No one probably ever guessed that a mushroom could look like the mane of a lion. Used for both medicine and food, lion’s mane mushrooms may look odd, but they can assist with several health concerns, such as inflammation, digestion, heart conditions, and might even help protect against cancer.
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom Used For?
Lion’s mane mushroom, or Hericium Erinaceus, has been used in Asia for both medicine and food for centuries. It is a white, spherical fungus comprised of long, shaggy strands, growing on both dead and living broadleaf trees (x). Many health stores sell it as a supplement (x).
Although it has been consumed safely for centuries, a patient should talk to their doctor before using it as a supplement.
Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Immune Function
One lion’s mane mushroom benefit is its antioxidative properties, which can assist with inflammation and strengthening the immune system. Every so often, natural chemical reactions in the body will give off extra oxygen, which produces extra biochemical stress. Antioxidants help wipe away that extra oxygen, which can help prevent illnesses and diseases like cancer or diabetes.
A 2012 study from the University of Malaya looked at antioxidative activities in culinary mushrooms and found that these mushrooms not only have good antioxidative activity but can also protect against hypertension and other heart-related problems (x).
A 2017 study separated a band of protein from it, which was recently indicated to perhaps improve the immune system by regulating the composition and metabolism of microorganisms in the gut. Other animal studies have linked this protein band to antitumor inhibition in mice, which help suggest that it might be a potential food ingredient for immunotherapy (x).
Cognitive Health
Similar to heart health, much research on lion’s mane mushroom effects on cognitive health has been animal-based, but the results remain positive. The mushroom has proven beneficial to cognitive health in Alzheimer’s models in rats, but not much research has been conducted on healthy subjects.
A 2008 study examined the effects of the mushroom on cognitive impairment in humans. An experimental group of Japanese women, between 50 and 80 years old, were given tablets that contained 96% lion’s mane mushroom powder. The experimental group showed greatly increased scores on a cognitive function scale, and when the group stopped taking the tablets, those scores fell again. These tests showed no adverse effects of consuming the mushroom, and that it may be effective in improving mild cognitive impairments (x).
A 2017 study looked at it’s effects on a healthy study group of mice, and the results showed an increase in recognition memory and overall cognitive health (x). For this same reason, much research has been conducted to test it’s effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Oral administration of the mushroom in mice has improved cognitive activity tests (x).
Heart Health
Although much of the research surrounding heart health benefits in lion’s mane mushroom has been animal-based, the results are still promising.
A 2013 study tested it’s ability to lower cholesterol levels in obese rats. Lion’s mane mushroom extracts were fed to seven test groups of rats, each on a high-fat diet. Lowering the number of lipids in blood plasma is one way to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and can even prevent the start of diabetes. Therefore, it seemed to have done the trick for the rats, lowering their cholesterol and lipid levels (x).
Diabetes
Evidence suggests that oxidative stress caused by free radical production can help diabetic complications progress in the body. A 2013 study from the Luqiao Hospital of Taizhou Enze Medical Center in China showed that consuming lion’s mane mushrooms can, at least in experimental animals, increase antioxidant enzyme activities (x).
Therefore, since the mushroom contains antioxidative properties, some research has been conducted into whether it might help lower blood sugar, which is the key to managing diabetes.
A 2013 study orally administered lion’s mane mushroom extract to a group of diabetes-induced rats for 28 days, with their body weight checked three times over that time. Consuming it resulted in a huge decrease in serum glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin levels, concluding that the mushroom might help with managing diabetes (x).
Digestive Health
Because lion’s mane mushroom supposedly fights inflammation, that can prove beneficial for the digestive system, especially for those with inflammatory bowel disease. For similar reasons, lion’s mane mushroom has been used to fight stomach ulcers in traditional Chinese medicine.
A 2016 study from the Key Laboratory of Applied Mycological Resources and Utilization looked at different extracts of it for antibacterial activity, and it was found to inhibit several common bacteria found in the gut (x).
Anxiety/Depression
Some studies suggest that lion’s mane mushroom may help relieve symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Previous studies have indicated that bodily inflammation may play a role in depression and anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties may help slow it down.
The Division of Clinical Neuroscience in China tested whether amycenone, a chemical extracted from it, can help alleviate depression or anxiety. This chemical was administered to inflammation-induced mice, and the findings indicated that amycenone could potentially be used as a treatment for inflammation-related depression (x).
A study at Kyushu University looked at the effects of it on depression, menopause, and even sleep. One half of a group of thirty women consumed the mushroom, and the other half consumed a placebo, in cookies for four weeks. Concentrations levels were reportedly higher in the experimental group, while irritation and anxiety were reportedly lower in the placebo group (x).
Cancer Prevention
Early research has shown potential for the mushroom to help prevent cancers. Lion’s mane mushroom powder was found to have high protein, carbohydrate, and mineral content, which might help the mushroom’s ability to destroy leukemia cells (x).
A 2011 study from the American Chemical Society looked at lion’s mane mushroom’s effect on colon cancer tumors. A group of mice was induced with colon cancer, and daily injections of lion’s mane mushroom extract for two weeks appeared to reduce the size of these tumors (x).
Side Effects
Lion’s mane mushroom side effects seem to be few and far between. The mushroom has been consumed as food and medicine for centuries with little to no side effects. Even higher-than-normal doses in animal experiments, which use lion’s mane mushroom extract, have not produced any dangerous or adverse effects (x).
As a medicine, the dosages have lasted up to sixteen weeks. Consuming too much mushroom might produce an upset stomach, but nothing worse than that has been reported (x).
Some patients have reported slightly itchy skin, which might be thanks to an increase in nerve growth factor, though the exact mechanism remains unclear (x).
Warnings and Precautions
Not enough is known about the effects of lion’s mane mushroom on pregnant women or unborn fetuses, so pregnant patients should exercise caution and not use it.
It might also lower blood sugar. If a patient has diabetes, consulting a doctor before consuming it in conjunction with other blood-sugar-lowering medications.
Although there are no reports of it slowing blood clotting in humans, patients with bleeding conditions or patients going into surgery should be careful about consuming it (x).
As usual, patients should follow all package directions and speak to their doctor if any side effects do occur. If a package claims that the product will certainly provide specific health benefits, exercise caution, as much research so far has been animal-based. A doctor can also determine whether it’s safe to take it in conjunction with other medicines.
How to Take Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom supplements are available in many forms, including a capsule, tablet, powder, and liquid extract. Most often, people consume lion’s mane mushroom capsules or powder. Dosages vary between different ages and health histories, so all patients considering taking lion’s mane mushroom supplements should consult a doctor first. Following all package directions is also quite important.
If a patient wishes to consume a raw mushroom, some sources suggest cooking the outside until it is crispy, since the raw taste can be bitter (x).
As a dietary supplement, many sources recommend between 500-3000 mg a day (x, y). Some experimental dosages have been as high as 5 g (x).
Where to Buy Lion’s Mane Mushroom
You can purchase lion’s mane mushroom supplements at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in testing lion’s mane mushroom supplements for its versatility in heart, immune, digestive, and cognitive health? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
Lion’s mane mushrooms may look strange, but consumers can enjoy plenty of benefits from them. While much research into these benefits has been animal-based, lion’s mane mushroom still makes an excellent snack and is safe to consume. Consumers of lion’s mane mushroom might be able to enjoy better heart health, immunity, digestion, and even cancer prevention.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
