Benefits of lion’s mane mushroom

The lion’s mane mushroom is a powerful medicinal mushroom that has been used by traditional healers for centuries. There are many benefits to taking these medicinal mushrooms, including improving cognitive function, reducing anxiety and depression, and helping to relieve chronic pain. This article will focus on the vatious known benefits of this natural ingredient.

What is lion’s mane mushroom?

Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine.

It might improve nerve development and function. It might also protect nerves from becoming damaged. It also seems to help protect the lining in the stomach.

People use lion’s mane mushroom for Alzheimer disease, dementia, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Forms and dosages

There are many different forms and dosages of Lion’s Mane Mushroom available. The most common form is a dietary supplement in the form of a pill or capsule. Doses range from 250-500mg per day. Some people also take it in tea or coffee form, or as an extract.

The recommended dosage for extracts is 1-3ml per day. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

What are the benefits?

There are many potential benefits to taking lion’s mane mushroom supplements, including improved cognitive function and nerve health. Here are eight reasons to add these fungi to your diet:

Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

In traditional Chinese medicine, the lion’s mane mushroom is often prescribed for a variety of health problems such as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. A new study published in the journal “Food Chemistry” found that the lion’s mane supplement can also protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

The study was conducted on mice, and the results showed that those treated with lion’s mane extract had less inflammation and oxidative stress than those who weren’t treated. Researchers believe that the benefits of lion’s mane are due to its high levels of antioxidants and polysaccharides.

Helps relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety

While there are many causes of anxiety and depression, chronic inflammation could be a major contributing factor. Recently, it has been found that lion’s mane mushroom help relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety. The active components in the mushroom are thought to be hericystin and erinacine A and B, which have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

In terms of animal studies, it has been found that lion’s mane extract can also help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for processing memories and emotional responses. Researchers believe that improved functioning of the hippocampus may explain the reductions in anxious and depressive behaviors in mice given these extracts. While these animal studies are promising, there is very little research in humans.

Helps manage diabetes symptoms

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body loses the ability to control blood sugar levels. As a result, levels are consistently elevated. In relation, chronically high blood sugar levels eventually cause complications like kidney disease, nerve damage in the hands and feet and vision loss.

Lion’s mane mushroom may be beneficial for diabetes management by improving blood sugar control and reducing some of these side effects. Several animal studies have shown that lion’s mane can cause significantly lower blood sugar levels in both normal and diabetic mice, even at daily dosages as low as 2.7 mg per pound (6 mg per kg) of body weight.

One way that lion’s mane lowers blood sugars is by blocking the activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbs in the small intestine. In addition to lowering blood sugars, lion’s mane extract may reduce diabetic nerve pain in the hands and feet.

Boosts the immune system

Animal research shows that lion’s mane mushroom can boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose. One study even found that supplementing with lion’s mane extract daily nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with a lethal dose of salmonella bacteria.

To note, a strong immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing pathogens. On the other hand, a weak immune system puts the body at a higher risk of developing infectious diseases.

Reduces heart disease risk

Major risk factors for heart disease include obesity, high triglycerides, large amounts of oxidized cholesterol and an increased tendency to get blood clots.

Research shows that lion’s mane extract can influence some of these factors and reduce the risk of heart disease. One study in rats fed a high-fat diet and given daily doses of lion’s mane extract observed 27% lower triglyceride levels and 42% less weight gain after 28 days.

Since obesity and high triglycerides are both considered risk factors for heart disease, this is one way that lion’s mane mushrooms contribute to heart health. What’s more, lion’s mane mushrooms contain a compound called hericenone B, which can decrease the rate of blood clotting and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Could protect against dementia

Studies have found that lion’s mane mushrooms contain two special compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines. Additionally, animal studies have found that lion’s mane may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disease that causes progressive memory loss, and other mild cognitive impairment.

The ability of lion’s mane mushroom to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer’s-related damage may explain some of its beneficial effects on brain health. In fact, lion’s mane mushroom and its extracts have been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease.

However, it’s important to note that most of the research has been conducted in animals or in test tubes. Therefore, more human studies are needed.

Protects against ulcers in the digestive tract

Recent research has shown that the lion’s mane mushroom can protect against ulcers in the digestive tract. As background, ulcers are capable of forming anywhere along the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Stomach ulcers are often caused by two major factors: overgrowth of a bacteria called H. pylori and damage to the mucous layer of the stomach that’s often due to long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Lion’s mane extract may protect against the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori and protecting the stomach lining from damage.

Additionally, an animal study found that lion’s mane extract was more effective at preventing alcohol-induced stomach ulcers than traditional acid-lowering drugs — and without any negative side effects. Lion’s mane extract can also reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage in other areas of the intestines. In fact, they may help treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

May speed recovery from nervous system injuries

In a study at Kyung Hee University in South Korea, rats that were given extracts of lion’s mane mushroom showed improved nerve function and regeneration after being injured. The mushroom extract was also found to protect cells from damage and promote the growth of new neurons. These results suggest that the lion’s mane mushroom may be useful in treating injuries to the nervous system, such as spinal cord injuries or stroke. A separate study found that lion’s mane mushroom extracts can inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer in mice.

What are side effects?

No human studies have examined the side effects of lion’s mane mushroom or its extract, but they appear to be very safe.

No adverse effects have been seen in rats, even at doses as high as 2.3 grams per pound (5 grams per kg) of body weight per day for one month or lower dosages for three months.

However, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to mushrooms should avoid lion’s mane, since it is a species of mushroom. There have been documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or skin rashes after exposure to lion’s mane mushrooms, likely related to allergies.

Finding

In conclusion, lion’s mane mushroom is a beneficial supplement that has many potential health benefits. It is a great source of antioxidants, polysaccharides, and other nutrients that can support optimal health. Additionally, lion’s mane mushroom has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation. If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health, consider adding lion’s mane mushroom to your diet.

FAQ

What is the mushroom lion's mane good for?

The lion’s mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, is a type of fungus that has been used medicinally in Asia for centuries. Recently, it has been the focus of scientific research because of its potential health benefits. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are now being sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and other countries.

What does the lion’s mane mushroom do? The lion’s mane mushroom has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for a variety of health conditions. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulating, and antioxidant properties.

What does lion's mane do to the brain?

Lion’s mane is a type of mushroom that has been shown to have cognitive benefits in humans. Studies have shown that lion’s mane can improve memory, reduce anxiety, and increase nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. NGF is important for the growth and survival of neurons, so increasing NGF levels could help protect and promote the health of neurons. Lion’s mane may also help to improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Lion’s mane provides many of the benefits of fish oil, but it is much safer to take.

What are the side effects of lion's mane mushroom?

Lion’s mane mushroom is a type of fungus that grows on trees. It has a long, shaggy stalk and white, hairy spores. The mushroom is also called bear’s head, sheep’s head, and bearded tooth mushroom.

When taken by mouth, lion’s mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort. In addition, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if lion’s mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

How long does it take for lion's mane to work?

Lion’s mane is a natural supplement that is thought to improve cognitive function and memory. It is also supposed to help protect the brain from age-related damage. But how long does it take for lion’s mane to work? There is no definitive answer, as the effects of lion’s mane vary from person to person. However, many people report feeling an improvement in cognitive function and memory within weeks of taking lion’s mane supplements. Some even report seeing a decrease in the number of age-related brain lesions.