Lion's Mane Mushroom: Unlocking Brain Health and Cognitive Potential

Fungi are having a moment. Research into their therapeutic and medicinal properties continues to expand rapidly like a mycelial web. Their influence on brain health is garnering increasing attention and interest.

Potential benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom for the brain

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal-culinary mushroom considered a delicacy in East Asian cuisine, where it is also known as Yamabushutake or monkey’s head mushroom, and has a long history of medicinal use. Bioactive compounds such as corallocins, erinacines, and hericenones are found in the mycelia and fruiting bodies, promoting the expression of neurotrophic factors, small proteins linked with neuronal cell proliferation, including NGF, GDNF, and pro-BDNF.

NGF promotes the myelination of neuronal axons, essentially the nervous system's wiring, with myelin providing protective insulation and enhancing communication between neurons. Lion’s Mane extract has been found to promote myelination. Loss of myelin in brain neurons has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. GDNF supports neuron survival, while pro-BDNF, a precursor to BDNF, regulates neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity.

Lion's Mane benefits as a neurotrophic

Neurotrophic compounds like BDNF are implicated in neurogenesis, the growth and development of neurons from neural stem cells. This process is thought to be disrupted in depression, with reduced neurogenesis linked to cognitive decline. A reduction in hippocampal volume has been associated with depression. However, the role of neurogenesis in the adult human brain remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate.

Why is consuming mycelium and fruiting bodies so important

Different parts of the fungus contain varying amounts of bioactive compounds, with mycelium being a richer source of erinacines, while fruiting bodies contain hericenones. To gain the maximum full-spectrum benefit, ingesting both together may be beneficial. Though both compounds have neurotrophic effects, evidence is stronger for the impact of mycelial erinacines. If growing your own Lion’s Mane, it's essential to use an extract, cook it if fresh, or powder it if dried to release the bioactive compounds from the tough cell walls.

Fighting cognitive decline with medicinal mushrooms

Low levels of neurotrophic compounds like BDNF have been linked to depression. These compounds are vital for neuronal growth, development, and survival, and declining levels have been associated with age-related cognitive decline. Supplementing with Lion’s Mane as we age may help bolster cognitive capacity. Lion’s Mane influences neuroplasticity by promoting neurite growth in neuronal cells, which forms nerve fibers that facilitate communication between neurons. Neuroplasticity is crucial for neuronal adaptation and is often disrupted in conditions like depression.

Research and studies are increasing for Lion’s Mane medicinal mushroom

While human research on Lion’s Mane is in early stages, studies suggest potential for treating cognitive impairment, nerve damage, hearing loss, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. An eight-week study showed improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Another study found that a four-week course of Lion’s Mane reduced depression and anxiety, while a small pilot study showed improvements in sleep quality. A double-blind clinical study showed cognitive improvements in participants aged 50-80 after 16 weeks of supplementation.

Cacao with Lion's Mane may be a perfect combo in bioavailability and neuroplasticity development

Cacao might be a valuable addition when supplementing with Lion’s Mane. The flavonoids in cacao are associated with neurogenesis and brain perfusion, which may enhance the distribution of Lion’s Mane compounds within the brain. Cacao is also linked to neuroplasticity, supporting brain health and cognitive function.

Lion's Mane benefits in mycotherapy for the future

Research on Lion’s Mane is still in its early stages. Due to the challenges of studying the human brain, much research is conducted on animals. While cellular similarities exist between humans and other mammals, caution is needed when applying these findings to humans. Nevertheless, Lion’s Mane shows promise as a potential agent of mycotherapy, promoting wellness and healthy aging.