Lion\u2019s mane is an edible mushroom which is currently being investigated for its potential cognitive benefits. Plus, animal studies have uncovered several other future avenues for human trials. What have researchers found? Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n
Lion\u2019s mane is an edible mushroom with medicinal properties. This fungus is known by many other names, including hedgehog mushroom, monkey\u2019s mushroom, bear\u2019s head, old man\u2019s beard, yamabushitake (Japanese), houtou (Chinese) and Hericium erinaceus<\/i> (its Latin scientific name) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine throughout history. It is also commonly consumed in many other Asian countries such as Korea and India [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Apart from vitamins and minerals, Lion\u2019s Mane also contains some specific compounds such as hericerins, erinacines, erinaceolactones, and specific glycoproteins and polysaccharides [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Components and extracts of Lion\u2019s Mane have proven antibiotic, anticancer, neuroprotective, fat- and glucose<\/a>-lowering effects. This mushroom also protects against stomach ulcers, improves anxiety<\/a>, cognitive function, and depression<\/a>, and has anti-fatigue<\/a> and anti-aging properties [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n All of these beneficial effects are based on three important properties of this mushroom: it decreases inflammation, acts as an antioxidant, and stimulates the immune system [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Lion\u2019s Mane can both increase and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines depending on the context.<\/p>\n In cell studies, under different conditions, lion\u2019s mane:<\/p>\n The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of lion\u2019s mane for any of the below listed uses. Lion\u2019s mane has not been approved by the FDA for any medical purpose or health claim.<\/span><\/p>\n The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of lion\u2019s mane for any of the below-listed uses. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking lion\u2019s mane, and never use it in place of something your doctor recommends or prescribes.<\/span><\/p>\n In 50- to 80-year-old Japanese men and women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, lion\u2019s mane improved cognitive function. However, cognitive function decreased again after the termination of the treatment, and therefore continuous intake may be necessary [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n In a study of mice with neurodegenerative diseases, lion\u2019s mane improved both memory and cognitive function [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n Lion\u2019s mane has anti-dementia activity in a mouse model of<\/span> Alzheimer<\/span><\/a>\u2019s disease and in people with mild cognitive impairment [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n Levels of<\/span> acetylcholine<\/span><\/a> (ACh), a chemical that helps nerve cells communicate, normally decrease with age. However, in diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s, levels of acetylcholine can drop by as much as 90 percent. Many of the drugs that are currently used to treat this disease work to increase acetylcholine levels.<\/span><\/p>\n In a mouse model of Alzheimer\u2019s, lion\u2019s mane improved cognitive function and the brain cholinergic system function. It enhanced both acetylcholine and <\/span>choline<\/span><\/a> acetyltransferase (<\/span>ChAT<\/span><\/a>, an enzyme that produces acetylcholine) concentrations in the blood and in the<\/span> hypothalamus<\/span><\/a> [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n In mice with Alzheimer\u2019s, lion\u2019s mane prevents the loss of spatial short-term and visual recognition memory [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n In a similar setting, lion\u2019s mane decreased the amyloid beta plaque burden in the brain. The plaque contributes to brain degradation in patients with Alzheimer\u2019s [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n It was shown that lion\u2019s mane components protect neurons from amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n In a mouse model of Parkinson\u2019s disease, treatment with lion\u2019s mane reduced dopaminergic cell loss and attenuated motor deficits, suggesting that lion’s mane can slow down the progression of Parkinson’s Disease [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n Lion\u2019s mane has not yet been studied in the specific context of Alzheimer\u2019s or Parkinson\u2019s disease in humans, and clinical evidence in the context of brain function is very limited. Talk to your doctor before using lion\u2019s mane, and never use lion\u2019s mane in place of a prescribed medication.<\/span><\/p>\nMechanisms in Cell Studies<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Health Benefits of Lion\u2019s Mane<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Insufficient Evidence For<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Brain Function<\/span><\/h4>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Research<\/span><\/h5>\n
Parkinson\u2019s Disease Research<\/span><\/h5>\n