Lions Mane (hericium erinacius) Study highlights: Neurogenesis through Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Neuroprotective Anxiolytic/Antidepressant Nervous System Benefits May help repair stomach ulcers Cardio-protective Anti-Diabetic Anti-Cancer Antioxidant Immune Boosting

What is Lions Mane? Lions mane, also known as Hericium Erinaceus (as well as other Hericium species) are medicinal as well as choice, edible mushrooms. Like many other medicinal mushrooms, Hericium has been known about in Chinese Medicine for millennia. Said to be used by monks to increase brain power and help during meditation. Hericium is a striking mushroom. Resembling well, a “Lion’s Mane” and sometimes lovingly referred to as the “pom-pom” mushroom. It is certainly not the cap and gilled mushroom that most people are used to. However its form underlines its health benefits, almost resembling bundles of nerves, which studies suggest it has benefits on. What are the health benefits of Lion’s Mane? Studies into this mushroom have found numerous benefits. It has been used as a preventative and healing medicine for a variety of bodily systems. Because of its neurotrophic properties [1] it has benefits for the brain and entire nervous system. Studies suggest it is useful for helping treat Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other cognitive ailments[2] Many of its cognitive benefits come from stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) and boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).[3] Alleviating anxiety and depression is another one of this fungal ally’s treasures [4][5]. The gut being the “second brain” of the body; It also boosts gut health by inhibiting H. Pylori bacteria (a bacteria that causes ulcers) and helping heal the gastric lining.[6] It has also been shown in a mouse model to help heal alcohol induced ulcers [7] and even has benefits against gastrointestinal cancers.[8] There is a limited amount of research done on it slowing starch absorption in the gut, having a potential for helping control blood sugar in Diabetics. [9] We could write a book on the numerous benefits science suggests this mushroom has, but we encourage you to take some Lion’s Mane and turn into a research nerd for yourself! Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia [1] Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells [2] Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers? [3] Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain [4] Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder [5] Gastroprotective Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. Anti-Gastric Ulcer Activity of Polysaccharide Fraction Isolated from Mycelium Culture of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) [6] (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract against Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats [7] Anticancer potential of Hericium erinaceus extracts against human gastrointestinal cancers [8] The Inhibitory Effects of Hericium erinaceus β-glucan on in vitro Starch Digestion [9] Inhibitory effect of hericenone B from Hericium erinaceus on collagen-induced platelet aggregation [10] Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis [11]