Lion's mane - health benefits
Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is another edible mushroom worth discussing, with beneficial medicinal properties that have been used for centuries, for example in traditional Chinese medicine. It gained popularity mainly because of its antibiotic, anti-ulcer and neuroprotective effects. But that is not all it has to offer…
Lion’s mane – Hericium erinaceus
Lion’s mane (you may also come across names such as lion's mane, Yamabushitake or Houtou), or, if you prefer, Hericium erinaceus, is a mushroom with medicinal and health-promoting properties that have been widely used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. It is therefore characteristic of Asian regions, but fortunately it is also gaining popularity in European countries. Its beneficial and, most importantly, research-documented effects are mainly due to the erinacines, beta-glucans, hericenones, erinaceolactones, glycoproteins, sterols, vitamins and minerals it contains.
People who may especially benefit from supplementing with the mushroom:
- wanting to improve brain function and mental performance,
- dealing with depressive states,
- wanting to support the nervous system,
- wanting to stimulate the immune system,
- with glycaemic problems (excess blood sugar levels),
- wanting to support the cardiovascular system,
- wanting to support the liver,
- with sleep problems,
- wanting to improve memory.
See 7Nutrition LION'S MANE MUSHROOM
Lion’s mane – a mushroom for health
Lion’s mane has an effect on mental functioning and proper brain function. Supplementation will therefore be useful for people who want to improve cognitive functions. Studies confirm that extracts from Hericium erinaceus affect brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or, in short, stimulate so-called BDNF. The main areas on which this factor acts are the hippocampus, the cerebral cortex and the basal forebrain, so it can confidently be said that stimulating it is not without significance for the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Supplementation with Lion’s mane also brought significant benefits in limiting neurodegenerative processes and stimulating the production of new synapses. Moreover, studies confirm that a clear improvement was noted in people dealing with cognitive disorders and taking Hericium erinaceus extracts. Through mRNA it stimulates the expression of so-called NGF in the hippocampus, among other things, which is why it serves as a means of improving memory / the ability to remember. Some studies also confirm that Yamabushitake reduced liver damage caused by the destructive effects of alcohol in large amounts.
I mentioned that the supplement can be extremely beneficial for the functioning of the immune system and immunity itself. Researchers clearly showed in their studies that taking Lion’s mane lowers IL-6 levels while optimising TNF-alpha levels. Thanks to its active ingredients, it additionally protects the system in question, while at the same time guarding against its excessive activity. It may be suitable for people dealing with autoimmune issues, where one of the main drawbacks is precisely the rising IL-6 level. It may also help in the case of disturbances in the intestinal bacterial flora, which has a significant impact on immune system function.
As for the intestines and the digestive system… It is attributed with properties that reduce the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which has been documented, for example, in cases of inflammation of the colon or gastric mucosa. It was also used in peptic ulcer disease and preventively, to protect the gastric epithelium from damage. In addition, it shows antibacterial activity. It is worth mentioning that the ingredients contained in Lion’s mane improve the lipid profile, and also counteract hypertension, while lowering excessive blood pressure and reducing triglyceride levels. It also has an optimising effect on cholesterol. Moreover, it has been noted that - thanks to the presence of hericenone B - it may reduce the risk of clot formation and excessive platelet accumulation.
Studies also confirm that Yamabushitake extracts alleviate depressive states and reduce feelings of anxiety and unease. In people who were given the extract for 4 weeks, a clear improvement was observed in this respect compared with the placebo group. At present, the antidepressant effect is attributed to the presence of amycenone, which has anti-inflammatory properties (brain inflammation). It is said that it may also reduce the risk of developing depression. Interestingly, in another study, when lion’s mane extracts were administered, an improvement in sleep quality was noted, which has a positive effect not only on the mechanism of psychophysical regeneration, but also on overall quality of life.
Health properties of Lion’s mane
- has a neuroprotective effect,
- supports brain function and mental functions,
- has a positive effect on memory,
- helps with hypertension,
- has an anticoagulant effect,
- beneficially affects the immune system and boosts immunity,
- is useful in autoimmune diseases,
- has an anti-inflammatory effect,
- shows antibacterial activity,
- has a beneficial effect on blood glucose levels,
- improves sleep quality,
- has an antidepressant effect,
- protects the liver,
- supports nerve regeneration,
- protects the stomach.
