Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits

Lion's mane mushroom

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are quickly becoming a common topic of discussion in the world of health and science in the west. You’re likely to hear about them in any literature about promising new supplements for their powerful neurogenetic properties. They're touted as a tool to support memory and healthy aging. It seems like these mushrooms came from nowhere and have exploded onto the scene of western health supplements. It might seem that these powerful mushrooms and their extracts have been kept a secret all this time though the reality is that western science is just late to the party.

Chinese and Japanese traditions have long been an area where the properties and benefits of Lion’s Mane have been described and widely used. In these eastern traditions, Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts have been used to promote health. Specifically health of the lungs, spleen, heart, liver and kidneys has been a reported benefit. Lion’s mane extracts have been taken for improved cognition and vitality. They have also long been regarded as a powerful whole-body tonic.

These benefits from an obscure species of fungus might seem to be traditional hearsay but modern studies have shown that these mushrooms do have strong potential to do much of what the eastern practitioners believed.

Cognition/Brain health

There have been possible cognitive health benefits observed in studies on lion’s mane. Lion's mane extract has been described as a nootropic meaning it aids in the process of neurogenesis. This means it helps the brain regenerate neurons.

In one animal study, lion’s mane extracts appeared to give mice better object recognition and memory. Other research has explored lion’s mane’s potential to support long-term brain health and memory as we age.

One Japanese study took adults between 50 and 80 years and found that daily consumption of lion’s mane extracts for 4 months led to higher scores on cognitive function scales when compared to a placebo group.

Immune function/Antioxidants

Lion’s mane mushroom liquid extracts may support the immune system, partly through their antioxidant activity. A healthy immune response is key to overall wellness.

Antioxidants help fight oxidation in the body. A 2012 study evaluating the potential of mushrooms found that lion's mane has "high levels" of antioxidant activity.

Research on mice suggests that lion’s mane extracts may boost the activity of the intestinal immune system. The results of another study on mice indicate that a protein in lion’s mane mushroom extract encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that strengthen immunity.

Mood and calm

Lion's Mane liquid extracts may support a balanced mood, as indicated by a study in mice. In this study, mice that consumed lion’s mane mushroom extract displayed more balanced behaviors. Measurements of blood markers in the mice indicated healthier mood-related chemistry.

The findings of a 2018 study on the effects of lion’s mane liquid mushroom extracts support these findings. This later study showed that these liquid mushroom extracts may contain compounds that support a positive mood.

In a study conducted in Japan, women were given cookies containing lion’s mane liquid extract or a placebo. The women who were given the cookies containing lion’s mane liquid extract reported feeling less irritable and more at ease than the placebo group.

Heart health

A major factor in heart health is prevalence of triglycerides and oxidation of cholesterol molecules.

Studies have shown reduction in triglycerides in rats who were given doses of lion’s mane liquid extracts. The levels of triglycerides were reduced by up to 27% and weight gain was decreased by nearly 43%.

A compound called hericenone B has been discovered in lion’s mane. Researchers are studying this compound for its role in supporting healthy circulation.

Antioxidant research

The antioxidant properties of lion’s mane mushrooms and lion's mane liquid mushroom extracts are an active area of laboratory research. Studies like this indicate the exciting future lion’s mane could have in human health in the years to come.

Metabolic health

A month long study was conducted using rats in which lion’s mane liquid extract was studied for its effects on blood sugar levels. This could indicate a role for lion’s mane liquid extracts in supporting healthy metabolism.

Another study on rats gave them lion’s mane liquid extract for 6 weeks. Many positive outcomes were observed including higher levels of antioxidants.

Digestion

Lion’s mane liquid extracts have shown to be beneficial to digestive health as they can support a healthy, comfortable gut. The mushroom may also boost immune function and encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

In vitro studies report that lion’s mane mushrooms can result in antibacterial activity that may improve digestion. Research in mice supports these findings by showing that extracts of lion’s mane may support the stomach lining.

Nervous system health and recovery

Some research suggests that extracts of lion’s mane mushrooms may encourage nerve cells to grow and repair more quickly.

One study showed that rats receiving a daily extract of lion’s mane mushrooms had quicker nerve regeneration than animals who didn’t receive the extracts.

In Conclusion…

Lion’s mane mushrooms may not have magical health properties as portrayed to be the case by some, though what is clear is that lion's mane liquid extracts have properties which can support our bodies in many ways all at once.

The benefits of lion’s mane extracts aren’t from magic or by some mystical means but come from the powerful nutrients they hold which can be studied and shown to be effective. While no dietary supplement is perfect, it is clear that many of us stand to benefit from the powerful lion’s mane mushroom.