as a top medicinal mushroom, there is still much clinical research to be done to support its growing fame as a neurological medicine. Currently from a pharmacological perspective most of the interest and focus has been on two families of compounds; Erinacines and Hericenones.

Erinacines are diterpenes isolated from the mycelium, shown to increase nerve growth factor mRNA expression, and they are also opioid receptor agonists (potentially beneficial for opioid addiction). Hericenones are aromatic meroterpenoids found in the fruiting body that inhibit inflammatory transcription factors.

Both groups of compounds are small enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier and show promising evidence of increasing myelination and regeneration of nerve cells.

There have been several studies done now using Lion’s Mane for neurodegenerative diseases such as MS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Results vary, but mostly give strong evidence that supports improved myelination of nerve fibers, as well as suppression of the immune mediated inflammatory process responsible for chronic brain destruction.

Beyond this, there is much evidence to support Lion’s Mane having a regenerative effect on a variety of other forms of nerve damage including sensory neurons.

Lion’s Mane has always been regarded in TCM as a happy mushroom, and both clinical and anecdotal evidence suggests that it has a significant anxiety and depression reducing effect. This could be due to the opioid receptor agonistic effects of the Erinacines. Many menopausal women that consume this mushroom have also reported it to be helpful with sleep disturbances, anxiety, and hot flashes.

When it comes to considering Lion’s Mane for its health benefits, it is important to consider using a concentrated extract powder. Since this mushroom was traditionally used as a food, it is safe to consume in large amounts and much of the research has been done using extracts or large amounts of the fruiting body.

At Harmonic Arts we offer a 7:1 concentrated mushroom powder that is recommended at a maintenance dosage of 1-2g daily. If using to support a significant health issue such as neurodegenerative conditions, this could be moved up to 3-5g twice daily.

Written By Yarrow Willard Cl.H.