Scientific Evidence That Proves Lions Mane Mushroom To Be An Effective Nootropic

Scientific Evidence That Proves Lions Mane Mushroom To Be An Effective Nootropic

May 02, 2024

benjamin pretty

Lion's Mane Mushroom is an adaptogenic functional food that stimulates nerve growth in the Brain. The result of this nerve growth (NGF) is more effective cognitive function, improved memory and the support of a healthy brain mental wellbeing .

  1. Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds
  • The paper discusses the chemistry, nutritional composition, and various uses of the culinary and medicinal functional food: Lions Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
  • This mushroom is known for its beneficial properties that promote health in a multitude of different ways, giving it the name 'Functional Food'. These properties include:
  • Antibiotic: It can help fight against certain types of bacteria.
  • Anticarcinogenic: It may have the ability to prevent the development of cancer.
  • Antidiabetic: It can assist in managing diabetes.
  • Antifatigue: It may help reduce fatigue and increase energy levels.
  • Antihypertensive: It can help lower high blood pressure.
  • Antihyperlipodemic: It may assist in managing high levels of fats in the blood.
  • Antisenescence: It has the potential to slow down the aging process.
  • Cardioprotective: It helps protect the heart and promote cardiovascular health.
  • Hepatoprotective: It has properties that protect and support liver health.
  • Nephroprotective: It helps in maintaining the health and function of the kidneys.
  • Neuroprotective: It has protective effects on the nervous system.
  • Improvement of anxiety, cognitive function, and depression: It may help alleviate anxiety, improve cognitive abilities, and reduce symptoms of depression.
  • The mushroom's health-promoting properties are likely attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunostimulating properties within it's bioactive compounds found in the fruiting body of the mushroom (That's what Boost Coffee uses, specifically, only the best for the best ;))
  1. Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
  • A double blind placebo study of men and women with cognitive impairments was performed. The tests showed that the group taking Lion's Mane Mushroom (LMM) had a significant improvement in cognitive function, and cognitive function decreased after consumption of LMM was halted
  • Another clinical trial demonstrated that LMM consumption reduced stress and anxiety in menopausal women
  • Doses up to 5 g/kg body weight per day are safe
  • No adverse clinical or biochemical events were reported
  • Allergies and sensitivities to mushrooms are possible
  • LMM appears to be safe and has potential as a neuroprotective and neurotrophic therapeutic agent for neurological conditions
  1. Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. cultivated under tropical conditions: isolation of hericenones and demonstration of NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells via MEK/ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways
  • The study aimed to understand how hericenones from H. erinaceus affect the growth of nerve cell projections (neurites) and the underlying mechanisms involved
  • LMM is traditionally used to improve memory
  • Stimulates nerve growth factor which helps with the maintenance, development and survival of neurons in the brain. Preserving your brain’s cells will lead to a healthier happier brain
  • Prevents nerve damage and improves nerve function. Prevents harm to brain and increases nerve and brain effectiveness
  • Hericenone E, one of the compounds, boosted the growth of nerve cell projections when NGF was present by activating specific pathways in the cells
  • Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is important for the survival and development of nerve cells involved in memory, consciousness, learning, and attention. It's being studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer's disease
  • This study proves that it can help increase the recognition performance in mice as well as the decline of memory loss due to aging as well
  • Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis or the production of new neurons in the brain. Neurogenesis is important for learning and memory and is hindered due to diseases like depression anxiety as well as cognitive impairment
  • Lions mane mushroom can help increase coordination and enable accurate and well-coordinated movements
  • Regulates the myelin genesis process or the ability for electrical impulses to travel quickly and effectively from one nerve to the next which can have a positive benefit on your brain's reaction time and thought efficiency
  • Could be used to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia
  1. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder
  • The study suggests that Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) may have potential as an alternative treatment for depression.
  • The mushroom contains bioactive compounds that can stimulate the production of nerve growth factors, which are important for cell growth in the brain
  • Antidepressant effects of Lion's mane mushroom have not been directly compared to traditional antidepressant medications
  • The paper reviews existing research on the potential benefits of Lion's mane mushroom for depression and explores how it might work to improve mood
  • The direct link to depression is unclear but is believed to be because of neurodegeneration and neurobiological changes
  • The monoamine hypothesis of depression suggests that the major signs and symptoms of depression are associated with a deficiency in the transmission within the monoamine systems, including norepinephrine, serotonin, or/and dopamine
  • Using lions Mane Mushrooms has similar effects to that of antidepressant drugs in animals and restores norephedrine, serotonin and dopamine 
  • H. erinaceus significantly ameliorates depressive disorder through monoaminergic modulation, neurogenic/neurotrophic, and anti-inflammatory pathways, indicating the potential role of H. erinaceus as a complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of depression
