Research suggests that lions mane is a source of at least 32 bioactive compounds. Scand J Immunol. There is not enough research about consuming lions mane mushroom while pregnant or breastfeeding, so its best to avoid it during those times. Although the trial size was small, study researchers concluded that lion's mane could be a safe choice for dementia prevention. Phytother Res. World Health Organization. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplements. They also might have the ability to adjust circadian rhythms back to normal, as they did on mice in a study conducted at the Department of Agro-environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture at Kyushu University, which is particularly significant for people who are at risk for dementia. Lions mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known as yamabushitake and hutug, is a type of edible mushroom that grows in North America, Europe, and Asia. The fruiting bodies and mycelium contain many active ingredients. Consumer's Guides: Understand Your Treatments, 5 Tips for Kick-Starting a Mindful Tech Self-Care Habit, Deep Breathing: A Complete Guide to the Relaxation Technique, What Is Blue Light? Research in animals suggests that lions mane may strengthen the immune system, helping protect against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. The benefits associated with it are wide-rangingincluding everything from cancer prevention to boosting energy, weight loss, and improving symptoms of depression. Multiple studies have found an inverse correlation between lions mane and Alzheimers-related symptoms, meaning that after consuming the mushroom extract, the mices symptoms improved. R. They are both responsible for the neuroregenerative properties of Lion's Mane. Supplements are also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which means that these products might contain ingredients that dont match up with the label. How Should You Consume Maca Root for Its Health Benefits? Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known as monkey's head, is a shaggy, white mushroom found in East Asia. Both lions mane and reishi are fungi used in traditional Chinese medicine for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. It may be recommended to patients dealing with Alzheimers, Parkinsons, depression, anxiety, insomnia and cognitive impairment. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. There haven't been many serious side effects associated with lion's mane, at least in preliminary trials. Lions mane may improve blood sugar control and symptoms like nerve pain, making it a potentially helpful tool for diabetes management. Both cell and animal studies published in the Journal of Natural Products and Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences unearth the ability of lions mane mushroom to help treat lung cancer. Research suggests that lions mane may lower your risk of heart disease, mainly through its effects on cholesterol. A study in patients with ulcerative colitis,published in March 2016 in PLoS One, found that those who took a supplement containing 14 percent lions mane extract reported improved symptoms and quality of life after three weeks. Its being Do you find yourself in love with Asian food but not thrilled . While this research is still in its infancy and has not progressed to large-scale human trials in most cases, the consistent effect lions mane mushroom has been found to have on brain cells should not be ignored. Published 2013 Oct 3. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-253, Mori K, Kikuchi H, Obara Y, et al. Lion's mane mushrooms contain many beneficial plant compounds. Researchers concluded, Our results show that HE intake has the possibility to reduce depression and anxiety and these results suggest a different mechanism from NGF-enhancing action of H. erinaceus. This seems to be related, in part, to the inflammation factor related to depression, as shown in mice studies. The researchers suggest that lion's mane may help slow the rate of neurodegeneration (loss of brain cells)but more extensive trials are needed to verify this. 1. The fruit bodies of lions mane mushroom can be used for culinary purposes, but supplementing your wellness routine with the fungus may also have other perks. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Researchers fed lions mane to obese rats once a day for two weeks. Therapeutic potential ofHericium erinaceus for depressive disorder. There are also lions mane mushroom burgers available at some grocery stores. What would you think about eating a mushroom that looks a little like the scruff of a lion? What Happens If I Take Too Much Lion's Mane? Taking lions mane supplements has also been found to have potentially protective effects on the spread of Parkinsons disease, another neurodegenerative disorder, according to animal research published in the Journal of Translational Medicine. Possibly because of the antioxidant activity of lions mane, administering it to animals also seems to relieve pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. So far, there haven't been reports of toxicity, but it still may be toxic. The powerful polysaccharides extracted from lions mane have been shown to fight fatigue in mice trials. 