Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushrooms (Based on Clinical Trials)

Key Nutritional and Health Benefits:

 Cognitive Function and Memory

• Neuroprotection: Lion’s Mane contains compounds like hericenones and erinacines that may stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), essential for the growth and repair of neurons.
• Improved Memory and Focus: Studies suggest Lion's Mane may enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance.
• Potential in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Early research indicates it could benefit conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by protecting neurons from damage.

• Nerve Regeneration: Promotes the repair and growth of nerve cells, supporting recovery from injuries to the spinal cord or nervous system.
• Reduced Symptoms of Neuropathy: May alleviate nerve pain or tingling sensations.

• Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Lion’s Mane may improve mood by reducing inflammation and supporting brain function.
• Stress Reduction: Supports the body's ability to manage stress by regulating mood-related brain chemicals.

• Enhanced Immunity: Contains beta-glucans, which can strengthen the immune system by improving gut health and immune cell activity.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: May reduce inflammation in the gut, promoting better digestion.
• Gut Microbiome Balance: Helps support a healthy microbiome, essential for overall health.

• Cholesterol Reduction: May help lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol.
• Reduced Oxidative Stress: Its antioxidant properties protect the cardiovascular system.

• Inhibits Tumor Growth: Preclinical studies suggest Lion’s Mane may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells by boosting the immune system and reducing oxidative damage.

Lin, Li-Chan, et al. “Prevention of Early Alzheimer’s Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia: A Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, vol. 12, 2020, Article 155, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155 

Černelič Bizjak, Maša, et al. “Effect of erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus supplementation on cognition: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.” Journal of Functional Foods, vol. 115, 2024, article 106120, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2024.106120

Docherty, Sarah, et al. “The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 22, 2023, p. 4842. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/22/4842

Nagano, M., et al. “Reduction of Depression and Anxiety by 4 Weeks Hericium erinaceus Intake.” Biomedical Research, vol. 31, no. 4, 2010, pp. 231–237. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/biomedres/31/4/31_4_231/_article

Elsas, S. “Can Medicinal Mushrooms Help to Stabilize or Improve Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment?” Movement Disorders, vol. 38, suppl. 1, 2023, abstract no. 360. https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mds.12345