What is Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s Mane Mushroom—also known as Hericium erinaceus in Latin, Monkey Head mushroom in China, Yamabushitake in Japan, Khargosh Chewn in Northern India, and even Roe Deer Butt mushroom in Korea—has a fascinating array of names across the globe. If you’re new to the world of mushrooms, you’ll quickly notice a trend: mushrooms are often named based on their appearance or the trees they grow on. And indeed, names like Lion’s Mane, Rabbit Fur, Roe Deer Butt, and even Monkey’s Head are pretty fitting for this unique, fluffy mushroom.

But here’s a quirky twist: Have you ever wondered why the Japanese named this mushroom “Yamabushitake” (山伏茸)? This name comes from the Yamabushi monks—ascetic hermits who live in the mountains. The name “Yamabushi” literally translates to “one who prostrates oneself on the mountain,” and it’s not just about the looks! These monks used Lion’s Mane mushrooms to boost their brain activity during meditation, believing they held cognitive, spiritual, and healing properties. Pretty cool, right?

In fact, the Yamabushi monks were onto something far ahead of their time. Over the last 40 years, Lion’s Mane, or Hericium erinaceus, has sparked over 400 scientific publications, all trying to understand this mushroom’s therapeutic potential. So what does the research say? Let’s dive into the science of this magical mushroom!

Before diving into the benefits, if you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of Lion’s Mane mushrooms—including how they grow, their geographic distribution, cultivation techniques, and the unique compounds they contain—we recommend checking out this detailed blog first. It’s the perfect starting point to explore everything about this incredible mushroom and how it grows!

https://nuvedo.com/2024/03/12/unlocking-the-secrets-of-lions-mane-mushroom-extracts-a-comprehensive-beginners-guide/?srsltid=AfmBOorzDSPGAjWxx-hP7dBqNfwC5rgR1hf3p24P9EBpkLBcv64oozHb

 

A Peek Into the Science of Lion’s Mane

A quick search on Google Scholar for “Hericium erinaceus” brings up about 17,000 results. Okay, Google Scholar is great, but let’s be honest—PubMed is where the cool kids go for medical research. And guess what? There are over 420 studies on Lion’s Mane benefits there!

Now, hold on! You’re probably thinking, “That’s fantastic, but what about the human clinical trials?” Well, here’s the fun part: We’ve got 9 human clinical trials to date. The first one, way back in 1985, involved 50 participants who received Lion’s Mane mushroom to treat chronic gastritis. Fast forward to 2023, and the most recent study was the first to look at healthy participants using Lions mushroom. In total, over 400 participants have been part of these trials!

A particularly interesting trend is that the majority of research on Lion’s Mane benefits has been published between 2019–2023, with over 60% of the studies coming out in just those 4 years. It’s clear that the focus is on cognitive health and mental well-being, which is why Lion’s Mane continues to capture the attention of researchers.

While the research is still developing, the evidence so far is promising! The best part? It’s safe to consume without any reported adverse effects.

What Are the Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

The main benefits of Lion’s Mane include its ability to enhance cognitive health, support gut healing, reduce stress, and naturally boost focus. So, what makes Lion’s Mane mushroom so special? There’s a mountain of research to back its benefits, but here’s a fun rundown of the top 7 reasons to start incorporating Lion’s Mane into your life (besides the fact that it’s just awesome!).

7 Reasons to Add Lion’s Mane Mushroom to Your Wellness Routine

• Protect Your Brain from Alzheimer’s Disease

• Fight Depression and Anxiety Naturally

• Supercharge Your Morning Coffee

• Manage Stress Like a Pro

• Enhance Focus and Mental Performance

• Improve Gut Health and Digestion

• Support Myelin Growth and Help ADHD Symptoms

Let’s dive deeper into each benefit and explore the research that supports these claims!

1. Protect Your Brain from Alzheimer’s Disease

As the world’s population ages, we’re seeing a rise in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is now the fifth-leading cause of death in adults over 65. Alzheimer’s is associated with the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which damage neurons and disrupt brain function.

Here’s where Lion’s Mane mushroom advantages come into play: A 2016 study showed that Lion’s Mane extract reduced amyloid plaques by 40% in mice with Alzheimer ’s-like brain physiology. Plus, it enhanced enzymes that help clear harmful proteins and improved behaviors related to memory and daily tasks.

But don’t just take our word for it—there have been 3 human clinical trials that showed Lion’s Mane supplementation helped improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s. These improvements seem to be temporary, though, which suggests that long-term use is key for sustained benefits. Still, the evidence points to this mushroom having a promising role in Alzheimer’s prevention and management.

2. Fight Depression and Anxiety Naturally

Ever heard of NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)? These two proteins are like the superheroes of brain health. They help your neurons stay healthy, repair damaged cells, and even create new brain cells. Sadly, low levels of NGF and BDNF are often linked to depression and anxiety.

This is where Lion’s Mane shows off its magic. It’s rich in terpenes (specifically erinacines and hericenones) that can stimulate the production of NGF and BDNF in your brain. This might explain why Lion’s Mane has antidepressant effects.

