Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom

When you hear a name like lion’s mane, you might first think of Mufasa rather than mushrooms. Although the king of the jungle is a prominent figure in the animal kingdom, its fungal counterpart is equally impressive in its own realm.

So, what exactly is lion’s mane in the world of supplements? And how can it benefit our health?

Let’s explore this formidable fungus.

What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion’s mane earns its majestic name from its long, shaggy appearance, reminiscent of a lion's mane. This mushroom belongs to the esteemed shiitake family, often referred to as the “king of mushrooms.”

Known by several other names, including hedgehog mushroom and yamabushitake, lion’s mane is also called Hericium erinaceus by those who appreciate Latin.

This fuzzy mushroom typically grows on dead broadleaf trees and is prized not only as a food but also for its health benefits, such as promoting restful sleep.¹ What other benefits does it offer?

Benefits of Lion's Mane

Lion’s mane is packed with potent properties and offers a range of clinically studied health benefits.

Here are just a few:

Mood Support

Rich in beneficial compounds, this mushroom may help maintain calmness while enhancing alertness. A study involving a small group of women revealed that consuming lion’s mane for a month fostered relaxation and tranquility, providing nutritional support to manage daily stress and tension.²

Lion’s mane extract contains amycenone, which may alleviate occasional sadness or anxious feelings and promote positive emotional well-being.³

Cognition

Compounds such as hericenone and erinacine in lion’s mane can support brain and nerve cell health.⁴ Research indicates that this mushroom may enhance cognitive functions like memory and contribute to neurological health by promoting the synthesis of a neurotrophic protein called nerve growth factor (NGF). Studies have shown that NGF supports neuron development essential for maintaining brain health.^{13, 14}

Digestion

Lion’s mane is also associated with digestive health benefits. It may support gastrointestinal health and boost immunity, given the link between the digestive system and immune function.⁷

Skin

Animal studies have demonstrated that lion’s mane can aid in wound healing. Further research, particularly in humans, is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.⁸

Other Benefits

Additional advantages of lion's mane mushroom may include easier weight management, protection against oxidative stress, and enhanced general well-being.^9,10,11

This versatile mushroom is available in various forms and flavors, making it an excellent supplement for diverse groups.

How to Get the Benefits of Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s mane can be consumed raw, offering numerous ways to include it in your daily routine. Whether you enjoy its texture and flavor raw, cooked, or as a powder in smoothies, or even dried and steeped as tea, this mushroom is adaptable.¹²

If you prefer not to deal with its fuzzy texture or incorporate it into your meals, lion’s mane capsules are also available, offering the same array of health benefits in a convenient form.

No matter how you choose to consume lion’s mane mushroom, there is a form that will fit seamlessly into your daily routine, allowing you to reap its substantial health benefits and feel like royalty in the jungle.

Stay healthy.

BubbForest

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About Dr. Christopher Oseh

Christopher Oseh, MD, is a skilled primary care physician with nearly a decade of clinical experience in managing and counseling patients towards improved health through positive lifestyle changes. He has a proven track record in treating and co-managing individuals with chronic conditions.

Sources:

1. Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane. Research Gate. See source
2. Reduction of Depression and Anxiety. PubMed. Read source
3. Effects. National Library of Medicine. Read source
4. Neurotrophic Properties Lion's Mane. PubMed. Read source
5. Effects of Yamabushitake. PubMed. Read source
6. Hericium Erinaceus. PubMed. Read source
7. Extracts from Hericium Erinaceus. National Library of Medicine. Read source
8. Potential Lion's Mane Mushroom. PubMed. Read source
9. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom. National Library of Medicine. Read source
10. Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom. PubMed. Read source
11. Edible Mushrooms. PubMed. Read source
12. 9 Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom. HealthLine. Read source
13. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. National Library of Medicine. Read source
14. Nerve growth factor: from neurotrophin to neurokine. Trends in Neurosciences. Read source
15.  The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function. Read source