1. Frequently asked questions for industry on nutrition facts labeling requirements. And a small study of people with mild Alzheimer's disease found that those who took 1,050 milligrams of lion's mane daily had improvements in cognition and activities of daily living (ADL). This is important because fatty tissue inflammation is a factor in the formation of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Another interesting finding involved the metastasis (cancer spreading) from the colon to the lung. Lions mane mushrooms contain hericenones and erinacines, two compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells in lab studies, per past research. Research also suggests lions mane mushroom has an effect on brain activity and nervous system regulation that may help reduce depression. Researchers found that these peptides have the ability to capture free radicals (harmful substances linked with cancer) and trigger the death of cancerous lung cells. It's too soon to know the benefits of lion's mane. 2020;12:155. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155, Saitsu Y, Nishide A, Kikushima K, Shimizu K, Ohnuki K. Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Fijakowska A, Jdrejko K, Sukowska-Ziaja K, et al. Lions mane is very versatile and its chewy crab-like texture makes it a good alternative for people following a vegan diet. An improvement of mild cognitive impairment in humans was also found in research published in Phytotherapy Researchafter eight to 16 weeks of lions mane supplementation, although this improvement did not last after subjects stopped taking this supplement. However, its important to note: Although there is increased interest in lion's mane for a variety of health conditions, unfortunately there is only very limited research in humans. Online survey for patient outcomes on hericium erinaceous mushroom. The improvement was more pronounced the longer the lion's mane was taken, up to 16 weeks. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It promotes cognitive health by enhancingneurite outgrowth, which plays a critical role in neural growth while reducing inflammation. In one study, participants with Alzheimers took a one-gram supplement of lions mane mushroom daily for almost one year. Those who received lions mane cookies reported feeling less irritation and anxiety by the end of the study compared with women who received placebo cookies. She also said that people who are pregnant or taking blood thinners should avoid lions mane and recommends that most people try lions mane as a food first since supplements are also more concentrated than what youd eat in a meal. 2019;40(4):125-131. doi:10.2220/biomedres.40.125, Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Unfortunately for many of us Westerners, lions mane mushroom isnt readily available at the grocery store, with the possible exception of Asian grocery markets in places like Chinatown. Lions mane mushrooms can be eaten as a food or taken in the form of a supplement, powder, or liquid extract. If you decide to eat lions mane, make sure to wash it thoroughly first and toss it out once it becomes brown, slippery, or smelly. Holy Basil Benefits: Ayurveda Herbal Medicine, The 11 Best Collagen Powders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Berberine Isn't 'Nature's Ozempic.' These mushrooms are white and shaggy and, as the name suggests, look like the fur on a lions mane. For example, a test-tube study published in November 2020 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that several compounds in lions mane prevented alpha-glucosidase activity. Lion's Mane contains polysaccharides known as hericenones and erinacines. Some studies actually suggest the use of lions mane mushroom supplements to treat cancer, although long-term and large-scale studies havent been conducted to prove that as a viable option. Wild mushroom harvesting regulations vary so check local guidelines before foraging. To prepare lions mane mushroom, brush off any bits of dirt from the spines, cut off the part that was attached to the tree and cut it into half-inch steaks. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Coconut Aminos: The Healthy Replacement for Soy Sauce. 2010;17(14):1082-1085. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.05.004. Magnesium. Therefore, the complete safety profile of lion's mane may not be known until more human clinical trials are published. In the last 10 years or so, this medicinal mushroom has attracted considerable attention because of its potential therapeutic capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases. Hairdressers, Accountants, and Beauticians May Have an Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer, FDA Approves Rystiggo for Myasthenia Gravis. Trusted Source. National Institutes of Health. Summary Adaptogens may help the body adapt to stress. If you're curious about the benefits of lion's mane supplements, read on. It is edible and has traditionally been used to alleviate peptic ulcers and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach). A 2012 study conducted in Malaysia found that consuming lions mane mushroom could actually regenerate damaged cells from peripheral nerve injury, an injury affecting the delicate tissue between your brain and spinal cord. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) It's also not been studied in young children or during pregnancy or lactation. 2023;87:101929. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2023.101929, Hetland G, Johnson E, Bernardshaw SV, Grinde B. Most research has been conducted on animals or on cells in test tubes. When a cancer spreads to more than the original organ in which it was found, a patient is considered to have stage IV cancer. Research on lions mane is limited, but a small study published in 2010 suggested that lions mane may help reduce feelings of anxiety. