Lions Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) : Understanding the benefits of Lions Mane Mushrooms

What is Lions Mane (Hericium erinaceus) ? Hericium erinaceus, the scientific name for the edible lion's mane mushroom, is a native of Asia, Central and North America, and Europe. Lion's mane is prized for its distinctive look and is regarded as a great medicinal mushroom and pure delicacy. Other names for a lion's mane are:

1. Bearded tooth mushroom
2. Bearded hedgehog
3. Mountain-priest mushroom
4. Monkey’s head mushroom

The only species of mushroom that grows as a clump of dangling spines is Hericium Erinaceus. The only fungi that don't have branches or conventional-looking fruiting bodies are lion's mane mushrooms, while some other types of fungi, including Lycoperdon echinatum, can produce spines.

Characteristics of Lions Mane

Lion's mane mushrooms are typically found in hardwoods like oaks that have recently died or are injured. They are thought to be wood-rot fungus, however they may also live off of living trees because they are parasitic. They often appear in late summer and fall, though in warmer climes they can also grow in the winter and spring.

In recent years, Hericium erinaceus has grown in popularity. Its flavor is similar to lobster and its smooth texture and sweet scent make it a distinctive yet adaptable addition to any cuisine. It's also frequently offered as a mushroom supplement in powder and capsule form, making it a great option for those who merely wish to benefit from its therapeutic properties.
In terms of the nutritional value of lion's manes, they are composed of 22% total protein, 3.50% total fat, and 57% total carbs. They are the ideal complement to practically any diet because of their macronutrient balance, especially for vegetarians and vegans who want to cut out meat. Additionally, they offer a number of micronutrients, such as. Magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, B-complex vitamins, and Vitamin D .

Regarding the health advantages, lion's manes are most well-known for their capacity to safeguard and enhance the health of the brain and neurological system. A thorough 2013 analysis that examined multiple studies on the subject came to the conclusion that the species may be able to manage and relieve anxiety, depression, moderate cognitive impairment, and dementia.

Lions Mane: Benefits And Uses

According to the authors' theory, these advantages may be linked to a substance called myelin, which envelops neurons and offers support and isolation; damage to these structures may have detrimental effects on brain function. H. erinaceus may therefore aid in the development and maturation of myelin.

According to a 2016 study, the mycelium of H. erinaceus may be able to postpone the death of brain cells, lending more credence to this notion. This could be helpful in the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer's that impair cognitive function. Despite the fact that the trials included both in vitro and in vivo animal experiments, the authors come to the conclusion that these advantages might very well apply to people with additional research.

The anti-cancer properties of lion's mane mushrooms are yet another potential impact. Tumor growth may be inhibited by the polysaccharides from H. erinaceus because they may modify and boost the immune system. Significant antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties have also been demonstrated by those same polysaccharides.

Using lion's mane mushrooms has several other advantages, such as decreasing blood sugar, treating gastritis and ulcers, and preserving heart health. Although polysaccharides account for the majority of these advantages, this species also contains other advantageous bioactive substances such as erinacines and hericenones.

Lions Mane Mushroom Applications

Lion's mane mushrooms have a strong antioxidant content that helps them prevent oxidative damage and support overall health. Lion's mane contains chemicals that can improve the health of all the cells and tissues in your body by lowering normal oxidative stress and preventing undesirable immunological responses.

Heart health

The minerals included in lion's mane mushrooms help keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range. Cardiovascular health, appropriate blood flow, and arterial health are all supported by maintaining optimum blood lipid levels.


Cognitive health

Polysaccharides present in lion's mane mushrooms have been shown to support memory, focus, concentration, and a positive mood, in addition to supporting healthy brain cell function.

Immune system function is largely dependent on the gut flora, which is nourished by lion's mane mushrooms. You can strengthen your immune system's defenses against environmental dangers by fostering microbial diversity.

Gut health

You may support good digestion and nutrition absorption, as well as reduce occasional indigestion, gas, and bloating, by supporting the maintenance of a healthy gut balance. Lions mane can also be doubled (used) as a prebiotic.

Healthy aging

Lion's mane mushrooms preserve the body's cells and tissues by lowering common oxidative stress, which helps to encourage healthy aging.

One of the world's most useful fungus is lion's mane mushroom. They are regarded as a species of functional mushrooms, meaning they have important nutritional and health benefits. There is much to discuss here, as this is one of the most well-liked mushroom-based supplements on the market.

References

1. Kuo, M. “Hericium erinaceus.” MushroomExpert.com (2022). http://www.mushroomexpert.com/hericium_erinaceus.html

2. Paul Stamets. “Hericium erinaceus (Bulliard: Fries) Persoon.” in Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms (1993): 338–394.

3. Catalogue of Life. “Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.” (No date). https://www.catalogueoflife.org/data/taxon/3KYXV

4. MycoBank. “Hericium erinaceus.” (No date). https://www.mycobank.org/page/Name%20details%20page/12801

5. Kevin Spelman, Elizabeth Sutherland, Aravind Bagade. “Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus).” Journal of Restorative Medicine 6(1) (2017): 19–26. https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/neurological-activity-lions-mane-hericium-erinaceus/

6. Md. Asaduzzaman Khan, Mousumi Tania, Rui Liu, Mohammad Mijanur Rahman. “Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values.” Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine 10 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2013-0001

7. Takashi Mizuno. “Yamabushitake, Hericium erinaceum: Bioactive substances and medicinal utilization.” Food Reviews International 11(1) (1995): 173–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129509541027

8. Sławomir Sokół, Iwona Golak-Siwulska, Krzysztof Sobieralski, Marek Siwulski, Katarzyna Górka. “Biology, cultivation, and medicinal functions of the mushroom Hericium erinaceum.” Acta Mycologica 50(2) (2015). http://dx.doi.org/10.5586/am.1069

9. FoodData Central. “Mushrooms, lion’s mane.” October 2021. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1999626/nutrients

10. I-Chen Li, Li-Ya Lee, Tsai-Teng Tzeng, Wan-Ping Chen, Yen-Po Chen, Young-Ju Shiao, Chin-Chu Chen. “Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines.” Behavioural Neurology (2018). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987239/