In a 2010 study, people who took Lion’s Mane showed a 26% improvement in mood and a 36% decrease in anxiety in just 4 weeks. The placebo group didn’t see much of a change, which suggests Lion’s Mane has something special to offer.

3. Supercharge Your Morning Coffee

 

Do you love your morning coffee but wish it could give you more than just a caffeine jolt? Lion’s Mane and Coffee might just be the ultimate power couple.

 According to this 2023 study which compared Guayusa extract (which contains caffiene) lions mane extract and placebo– adding Lion’s Mane to your routine could offer some notable benefits over caffeine (from Guayusa). Participants who took Lion’s Mane showed a 28% greater improvement in focus at 120 minutes compared to those who had caffeine, with similar improvements seen at 60 minutes. In terms of mood, Lion’s Mane outperformed Guayusa with a 10% greater improvement in happiness at 120 minutes and a 7% improvement at 60 minutes. For productivity, Lion’s Mane showed a 35% increase in productivity at 60 minutes and a 30% improvement at 120 minutes compared to Guayusa. These results suggest that Lion’s Mane not only boosts focus but also reduces reaction time, enhances mood and productivity, providing longer-lasting benefits than the short-term energy boost from caffeine. So, if you’re looking for sustained cognitive performance, replacing or adding Lion’s Mane to your coffee could be a great choice.

It turns out, that Lion’s Mane isn’t just good for focus—it enhances mood and productivity, offering long-lasting benefits without the crash that comes with caffeine.

4. Manage Stress Like a Pro

Life can get pretty stressful, right? Whether it’s work, school, or home life, stress often feels like a constant companion. But here’s some good news: Lion’s Mane can help reduce stress levels naturally. A recent 28-day study on healthy adults aged 18–45 found that taking Lion’s Mane led to a 22.5% reduction in perceived stress, with participants’ stress levels dropping from a mean score of 40.64 on Day 1 to 33.02 on Day 29. In comparison, the placebo group showed no significant change (mean score of 42.53 on Day 29). If you’re looking for a natural way to de-stress, Lion’s Mane might just be your new best friend!

 

5. Enhance Focus and Mental Performance

Ever wished for a magic pill to boost your brainpower? Lion’s Mane might be the closest thing to it. A 2019 study on overweight and obese adults found that Lion’s Mane supplementation led to remarkable improvements in memory, focus, mood, and overall quality of life. Cognitive performance jumped by 23%, memory recall improved by 25%, and attention and focus were 4 times better than the control group. Participants reported feeling 10 times clearer and more uplifted, with mood and mental clarity improving by 20%, while their overall quality of life saw a 5-fold boost. If you’re looking for sustained cognitive benefits, Lion’s Mane may be the brain-enhancing ally you’ve been waiting for!

6. Improve Gut Health and Digestion

Lion’s Mane isn’t just great for the brain; it also supports gut health—a key factor in overall well-being. Some of the earliest research on this mushroom involved its potential to help with digestive issues.

One pivotal study from 1985 investigated the use of Lion’s Mane for treating chronic atrophic gastritis (a condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed and damaged). Participants who took Lion’s Mane extract reported significant improvements in their condition, and many saw a reduction in stomach pain, bloating, and acidity. This suggests that Lion’s Mane may have the ability to help heal the stomach lining and balance gastric acid levels, making it a useful ally for people with gastritis, ulcers, or even acid reflux.

Lion’s Mane’s potential for gut healing doesn’t stop there. Research also indicates that it promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which plays a role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. So, if you struggle with digestive discomfort or acidity, incorporating Lion’s Mane could help restore balance in your gut and bring some much-needed relief.

 

7. Support Myelin Growth and Help ADHD Symptoms

Have you ever wondered why people with ADHD often struggle with focus or impulse control? The answer might lie in the insulation around their nerve cells—yes, just like how wires need insulation to function properly!

That’s where myelin comes in. This fatty, protein-rich substance acts as a protective sheath around your nerve cells, allowing brain signals to travel quickly and efficiently. Without myelin, your brain’s communication system is like a slow, interrupted Wi-Fi connection.

Here’s how myelin works:

• Insulation: Myelin shields your nerve cells, much like how electrical cables are wrapped in a protective covering.
  
• Speed: It accelerates the transmission of signals by allowing electrical impulses to jump between “nodes” (think of them as stepping stones), speeding up communication.
  
• Strength: It helps maintain the strength of these signals as they travel through your brain. Without myelin, signals can weaken, leading to neurological problems.

Now, what does this have to do with ADHD? Well, a disruption in myelination (the process of building myelin) could be a key factor in the development of ADHD. If the myelin sheath isn’t functioning properly, it can impair communication between brain cells, which may contribute to cognitive challenges, difficulty focusing, and other ADHD symptoms.

Here’s the good news: Our magical mushroom Lion’s Mane may offer a solution! A 2003 study showed that Lion’s Mane extract could help promote myelin production. After 26 days of treatment, nerve cells treated with Lion’s Mane had an average of 10.03 layers of myelin, compared to just 8.07 layers in untreated cells—an impressive 24% increase.