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Another study published in 2019 found that taking Hericium erinaceus supplements for 12 weeks improved cognitive function but this study was also conducted with about 30 participants and more research is needed to verify these findings. Phytomedicine. Can You Have Too Much Lions Mane Mushroom? Lions mane also has antibacterial effects against h. Pylori, often considered the most successful pathogen in human history. Many people never have symptoms of carrying the bacteria, but for some people it causes severe gastric conditions, like ulcers in the stomach and/or intestines. Vigna L, Morelli F, Agnelli GM, et al. Int J Mol Sci. Another trial of healthy adults over age 50 revealed that those taking 3.2 grams a day for 12 months saw an increase in cognitive scores. Often you can find it at farmers markets from the mushroom vendor, Weeks, who educates students on edible and medicinal wild plants, said. 2021;93(1):e12937. If youre eating it typically two times a week in your meals, that shouldnt be a major concern, Anderson-Haynes said. (46). If you go this route, be aware that many people liken the mushroom to a seafood-tasting, fleshy item. Some of the side effects may include: Overall, the majority of people who take lions mane mushrooms dont experience side effects and the mushroom is safe to eat in moderate amounts. Boasting a straightforward ingredient profile, Nootropics Depot Lion's mane mushroom contains only lion's mane extract and vegetable cellulose in its capsules. STIR 3. 1996-2023 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. PJ. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. For example, a test-tube study published in BioMed Research International found that lions mane extract may help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream, which is beneficial for overall heart health. One study found taking a lions mane mushroom supplement for eight weeks decreased depression and anxiety and improved sleep quality in people with obesity or higher weights. Lions mane is known as the smart mushroom, Sunshine Weeks, ND, a naturopathic doctor and an associate professor in the department of botanical medicine at Bastyr University in San Diego, told Verywell in an email. Lion's mane may help with symptoms of depression or anxiety because of its effect on serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Another test-tube study, published in May 2020 in Food and Function Journal, demonstrated that peptides found in lions mane may help treat lung cancer. It has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal mushroom, especially among traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Lions mane supplements are also available. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for the maintenance of the basal forebrain cholinergic system. It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine. 2020;12(3):519-525. doi:10.5530/pj.2020.12.79, Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, et al. anti . 2021;7(4):575-620. From theoretically protecting against heart disease and diabetes to improving brain and immune health, lions mane mushrooms may have wellness perks to offer, though more research is needed. Whats more, a study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicinerevealed that feeding diabetic rats 40 mg of lions mane per kilogram of body weight significantly increased their pain threshold after six week of treatment. The destruction of cancer cells. Learn more! Elm & Rye Mushroom Gummies 10 Mushroom Complex Gummies by Ezlyv-2500mg Drops of Nature Lions Mane Mushroom Supplement Gummies Wild & Organic Lion's Mane Gummies SHIZAM Brand Super-Food 17 Blend Mushroom Complex Gummies Fungies Lion's Mane Mushroom Brain Health Gummies Troop Daily Mushroom Lion's Mane Gummy One gram per day has been shown to be a safe amount for up to 16 weeks. It can be dangerous if people that are taking diabetes medication take large doses of lions mane in supplement form because it can really drop blood sugars, said Anderson-Haynes, who is a certified diabetes care and education specialist, but added this could be a plus for people who are not on diabetes medication. Lions mane may also significantly improve symptoms of two major inflammatory disorders of the digestive system, gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease, as shown in lab studies and research on mice. Potassium is an important mineral that helps with kidney and heart function as well as muscle contraction and nerve transmission. She names one study, published in 2019 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in which overweight and obese patients with mood disorders were given lions mane supplements for eight weeks. The supplement of lions mane has limited side effects, but its important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if lions mane mushroom is appropriate for your individual health needs. Hericium erinaceus improves mood and sleep disorders in patients affected by overweight or obesity: Could circulating pro-BDNF and BDNF be potential biomarkers? Hericenones (found in what's known as the fruiting body above the ground), Erinacines (in the mycelium, or root of the mushroom). If you choose to eat this mushroom and have any symptoms, such as burning/itching skin, inability to breathe properly or swollen lips, consult your doctor immediately. When using any dietary supplement, you must read the label for the proper dosage, especially when theres a combination of ingredients. