Lions Mane

Lions Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) is widely consumed as a part of the diet or used for health benefits in parts of Asia, especially in China, Korea, and Japan. It also grows widely in other parts of Asia. It is rare in Europe but sometimes maybe found growing naturally.¹

Like many other mushrooms, Lions Mane is appreciated for its nutritional value, as it is an excellent source of vegan protein. However, most people are interested in Lions Mane’s health and therapeutic benefits. It seems that many of its health benefits are due to its content of polysaccharides and its metabolites like erinacines, hericenones, hericerins, and so on.¹

Health Benefits of Lion's Mane

Below are some of the well-known health benefits of Lions Mane:

Neuroprotective

Studies show that Lions Mane not only protects neurons, but its extract may also boost neuronal growth. It has compounds that increase levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). It means that it may have a role in various neurological disorders. For example, it may help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's. It may also help with peripheral neuropathies and accelerate healing of damaged nerves.²
Stabilises Mood and Helps With Anxiety or Depression

Since Lions Mane can boost NGF levels and promote nerve growth, there is a reason to believe that it may help stabilise mood. In addition, some researchers believe that it may help prevent mood disorders like anxiety or depression. However, there is still a need to validate these claims through further clinical trials.³

Gastroprotective or Ulcer Prevention

Lions Mane is gastroprotective and can assist in the prevention of ulcers, although its underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. However, experiments in animals show that it has a gastroprotective effect. It may help prevent damage to gastric mucosa caused by high alcohol consumption or due to pain killers. In addition, it seems to boost local host defences and promote ulcer healing.⁴

Heart Health

Lions Mane may boost heart health by helping manage hyperlipidaemia. It can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and at the same time, boost levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Therefore, it may help prevent atherosclerosis and consequently help prevent a cardiovascular event.⁵

Additionally, Lions Mane may also help reduce platelet aggregation. One of its compounds, hericenone B, works as a mild anti-aggregant, helping to prevent the aggregation of platelets. Lions Mane may be regularly consumed to prevent heart attack and stroke.⁶

Prevent or Manage Diabetes

Lions Mane has a low glycaemic index. In addition, it has compounds that slow down the absorption of carbohydrates. As a result, its regular consumption may considerably help lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, Lions Mane may also help reduce the risk of diabetes complications due to its antioxidant activity.⁷

Fight Cancer

Researchers have identified numerous anticancer compounds in mushrooms, like hericerin, isohericenone, and many more. In one experimental study, researchers found that Lions Mane extract can suppress the growth of lung cancer cells.⁸^,⁹

Side Effects of Lion's Mane

There are no known adverse effects of consuming Lions Mane. Moreover, it is consumed as a part of a regular diet in some parts of the world without any ill effects. In studies, 5 grams per kilo of its extract did not cause any severe toxicity in mice. It means that in recommended dosages, it can be deemed as safe.⁴

Properties

Anxiety²
Atherosclerosis⁵^,⁶
Brain Function / Neuroprotective³
Cancer Prevention⁸^,⁹
Cardiovascular Support⁵^,⁶
Cholesterol⁵^,⁶
Dementia Prevention²
Depression³
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁷
Digestive Restoration⁴
Heart Support / Health⁶
High/Good Levels of Protein¹
Immune Booser³
Mood Stabilising³
Nervine²^,³
Ulcer Support⁴
Weight Loss /Management³

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