Lion's Mane
Purchase Organic Lion’s Mane Grown in the USA Here!
Historically referred to as "Mountain Priest," Lion's Mane has been valued in Asian culture as both a food and a traditional Chinese medicine long before its introduction to the West. This mushroom was typically reserved for royalty and was revered for its cognitive-enhancing properties by Buddhist monks. As a result, it was not commonly included in general Chinese medical texts and is often excluded from modern Chinese herbal training.
Buddhist monks were known to use powdered Lion’s Mane to increase brain focus in meditation. In Japan, locals call it Yamabushitake after a sect of Buddhist monks, a word that means “those who sleep in the mountains”. It’s said that the Yamabushi mountain monks wear a garment around their necks with long strands of fur to resemble the Lion’s Mane mushroom.
Common Name: Lion’s Mane
Pinyin Name: Hou Tou Gu
Botanical Name: Hericium erinaceus
Part Used: Whole fungi, fruiting body, mycelium
Properties: Sweet, neutral
Channels Entered: Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, Kidney
Chinese Medicine Primary Actions of Lion's Mane:
- Tonifies the Heart and Brain
- Regenerates flesh and heals wounds
- Supports digestion
- Benefits the five Yin organs: Liver, Spleen, Heart, Lungs, and Kidney
Chinese Medicine Patterns of Imbalance Addressed with Lion's Mane
Heart
Lion’s Mane benefits the Heart's energetic organ system that houses the mind and grounds the mind during sleep. This is reflected in improved sleeping patterns and cognition seen with regular use of this beneficial mushroom.
Liver
Daily use of Lion’s Mane normalizes the stress response and has been shown to relieve depression, both of which are symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation.
Spleen
Lion’s Mane is a Spleen Qi Tonic; as such it speeds the healing of flesh and promotes muscle growth and repair. It also improves gut health which is part of the Spleen Energetic Organ System functions.
Wei Qi
Like other functional mushrooms, Lion’s Mane benefits the immune function of the body.
Lion's Mane Active Chemical Constituents
Bioactive compounds extracted from the mycelia and fruiting bodies of Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been shown to promote the expression of a family of biomolecules related to cell proliferation, including nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is a protein essential for the differentiation and maintenance of neurons in the brain. Both the fruit and the mycelium contain different compounds, so utilizing both forms is important to harness the full spectrum of benefits that Lion’s Mane offers.
To ensure that beneficial compounds from mushrooms are bioavailable and can be absorbed by the human body, proper extraction is essential. Raw mushrooms contain chitin, a fibrous polysaccharide that forms the cell walls of fungi. While chitin is a good source of dietary fiber, it also hinders the absorption of the beneficial compounds found in functional mushrooms unless they are extracted correctly. Consequently, taking capsules filled with dried lion's mane mushrooms will not provide the same health benefits as Lion's Mane Double Extracts. In fact, raw mushrooms offer minimal benefits, yet lion's mane powdered capsules are often sold online.
It is also vital to know that alcohol extraction renders different chemical constituents than water extraction and Lion’s Mane for use as a wellness remedy is best consumed as a double extract using a 2-step method. In the first step the mushroom is steeped in high concentrations of alcohol for six weeks, then strained. The marc, or left over mushroom is then boiled in water and strained. The alcohol extract and water decoction are then combined for the most potent Lion’s Mane elixir containing all of the constituents in a bioavailable form.
Buy Lion’s Mane Double Extract Grown Organically in the USA Here!
Hericenones
Hericenones are aromatic compounds extracted from the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane. 11 hericenones have been identified so far, of which four have been reported to promote NGF synthesis.
Erinacines
Erinacines have been mostly isolated from mycelium and have been shown to induce NGF synthesis. The small molecular sizes of hericenones and erinacines allow them to pass easily through the blood-brain barrier allowing for neurological regeneration.
Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides play a significant role in the immune support functions of Lion’s Mane mushrooms and are found in large quantities in both the fruiting bodies and the cultured mycelium. The fruiting bodies of *Hericium erinaceus* contain immune-active beta-glucan polysaccharides, which are responsible for heart protection, along with various other benefits. Chemical analyses indicate that the total content of polysaccharides in the fruiting bodies is slightly higher than that in the mycelium.
Sterols
Sterol fatty acid esters and ten ergostane-type sterols have been identified in the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane. These sterols possess antioxidative properties and inhibit the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Sterols derived from Lion’s Mane may help prevent vascular diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Novel Compounds
Research into the numerous benefits of Lion’s Mane mushroom is ongoing, with many novel bioactive compounds with ongoing discoveries including ergosterol peroxide and cerevisterol. Furthermore, amycenone, which is isolated from the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane, has recently demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate inflammation-related depression. These compounds contribute to understanding the neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom, but demonstrate that we have much to learn.
Western Medicine Benefits
Neuroprotective Agent
Lion’s Mane is known for its bioactive properties rendering it a neuroprotective agent, capable of stimulating nerve growth factor release, regulating inflammatory processes, reducing oxidative stress, and safeguarding nerve cells from damage and die-off. It has neuroregenerative properties that interact with receptors on nerve cells. Its beneficial compounds influence the survival of nerve cells, synaptic functions, and neuronal plasticity. These compounds play a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the nervous system. Lion’s Mane can be used to help reduce pain in individuals recovering from traumatic and surgical nerve injuries.
Cognitive Decline
Lion’s Mane improves nerve function and reduces inflammation, which could be beneficial for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It may help alleviate symptoms and support overall brain health. Additionally, Lion’s Mane can provide a natural boost to mental clarity, focus, and concentration, helping individuals stay alert and productive throughout the day.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Lion's Mane shows significant potential in slowing the progression of various neurological diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases refer to a wide range of disorders that result in the gradual loss of structure and function of nerve cells in different areas of the brain and spinal cord. Examples include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Immune System Support
Lion’s Mane has been shown to regulate immune system function by increasing the production of immune cells that defend against pathogens and infections, resulting in improved overall health and wellness.
Auto-Immune Disorders
Lion's Mane has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit individuals with chronic inflammation conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It might assist in modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Supports Digestive Health
Lion’s Mane is a prebiotic that contains bioactive compounds that help maintain a healthy gut and resolve leaky gut syndrome. It can improve digestion, reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Improved Mood and Mental Well-being
Lion's Mane improves moods and helps alleviate anxiety and depression. It could promote neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are important for mood regulation.
Promote Heart Health
Lion's Mane contains beta-glucans and benefits cardiovascular health. It helps to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Aging Skin
Lion’s Mane contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce redness, smooth fine lines, and enhance the appearance of aging skin. It also aids in collagen production, promoting a more youthful complexion.
Skin Conditions
Lion’s Mane’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help to alleviate various skin conditions including acne, eczema, or psoriasis. It can promote skin healing and improve overall skin health.
Enhances Athletic Performance
Lion’s Mane has been shown to improve exercise performance by reducing fatigue, increasing endurance, and supporting muscle recovery.
Growing & Harvesting Lion's Mane
Lion’s Mane is cultivated indoors on hardwood substrates. You can purchase a fruiting block of Lion's Mane here and grow your own.
Lion's Mane Culinary Uses
Lion’s Mane is a much sought after meat substitute with a texture that mimics crab meat.
Contra-indications: None
References:
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Kawagishi H., Shimada A., Hosokawa S., et al. Erinacines E, F, and G, stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF)-synthesis, from the mycelia of Hericium erinaceum. Tetrahedron Letters. 1996;37(41):7399–7402. doi: 10.1016/0040-4039(96)01687-5.
Kawagishi H., Simada A., Shizuki K., et al. Erinacine D, a stimulator of NGF-synthesis, from the mycelia of Hericium erinaceum. Heterocyclic Communications. 1996;2(1) doi: 10.1515/HC.1996.2.1.51.
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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.