  1. LIONS MANE FOR BRAIN FOG: UNLOCKING THE POWER OF MUSHROOMS FOR COGNITIVE SUPPORT
  • Brain fog, also known as mental fatigue, can affect concentration, memory, and mental clarity
  • Lions Mane is a mushroom known for its potential to combat brain fog 
  • Lions Mane boosts neurotrophic factors that maintain and repair neurons, leading to improved cognitive function
  • It promotes the growth of new neurons, improving memory and cognitive function
  • Lions Mane has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the brain
  • Can help older people that have mild cognitive impairment and enhance their cognitive function
  • It has neuroprotective effects, potentially benefiting those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
  • Lions Mane may enhance memory and learning abilities
  • It has shown promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Lions Mane also has immune system support, digestive health benefits, and may aid in wound healing
  • Lions Mane is generally safe, but it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplemen
  • The recommended daily dosage of Lions Mane extract for cognitive support is 500-3,000 mg
  1. Support Memory, Focus and Cognition with Lion’s Mane
  • Lion's Mane mushroom has potential benefits for cognitive health, particularly in supporting the brain and nervous system
  • It contains organic chemicals that increase the production of Nerve Growth Factor, which can help regenerate damaged neurons
  • A study on older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that taking Lion's Mane extract for four months led to increased cognitive function
  • Lion's Mane has antioxidant properties that can protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation
  • It may have potential in managing and delaying neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
  1. Herbal Highlights: Lion's Mane Mushroom - Effects on Cognitive Function, Health Benefits, and Nutritional Profile
  • Lion's Mane mushroom is highly nutritious, rich in protein and essential amino acids, making it a valuable addition to the diet, especially for vegans (or students)
  • Studies suggest that Lion's Mane may have mild sedative effects and could potentially help with milder forms of anxiety and irritation
  • The cognitive benefits of Lion's Mane seem to be dependent on continuous daily intake, as discontinuation of the supplement leads to a rapid decline in cognitive performance (A Boost a day keeps the brain awake)
  • Lion's Mane is generally safe to consume, but diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels as it may have a slight anti-hyperglycemic effect
  1. Prospecting medicinal properties of Lion's mane mushroom
  • The paper focused on extracting bioactive components from Hericium erinaceus mushroom fruiting bodies
  • Both extracts of the different bioactive compounds had positive Anti-oxidant effects (prevent and delay cell damage) and helps with stress and stress disorders 
  • One of the extracts was especially strong against lung cancer cells
  • The extracts were good at fighting things like germs and could kill different types of bacteria
  • These findings show that the extracts from Hericium erinaceus could be helpful for making new medicines that work in different ways
  • They also possess antimicrobial and anticancer properties, making them valuable for medical applications
  1. 17 Facts about Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
  • Lion's Mane mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, polysaccharides, erinacines, and hericenones, which promote good health and stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis (NGF means that it helps grow new nerves in the brain replacing damaged ones improving the efficiency of cognitive function)
  • Get your daily dose of vitamins, they are a good source of protein and vitamins B, C, and D
  • Lion's Mane mushrooms have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, protect the brain from age-related decline, and improve cognitive function and memory
  • They are commonly cultivated due to their ease of growth, nutritional value, and medicinal properties
  • Research suggests that Lion's Mane mushrooms exhibit anti-cancer properties and may help prevent the spread of cancer
  • They boost the immune system by enhancing lymphocyte and macrophage activity ( immune cells found in the blood and lymph tissue, and Macrophages are large white blood cells that reside in tissues)
  • Lion's Mane mushrooms have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce inflammation throughout the body
  • They induce NGF synthesis, which promotes the growth and survival of neurons, leading to improved cognitive function
  • Lion's Mane mushrooms have memory-boosting effects and may help reduce memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease
  • They exhibit antidepressant effects by facilitating BDNF signaling and promoting neuroplasticity 
  • Lion's Mane mushrooms can improve athletic performance by increasing endurance, reducing fatigue, and aiding in recovery
  • They improve gut health, aid digestion, and can help treat stomach ulcers
  • Lion's Mane mushrooms enhance wound healing when applied topically
  1. The Anti-Dementia effect of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceum) and its clinical application
  • Conventional treatments for Alzheimer's disease focus on managing symptoms and delaying cognitive decline, but they do not reverse the damage
  • Research has identified compounds in Lion's Mane mushroom, specifically hericenones and erinacines, that stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is important for neuron maintenance and regeneration
  • A clinical study involving elderly patients with various conditions, including dementia, found that consuming 5g of dried Lion's Mane mushroom daily for six months led to improvements in perceptual capacities and overall functional independence
  • While these preliminary findings are promising, further research is needed to validate the benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom in brain tissue regeneration and its potential as a treatment for cognitive disorders