Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane Hou Tou Gu 猴头菇
Also known as Hericium Erinaceaus. Lion’s mane is a type of mushroom commonly eaten in Asia and also used for its medicinal purposes. It grows in different parts of Asian, North America and Europe.
Like many mushrooms, Lion’s mane has anti-cancer properties. It contains compounds that have been shown to induce apoptosis of certain types of cancer cells of the nervous system. ( Zhang et. al 2020). At 2015 study looked at isolated compounds of Lion’s mane’s fruiting body which showed that it could be beneficial in cancer treatments. (Lee et al. )
Lion’s mane is also known for its ability to combat memory loss and dementia. A 2020 double blind study placebo controlled study used lion’s mane capsules for 49 weeks in Alzheimer patients. The study concluded that Lion’s mane was important for its neuro-cognitive abilities.
Reduces inflammation. Lion’s mane can reduce inflammation and contains many antioxidants. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked to many chronic illnesses.
Balancing blood sugar. Animal studies show that lion’s mane significantly lowered blood sugar and protective effects on the liver and pancreas. (2017 Zhang et al.)
Helps with nervous system injuries. Research has shown that lion’s mane can improve growth and repair of nerve cells (2015, Samberker et. al) and “promoting peripheral nerve regeneration after injury”. (2014, Wong et. al)
Lion’s mane is mostly consumed as a food and dosing for its herbal usage is not standardized. In some studies 3-5 grams were taken for the improvement of cognition. An alzheimer’s study used three 350mg capsules for 49 weeks. A study done on obesity used three 4oo mg capsules daily to help with insomnia, anxiety and depression.
In Chinese Medicine, it is typically found as a whole herb, dried. When used in cooking it should be rehydrated. When used in decoction it is boiled with other herbs in a formula. The liquid made during the process is consumed. Please visit this youtube link to see how it can be prepared as a meal.
This post is only for educational purposes. If you have a medical condition please be sure to speak with an experienced herbalist. Foraging for mushrooms is not recommended as there may be many poisonous look-a-likes. Please use caution when consuming mushrooms you have never eaten before and foods you might be allergic to.
You might also be interested in reading Medicinal Properties of Mushrooms + Recipes, 5 Benefits of Astragalus, Taste the Five Phases
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Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM on 4/15/24
Sources:
Julson, Erica (2024) Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Healthline website
Lee SR, Jung K, Noh HJ, Park YJ, Lee HL, Lee KR, Kang KS, Kim KH. (2015) A new cerebroside from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus and its applicability to cancer treatment. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 2015 Dec 15;25(24):5712-5.
Wong KH, Kanagasabapathy G, Naidu M, David P, Sabaratnam V. Hericium erinaceus (2014) Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. Oct;22(10):759-67
Zhang C, Li J, Hu C, Wang J, Zhang J, Ren Z, Song X, Jia L. (2017) Antihyperglycaemic and organic protective effects on pancreas, liver and kidney by polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus SG-02 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Scientific Reports. Sep 7;7(1):10847.
Zhang, F., Hui, L., Zhang, X. (2020) Erinacerins, Novel Glioma Inhibitors from Hericium erinaceus, Induce Apoptosis of U87 Cells through Bax/Capase-2 Pathway. Anticancer Agents In Medicinal Chemistry. 2020;20(17):2082-2088