Lion’s Mane Capsules (60 capsules)

Lion’s Mane Capsules

200 mg/capsule

60 Capsules/bottle

Benefits:

Dementia.  The brain’s ability to grow and form new connections typically declines with age, which may explain why mental functioning worsens in many older adults. Studies have found that lion’s mane mushrooms contain two special compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines. Additionally, animal studies have found that lion’s mane may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disease that causes progressive memory loss.

In fact, lion’s mane mushroom and its extracts have been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease. A 2020 study of people with mild Alzheimer’s disease found that supplementation with 1 gram of lion’s mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores compared with a placebo. The ability of lion’s mane mushroom to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer’s-related damage may explain some of its beneficial effects on brain health.

Depression and Anxiety.  Up to one-third of people living in developed countries experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. While there are many causes of anxiety and depression, chronic inflammation could be a major contributing factor. Animal research has found that lion’s mane mushroom has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice.

Other animal studies have found that lion’s mane extract can also help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that processes memories and emotional responses. Researchers believe that improved hippocampus functioning may explain the reductions in anxious and depressive behaviors in mice receiving this mushroom.

While these animal studies are promising, there is very little research involving humans. One small 2010 study of menopausal women found that eating cookies containing lion’s mane mushrooms daily for 1 month helped reduce self-reported feelings of irritation and anxiety.

Nervous System.  The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves that travel throughout the body. These components work together to send and transmit signals that control almost every bodily function.

Brain or spinal cord injuries can cause various adverse medical outcomes. They often cause paralysis or loss of mental functions and can take a long time to heal. Research has found that lion’s mane mushroom may help speed recovery from these types of injuries by stimulating the growth and repair of nerve cells. It may also help reduce the severity of brain damage after a stroke. No studies have been conducted involving humans to determine if lion’s mane would have the same therapeutic effect on nervous system injuries as animal research has suggested.

Ulcers.  Ulcers can form anywhere along the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Two major factors typically cause stomach ulcers: overgrowth of the bacteria H. pylori and damage to the mucous layer of the stomach that’s often due to long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Lion’s mane may protect against the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori and protecting the stomach lining from damage. Several older studies have found that lion’s mane extract can prevent the growth of H. pylori in a test tube, but no studies have tested whether the extract has the same effects inside the stomach. Another 2013 animal study found that lion’s mane extract was more effective at preventing alcohol-induced stomach ulcers than traditional acid-lowering drugs — and without any negative side effects.

Lion’s mane can also reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage in other intestinal areas. In fact, they may help treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A 2016 study of people with ulcerative colitis found that taking a mushroom supplement containing 14% lion’s mane extract significantly reduced symptoms and improved quality of life after 3 weeks. However, when the same study was repeated in patients with Crohn’s disease, the benefits were roughly the same as with placebo.

It’s important to note that the herbal supplement used in these studies included several types of mushrooms, so it’s difficult to conclude about the effects of lion’s mane specifically. Overall, research suggests that lion’s mane extract may help inhibit the development of ulcers, but more research involving humans is needed.

Heart disease.  Major risk factors for heart disease include the following:
Obesity
High triglycerides
Large amounts of oxidized cholesterol
An increased tendency to get blood clots

Research shows that lion’s mane extract can influence some of these factors and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Studies of rats and mice have found that lion’s mane mushroom improves fat metabolism and lowers triglyceride levels. One 2010 study of rats fed a high fat diet and given daily doses of lion’s mane extract showed 27% lower triglyceride levels and 42% less weight gain after 28 days. Since obesity and high triglycerides are both considered risk factors for heart disease, this is one way that lion’s mane mushrooms contribute to heart health.

Test-tube studies have also found that lion’s mane can help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Oxidized cholesterol molecules tend to attach to artery walls, causing them to harden and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Reducing oxidation is beneficial for heart health.

Lion’s mane mushrooms contain a compound called hericenone B, which can decrease the rate of blood clotting and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lion’s mane mushrooms appear to benefit the heart and blood vessels in multiple ways, but studies of humans are needed to support this.

Diabetes.  Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body’s ability to manage blood sugar levels is impaired. As a result, levels are consistently elevated. Chronically high blood sugar levels eventually cause complications like kidney disease, nerve damage in the hands and feet, and vision loss. Lion’s mane mushroom may be beneficial for diabetes management by improving blood sugar management and reducing some of these effects.

