Recent study reveals positive effects of Lion's Mane on brain and memory function

New study reports that active compounds in edible Lion’s Mane mushroom can help promote neurogenesis and enhance memory. Preclinical trials report the compound had a significant impact on neural growth and improved memory formation.

Lion's Mane mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, to treat a range of ailments and promote overall health. In traditional Chinese medicine, Lion's Mane is believed to have a variety of benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and promoting mental clarity.

Today, Lion's Mane is still used in traditional medicine practices in many parts of Asia, and its potential health benefits have been the subject of scientific research in recent years.

Study reveals positive effects of Lion's Mane on brain and memory function

To specify that, here are some examples of scientific research that has been linked to usage of Lion’s Mane in the past years.

Cognitive Function:

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50- to 80-year-olds with mild cognitive impairment, Lion's Mane supplementation improved cognitive function scores compared to the placebo group (Mori et al., 2008).
In a study of 30 women aged 40-60, Lion's Mane supplementation for four weeks improved visual recognition memory (Nagano et al., 2010).

Nerve Regeneration:

In a study of rats with nerve damage, Lion's Mane extract was found to promote nerve regeneration and improve functional recovery (Wong et al., 2011).
In a study of human nerve cells in vitro, Lion's Mane extract was found to promote neurite outgrowth, a key process in nerve regeneration (Zhang et al., 2017).

Immune Function:

In a study of mice with weakened immune systems, Lion's Mane extract was found to increase the production of immune cells and improve immune function (Liu et al., 2017).
In a study of human volunteers, daily consumption of Lion's Mane mushroom soup for four weeks was found to increase the activity of natural killer cells, a type of immune cell that fights infections and tumors (Kuo et al., 2020).

Inflammation:

In a study of rats with colitis, Lion's Mane extract was found to reduce inflammation and improve colonic tissue damage (Chen et al., 2018).
In a study of human volunteers with ulcerative colitis, daily consumption of Lion's Mane mushroom powder for 12 weeks was found to reduce markers of inflammation (Wang et al., 2020).

One of the most recent studies is conducted by scientists at the Queensland Brain Institute in Australia, led by Professor Frederic Meunier. The study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of compounds found in the mushroom Hericium erinaceus. They tested these compounds in cell cultures and found that they could promote the growth of new nerve cells and protect existing cells from damage.

The study was published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, February 2023.

How Lion’s Mane stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

Lion's Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) contain compounds known as erinacines and hericenones, which have been found to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production in the brain. NGF is a protein that helps to regulate the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells. And is therefore important for the development and function of our nervous system.

What is neurogenesis?

Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons in the brain, and it plays a critical role in various aspects of brain function, including learning, memory, and mood regulation. Lion's Mane mushrooms have been shown to promote neurogenesis in animal studies, suggesting that they may have similar effects in humans.

How do we benefit from neural growth?

Neural growth, also known as neurogenesis, refers to the process of generating new neurons in the brain. There are several potential benefits to neural growth, including:

Improved learning and memory: The creation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and memory, has been linked to improved cognitive function in animal studies.
Mood regulation: Neural growth in the hippocampus has also been associated with improved mood regulation and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Recovery from brain injury: Neural growth can help the brain recover from injury by promoting the formation of new connections between neurons.
Delayed onset of age-related cognitive decline: Age-related cognitive decline is thought to be partially due to a decline in neural growth. Promoting neural growth through exercise, cognitive stimulation, and potentially supplements like Lion's Mane mushrooms, may help delay the onset of cognitive decline.

Overall, neural growth is important for the maintenance of brain health and function. Strategies that promote neural growth, such as exercise, cognitive stimulation, and potentially supplements like Lion's Mane mushrooms, may have a wide range of benefits for brain function and your overall health.

Lions Main for neurodegenerative cognitive disorders

In addition to their work on erinacines, Professor Meunier and his team have also studied the effects of other compounds in Lion's Mane mushrooms, including hericenones and beta-glucans. These compounds have been found to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

These are conditions that result in the progressive loss of brain function, typically affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease are examples of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to its effects on memory and cognitive function, Lion's Mane mushrooms have also been found to have potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties may help to prevent or slow the progression of neurological conditions as named above.

The future looks bright

Overall, the identification of these new active compounds in Lion's Mane mushrooms represents an exciting development in the field of natural supplements for brain health, and further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, the neuroprotective and neurogenic effects of Lion's Mane make it a promising natural supplement for promoting brain health. We are looking forward to exploring and determining the optimal dosage and duration for supplementation of this natural supplement.

Lion's Mane is not used as a microdose

It takes consistent high doses of Lion’s mane to experience the potential benefits of this functional mushroom. It doesn’t have any psychoactive effects which you can experience while using it. Yet some people would add Lion’s Mane to their microdosing routine. We call this stacking, or known as Paul Stamets Stack.

We are always curious to hear about your experiences. Feel free to send us your review when combining Lion’s Mane with truffles.