So, if you or someone you know is dealing with ADHD symptoms, Lion’s Mane might offer a natural boost to the myelin-making process, potentially improving brain function and communication.

 

 

Wrapping Up: Why Lion’s Mane Mushroom Is a Must-Have

Lion’s Mane is a powerhouse mushroom packed with benefits for brain health, mental well-being, and overall performance. Whether you’re looking to boost your cognitive function, fight stress, or improve gut health, Lion’s Mane has you covered. With an ever-growing body of research and centuries of traditional use, it’s clear this mushroom is far from a passing trend.

 

Choosing Supplements: What makes some Lion’s Mane supplements better than others?

When deciding on a Lion’s Mane supplement, understanding the differences between Lion’s mane mushroom powder and extracts can help you choose the most effective option.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder

• Composition: Made by drying and grinding the fruiting body, this is a whole-food option containing a range of nutrients.
• Terpenes and Potency: While it includes polysaccharides, the concentration of terpenes like hericenones and erinacines—key compounds for brain and nerve health—is lower compared to extracts.
• Bioavailability: Without breaking down the tough chitin in mushroom cell walls, much of its nutritional value remains locked, limiting absorption.

Lion’s Mane Dual Extract

• Concentrated Potency: Extracts are created using a dual process that isolates both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble terpenes, significantly enhancing potency.
• Terpenes and Bioavailability: The process makes compounds more bioavailable, ensuring maximum benefits for cognitive and nerve health.

At Nuvedo, We Go Beyond Standard Practices to Deliver a Lion’s Mane Extract That Redefines Quality

1. Patent-Pending Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

   • Our revolutionary process ensures the maximum extraction of bioactive compounds, including both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble terpenes, for unparalleled efficacy.

2. From Spore to Extract

   • We oversee every step, from cultivating pure fungal cultures to growing mushrooms and performing the final extraction, ensuring complete traceability, consistency, and quality.

3. High Potency & Purity

   • With superior bioavailability and concentration, our extracts provide the full spectrum of Lion’s Mane’s therapeutic benefits, supporting cognitive and nerve health like no other.

4. Tested for Safety and Potency

   • Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for quality, purity, and safety. We are proud to hold ISO and HACCP certifications, ensuring you get only the safest and most effective product.

5. Taste and Experience

   • Our unique process minimizes ethanol content, delivering a smooth, earthy flavor that lets the true taste of Lion’s Mane shine through.

6. Comprehensive Options for All Needs

   • Whether you want a high-potency extract or a natural option, we’ve got you covered. We also offer dehydrated fruitbodies for those who prefer the versatility of using whole mushrooms in their recipes or teas.

The Nuvedo Promise

With Nuvedo, you’re not just choosing a supplement—you’re embracing a product born of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. No matter which form you prefer, our Lion’s Mane products are crafted to help you unlock your best self. 🌿

What do you think? 😊

 

FAQs

• What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom Good For?

         Lion’s Mane is known for:

• Boosting brain function: Improves memory, focus, and cognitive health.
• Supporting nerve health: Helps repair and grow nerve cells.
• Enhancing gut health: Reduces inflammation and supports a healthy microbiome.
• Boosting immunity: Modulates the immune system.
• Mental wellness: Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms.

• Can Lion’s Mane Help with ADHD?

Yes, Lion’s Mane may help with ADHD by:

• Improving focus: Supports brain health and attention.
• Promoting remyelination: Helps repair nerve fibers, which improves brain communication.
• Reducing inflammation: Calms brain inflammation, which can improve symptoms.

• How Does Lion’s Mane Improve Gut Health?

Lion’s Mane improves gut health by:

• Repairing the gut lining: Reduces inflammation and supports gut healing.
• Supporting the microbiome: Encourages healthy gut bacteria growth.
• Improving the gut-brain connection: Promotes balance between digestion and mental health.

 

Want to learn more? Check out the references and dive deeper into the world of Lion’s Mane:

1. ADHD and Myelination
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30786021/
   
2. Mushroom Lion’s Mane and Myelination
   https://fz.kiev.ua/journals/2003_V.49/Fiziologichnyi%20Zhurnal%2049(1)_2003/Fiziologichnyi%20Zhurnal%2049(1)_2003_38-45.pdf
   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-85972-2
   
3. Mushroom Lion’s Mane and Stress Reduction + Reaction Time
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
   
4. Lion Mane mushroom and Depression + Anxiety
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/
   
5. Lion Mane mushroom and Amyloid Plaque Buildup
   https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12929-016-0266-z
   
6. Lion Mane mushroom and Alzheimer’s
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9331832/
   
7. Role of BDNF & NGF Levels in Depression
   https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/figure/10.1080/00207454.2018.1527328?scroll=top&needAccess=true
   
8. Lion Mane mushroom and NGF/BDNF
   https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21501201003735556#d1e1157
   https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/31/9/31_9_1727/_article/-char/ja/
   
9. Lion Mane mushroom and Cognition
   https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/biomedres/40/4/40_125/_article
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6500611/
   
10. Lion Mane mushroom and Gastritis
    https://mednexus.org/doi/epdf/10.5555/cmj.0366-6999.98.06.p455.01