Several animal studies have shown that lion’s mane can cause significantly lower blood sugar levels in both normal and diabetic mice, even at daily dosages as low as 2.7 milligrams (mg) per pound (6 mg per kg) of body weight. One way that lion’s mane lowers blood sugars is by blocking the activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbs in the small intestine. When this enzyme is blocked, the body is unable to digest and absorb carbs as effectively, which results in lower blood sugar levels.

In addition to lowering blood sugars, lion’s mane may reduce diabetic nerve pain in the hands and feet. In mice with diabetic nerve damage, 6 weeks of daily lion’s mushroom significantly reduced pain, lowered blood sugar levels, and even increased antioxidant levels.

Cancer.  Cancer occurs when your DNA becomes damaged, causing your cells to divide and replicate out of control.

Some research suggests that lion’s mane mushroom has cancer-fighting abilities thanks to several of its unique compounds. In fact, when lion’s mane extract is mixed with human cancer cells in a test tube, they cause the cancer cells to die faster. This has been demonstrated with several types of cancer cells, including liver, colon, stomach, and blood cancer cells.

In addition to killing cancer cells, lion’s mane has also been shown to slow the spread of cancer. One 2013 study of mice with colon cancer found that taking lion’s mane reduced the spread of cancer to the lungs by 69%. Another 2014 study found that lion’s mane extract was more effective than traditional cancer medications at slowing tumour growth in mice, in addition to having fewer side effects.

Inflammation And Oxidative Stress  Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to be the root causes of many modern illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Research shows that lion’s mane mushrooms contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help reduce the impact of these illnesses.

A 2012 study examining the antioxidant abilities of 14 different mushroom species found that lion’s mane had the fourth highest antioxidant activity and recommended it be considered a good dietary source of antioxidants. Several animal studies have found that lion’s mane reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in rodents and may be especially useful in managing inflammatory bowel disease, liver damage, and stroke.

Lion’s mane mushrooms may also help reduce some of the health risks associated with obesity, as they have been shown to decrease the amount of inflammation fat tissue releases. More studies are needed to determine the potential health benefits in humans, but the results from lab and animal studies are promising.

Immune system  A strong immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens. A weak immune system puts the body at a higher risk of developing infectious diseases.

Animal research shows that lion’s mane mushroom can boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose. These effects may partly be due to beneficial changes in gut bacteria that stimulate the immune system. A 2012 study even found that supplementing with lion’s mane daily nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with a lethal dose of salmonella bacteria. The immune-boosting effects of lion’s mane mushrooms are very promising, but this area of research is still developing.

 

Botanical Name: Hericium erinaceus
English: Hedgehog mushroom, Yamabushitake (in Japan), Monkey head mushroom, Pom pom mushroom, Bearded tooth mushroom, Satyr’s beard mushroom, Old man’s beard mushroom
Origin: China
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Mushroom

General Information:
Lion’s mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a type of edible and medicinal mushroom that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Here are some key pieces of information about lion’s mane mushroom

Appearance: Lion’s mane mushroom has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other mushrooms. It has a round, shaggy-looking fruiting body that resembles a lion’s mane, hence its name. The fruiting body can range in color from white to brownish-yellow.

Taste and texture: Lion’s mane mushroom has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a firm, meaty texture. When cooked, it can have a texture similar to crab or lobster meat.

Nutritional value: Lion’s mane mushroom is a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including potassium, zinc, and B vitamins. It also contains compounds called beta-glucans, which have immune-boosting properties.

Medicinal properties Lion’s mane mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including digestive issues, inflammation, and cognitive decline. Recent studies have shown that lion’s mane mushroom may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially help improve cognitive function and memory.

Culinary uses: Lion’s mane mushroom can be eaten raw or cooked and is often used in dishes like stir- fries, soups, and stews. It can also be sautéed or roasted and used as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes.

Availability. Lion’s mane mushroom is becoming more widely available in specialty grocery stores and online retailers. It can also be grown at home using mushroom-growing kits.

Dosage

For improving cognition, some researchers recommend 3 to 5 grams per day. In a 2020 study, people ages 50 and older with mild Alzheimer’s disease symptoms showed significantly improved cognitive function after taking three 350-mg lion’s mane capsules daily for 49 weeks. Taking three 400-mg capsules daily for 8 weeks helped relieve depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders for 77 people who were overweight or had obesity, according to a 2019 study.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.