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. The dosages recommended in supplements ranges from 300 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams, one to three times daily, so follow the instructions on the label carefully. Lion's mane extract should not be used in people who have received allograftsorgan or tissue donated from another persondue to an increased risk that the body will reject the transplant. Do keep in mind the following potential interactions when using lion's mane: Store lion's mane mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge for up to a week. When sauting lions mane, you can also add in chopped garlic, yellow onion and other vegetables that you would typically pair with shrimp, as the two are known to have similar flavors. When studying how brain diseases might be affected by particular medications or treatments, scientists often use what is known as the, cell line for testing. The authors of a study published in 2019 in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms gave lions mane extract to a group of mice with H. pylori. While these results may appear promising, human research is needed to substantiate this benefit. Inhibitory effect of hericenone B from Hericium erinaceus on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Lions mane may also protect the intestines from inflammation and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, Richard says. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. A 2015 study out of Japan found that lions mane mushroom was able to reduce inflammation in fatty tissue. These exercises may also help manage chronic health conditions. Over the course of four weeks, the 30 study participants either ate cookies with powdered Hericium erinaceus or placebo cookies that did not contain the powder. Larger studies are needed to show how these findings might help with anxiety, and to see how lions mane compares or combines with mainstream therapies for anxiety, like meditation and talk therapy. Research on mice from China published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushroomsconfirms this, noting that results indicate that the polysaccharide fraction is the active component of the H. erinaceus mycelium culture, which protects against gastric ulcers.. What Are Vitamin A and Carotenoids, and What Do They Do? Key Takeaways. One, its possible to grow lions mane in North America, and kits are available online with seeds to grow it in your own personal garden. Mikayla Morell is a content writer and editor residing in Philadelphia, PA. She began her career as a freelance writer while also working as a phlebotomist in a local hospital. Here are 5 Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom: 1. 2019;2019:7861297. doi:10.1155/2019/7861297. Meanwhile, according in vitro and animal research published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, lions mane exhibits anticancer activity against colon, breast and other cancers as well. Both lion's mane and reishi are fungi used in traditional Chinese medicine for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. There have been isolated reports of lions mane mushroom side effects, including one of contact dermatitis and another of respiratory distress related to consuming lions mane. By Megan Nunn, PharmD In addition, most of the research in diabetes has been done in animals and test tubes so far more studies in humans may show if lions mane can help with diabetes. Lion's Mane have been scientifically proven to boost cognition which includes enhanced memory as well as recall. Namely, polysaccharides, erinacines, hericerins, steroids, alkaloids, and lactones, according to Lindsay Delk, RDN, based in Houston who specializes in the connection between food and mental health. Lion's Mane is one of many functional mushrooms that provide benefits to the body that surpass their nutritional value. Due to the presence of unique polysaccharides and other nutrients, lions mane mushroom has a large number of health benefits. Could protect against dementia The brain's ability to grow and form new connections typically declines with age, which may explain why mental functioning worsens in many older adults ( 2 ).. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. One specific way these antioxidants may be useful is in the healing of wounds. Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and asking about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is essential. Improve focus, memory, and clarity. Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion's mane mushroom, has been shown to have various health benefits, including antioxidative, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Lions mane mushrooms have been used for centuries as a food source and herbal medicine in several Asian countries. Lion's mane mushroom is best known for potential benefits for brain health. What Are the Side Effects of Lion's Mane? The capsule contains a blend of potent mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane. The 7 Best Fiber Supplements of 2023, According to a Dietitian, Therapeutic potential of hericium erinaceus for depressive disorder, Online survey for patient outcomes on hericium erinaceous mushroom, Prevention of early Alzheimers disease by erinacine a-enriched hericium erinaceus mycelia pilot double-blind placebo-controlled study. Try Lion's mane Powder today! Biomed Res. This mushroom is high in protein, fiber, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins like riboflavin, according to Anderson-Haynes. So far, research on the specific health effects of lion's mane is limited. Enhanced Memory And Brain Function Of course, the biggest draw for Lion's Mane supplementation is made for its nootropic effects. While essential oils can support your health and wellness, misusing them may do more harm than good.