What Clinical Studies Say About Lion's Mane Mushrooms
More and more people are beginning to incorporate Lion’s Mane into their wellness routines, but why? Well, Lion’s Mane has a wide range of health benefits, from boosting your brain health to helping you sleep better.
If you’re considering purchasing some Lion’s Mane, you probably want proof that it could actually help you. Well, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the science behind Lion’s Mane, and what the studies say about the various health benefits - so read on!
First of all… What is Lion’s Mane?
Before we get stuck into the science, let's establish what Lion's Mane mushrooms are. Lion’s Mane is a type of mushroom that grows on trees - particularly hardwoods - and are used for their health benefits.
They can support your brain health and cognitive function, and could even help with memory and focus. These special fungi are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which can boost your overall health.
If you’re thinking about taking this wonder-shroom raw, you’re probably wondering what they taste like. They have a mild, seafood-like flavour and have a meaty texture when cooked. You can add them to various dishes, whether you’re partial to a stir-fry, a salad, or a soup. However, the easiest way to consume Lion’s Mane is via a convenient supplement.
These mushrooms, aptly named for their resemblance to a lion's shaggy mane, have a history deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
People have been reaping the benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms for generations - but what exactly do modern studies say about their health properties? Let’s find out…
What Can Lion’s Mane Do For Brain Health?
One of the main benefits of this fungi is that it can improve your brain health. There are several reasons why this shroom can boost your brain health:
- Lion’s Mane can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) - this is a protein needed for the growth, maintenance and survival of the neurons in your brain.
- Lion’s Mane can protect your brain cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals, essentially helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Lion’s Mane supports healthy brain signalling pathways and neurotransmitter function - which means that it could boost your memory, learning and focus.
- Lion’s Mane could reduce inflammation in your brain, boosting your overall brain health!
What Do Studies Say About Lion’s Mane and Mental Health?
Mental health is something we should all be prioritising, especially in today’s fast-paced world. If you have been struggling with your mental health, or you know somebody who has, you may be wondering if there’s a cure.
Traditional treatment for mental health issues such as depression often involves a combination of therapy and medication. However, more and more people are opting for alternative treatment options, such as Lion’s Mane.
Some studies have suggested that Lion's Mane mushrooms could boost your mood, which could offer relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A pilot study looked at how Lion's Mane affects the thinking and mood of healthy young adults, both right after taking it and over 28 days of regular use. 41 healthy adults were randomly assigned to take either Lion's Mane or a placebo. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who got what.
After just one dose of Lion's Mane, people were faster at a thinking test called the Stroop task. And after 28 days of taking it regularly, people appeared to feel less stressed.
So, this study suggested that Lion’s Mane could help people think faster and feel less stressed.
The study ultimately gave the world new ideas for future research on how this mushroom affects thinking, mood, and overall wellness. It’s important to note that this field of research is still relatively new, but this study is a promising start!
What Do Studies Say About Lion’s Mane and Nerve Regeneration?
Research indicates that Lion's Mane mushrooms can boost nerve regeneration - Lion’s Mane is associated with nerve growth and improving nerve damage.
A recent study looked into whether Lion’s Mane could help neurons grow better. They took Lion’s Mane extracts and split them into different parts using a process called fractionation. Then, they tested these different parts on nerve cells from rats to see what effect they had.
They dissolved the extracts in a liquid called DMSO. Then, they put them on the nerve cells found that one part of the mushroom extract called A2 helped the nerve cells grow longer and made more branches. Even at a low concentration of 1 μg/mL, it had a significant effect.
Other parts of the mushroom extract (A4-A6) also showed similar effects, making the nerve cells grow longer and with more branches when applied at the same concentration.
So, this study found that certain parts of this mushroom extract seem to have a positive effect on nerve cell growth, potentially making them useful for conditions involving nerve damage or degeneration.
What Do Studies Say About Lion’s Mane and Its Anti-Inflammatory Effects?
Inflammation is a common thread in many health conditions, but these brain-enhancing mushrooms may offer a potential solution. Studies have suggested that these mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory compounds, which means they could be beneficial in treating inflammation-related conditions.
A study looked at how Lion’s Mane could help with inflammation in fat tissue, which is often linked to health issues in obese people.
They tested this substance on a mix of fat cells and immune cells in a lab setting. They found that this substance, called EAHE, reduced the production of certain inflammatory molecules and also prevented the activation of a signalling pathway linked to inflammation.
When they used both fat and immune cells together, EAHE lowered the levels of inflammation-related molecules and increased the levels of a helpful molecule called adiponectin. They think EAHE works by blocking a specific signalling pathway in the immune cells, which in turn reduces inflammation in fat tissue.
So, this study suggests that Lion’s Mane has anti-inflammatory effects that could help combat inflammation in fat tissue associated with obesity.
Another study looked at which sugars in Lion’s Mane have the best anti-inflammatory effects. They examined these sugars to understand their chemical makeup, size, what they're made of, and their ability to reduce inflammation in cells related to ulcerative colitis.
These sugars varied in size and composition. One type, called wHEP-1, had the best anti-inflammatory effect.
So, this suggests that the sugars from Lion’s Mane could be effective in new treatments for inflammation-related conditions!
What Do Studies Say About Lion’s Mane and Sleep?
More and more research is being conducted in this area - but some studies have hinted at the potential sleep-promoting effects of these wondrous mushrooms.
A small study looked at how taking Lion’s Mane for four weeks affected how female college students felt and slept. They found that those who took it had lower levels of anxiety and better sleep quality, which matched with an increase in a substance called salivary free-MHPG.
So, this suggests that Lion’s Mane might help keep both the mind and body in balance, and help you get a better night’s sleep!
So… Is Lion’s Mane Worth it?
In short, yes - Lion’s Mane is worth it. With very mild - if any - potential side effects and many benefits, why not begin incorporating this fabulous fungus into your routine?
If you're interested in exploring the benefits for yourself, you’re in the right place. Our Lion’s Mane supplements really pack a punch, containing the equivalent of 1800mg raw mushrooms in two capsules.
Our supplements are 100% natural - you know exactly what you’re getting. They are grown, harvested and encapsulated in the UK, and third-party tested for your peace of mind. Subscribe to better health today!
Lion’s Mane Studies: Key Takeaways
- Lion's Mane mushrooms, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, have become extremely popular for their health benefits.
- Lion’s Mane mushroom clinical studies show that it supports brain health, mental health, and nerve regeneration.
- These mushrooms may also possess anti-inflammatory properties, offering relief from inflammation-related conditions.
- While more research is needed, there are indications that these mushrooms could have sleep-promoting effects.
- If you’re interested in trying Lion's Mane supplements, subscribe today with TwentyTwo!