Lion's mane mushroom, or for the scientists amongst us, Hericium erinaceus, is a fungus that has recently made quite a splash in the holistic health space and captured the attention of scientific researchers around the world. And for good reason, outside of its distinctive appearance (you guessed it, resembling a shaggy lion’s mane), this mushroom is also jam-packed with potential health benefits.
Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, the lion's mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used in various ways as a natural remedy for supporting cognitive function to promoting digestive health. In recent times as more studies are emerging we are recognising some of the potential therapeutic properties of the humble lion’s mane mushroom.
While there are a lot of exciting potential benefits of Lion’s mane mushrooms, this has to be one of the most exciting — lion’s mane may have the ability to impact our brain health. Studies suggest that one of the compounds found in lion's mane may stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a protein that’s crucial for the growth, ongoing health, and survival of neurons. Many of the studies are early days, but the future is promising!
Another small Japanese study involving older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that taking lion's mane mushroom extract for 16 weeks improved mental function compared to a placebo group. Again, more research is needed, but these findings paint a picture of the potential of using Lion's mane to support brain health and delay signs of cognitive decline.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are packed full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation, which is a chemical process in which atoms lose electrons. Put simply, antioxidants are kind of like the good guys fighting the bad guys, reducing the damage to your body that would otherwise be caused by oxidation.
A study that looked at the medicinal potential of fourteen different mushroom varieties found that lion’s mane had the fourth highest antioxidant load. While the research still has some way to go, this is an exciting development as antioxidants may have the ability to protect us against multiple illnesses.
It’s quite possible that some of the properties found in Lion’s Mane mushrooms have the ability to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. At this stage, human studies have been inconclusive. However, some animal studies have shown promising results. A 2015 study on mice found that the mice that consumed lion’s mane mushroom extract displayed fewer depressive behaviours, which alongside their blood markers indicating lower depression, was an exciting development. The researchers believe that this could be because of the lion’s mane’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditional use of lion's mane for digestive issues is supported by modern research. Studies indicate that consuming lion’s mane mushrooms can result in antibacterial activity that may increase digestion function. This claim is further supported by another study on mice that shows that lion’s mane may protect against stomach ulcers.
Our immune systems are a vital aspect of our overall health and well-being. Animal research has indicated that lion’s mane mushroom may boost immunity by upping the activity of the intestinal immune system (the part of our immune system that protects us from pathogens that enter the gut). An even more exciting mice study found that the mice that consumed lion’s mane extract every day had a 4x lifespan compared to the mice that didn’t when injected with a lethal amount of salmonella bacteria.
Some animal studies suggest that lion's mane mushrooms may have beneficial effects on heart health. It may help lower triglycerides, improve fat metabolism, and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Lion’s mane mushrooms also contain a compound called hericenone B, which can decrease blood clotting and the risk of heart problems like a heart attack or stroke.
Preliminary research indicates that lion's mane mushrooms may help improve blood sugar control. While again, more research needs to be conducted; the early studies suggest that Lion’s mane may be helpful for diabetes management by improving blood sugar management.
As the research continues to evolve, there is a wide range of potential benefits of Lion’s mane to discover. We are very excited about the future studies and results of this promising mushroom, and we hope that by sharing this information, we can also share this excitement with others.
For the most part, lion's mane mushroom is considered safe for most people. However, it's wise to be aware of potential side effects and risks:
As with any supplement, lion's mane may interact with certain medications that you are already taking. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding it to your regimen, especially if you're taking blood thinners or diabetes medications.
Some individuals may experience mild digestive issues when first introducing lion's mane into their diet. To prevent this, we recommend starting with a smaller dose and working your way up to a standard dosage.
Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in individuals with mushroom allergies.
There's limited information on the safety of lion's mane for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it's best to avoid use during these periods unless you have spoken with your doctor.
Lion's mane mushroom is available in various forms, including:
A standard dosage range can vary widely depending on the product's form and concentration. For example, studies have used doses of 250-750 mg per day of lion's mane extract. However, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.
If you are interested in adding lion's mane to your diet, there are several delicious and simple ways to do so:
Lion’s mane offers a very exciting array of potential health benefits, from supporting cognitive function and nerve health to promoting gut health and immune function. While the research is undoubtedly promising, it's important to note that many of these benefits are still being studied, and more human trials are needed to grasp the mushroom's effects fully.
Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating lion's mane or any new supplement into your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Discover the mushroom products in our collection online today. You can also read our guide to medicinal mushrooms on the Kissed Earth blog.
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It’s not just hype—medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, cordyceps, shiitake, maitake, chaga, lion's mane, and turkey tail, have been favoured for centuries in global medicine, from traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to Native American and even Eastern European Folk medicine.
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