It is nicknamed the intelligence mushroom for improving the cognitive level. In Japan, the Lion's Mane is popularly known as Yamabushitake. It is identified with a white pompom formed by infinity of small filaments. It does not have a differentiated hat, plates or feet. Lion's mane is a fungus that grows forming large white, spherical masses of 10 to 25 cm. Stringy in appearance. The cascading masses overlap one another on its foot. It is easily recognized by its characteristic filamentous beards that resemble a lion's mane.
Properties of lion's mane
It is a fungus with extensive medicinal properties as well as a good food with high nutritional value. In Chinese, it is known as monkey head mushroom, and in Japanese as hidden mountain mushroom. It grows on hardwood tree trunks. It contains bioactive substances with beneficial effects on the nervous system, the digestive system, the circulatory system and the immune system. Due to its therapeutic properties, it has been used as a medicine in China, Japan, Korea and India.
Both the mycelium and the fruiting body contain bioactive compounds with pharmacological efficacy. It is rich in proteins, minerals such as germanium, selenium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc, essential amino acids and bioactive substances, such as beta-glucans, erinazines, etc. Its bioactive principles have antitumor, antioxidant, immune and Neuro-protective activity. It has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal mushroom.
It has antibiotic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, anti-hypertensive effect, lowers blood fats, anti-aging effect, and protects the heart, liver, kidneys and neurons. It improves anxiety, cognitive function and depression. Research shows that it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties in cells, animals and humans.
What can it be useful for in general?
They favor the good health of the intestinal, hepatic, and cardiac systems and have protective activity in the kidneys. Controls sugar and lipid levels. Its intestinal action regenerates the epithelium of the mucosa of the digestive system, being indicated in case of gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, and in pathologies of irritable bowel and Crohn's disease. It protects against oxidative stress because it is very rich in SOD (Super Oxide Dismutase).
Oxidative stress is directly related to neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It induces the production of the hormone Nerve Growth Factor, which is responsible for neuronal regeneration. This ability to stimulate, regenerate and enhance the health of the brain and nerves is what makes it possible to maintain active and healthy brain function. Lion's mane is the fungus of memory.
What are the health benefits?
Now that you know the overall benefits and properties of Lion’s mane mushroom, let us brief you how it can actually help you.
Improves brain function
This amazing fungus could have a revolutionary impact on neurodegenerative diseases. It promotes the regeneration of dendrites and axons of neurons, which are the extensions of nerve cells. Therefore, it may be possible to slow or reverse cellular degeneration in the brain – the hallmark of diseases like Alzheimer and Parkinson's.
Anti-cancer effect
Yes, in recent studies researchers have found that Lion’s Mane Mushroom may have anti-cancer effect, thanks to the anti-oxidants that binds with the cells, and keeps your immune system healthy. The essential amino acids keep your cell’s protein intact.
Improved heart and circulatory system health
An in vitro study, using human and rabbit cells, concluded that a component of lion’s mane might help prevent blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. It improves blood fats and is able to prevent stroke. Lion’s mane mushroom can be taken raw, cooked, dried, or brewed as a tea. It can also be consumed in the form of a pure extract.
Improved digestive health
In several studies, lion's mane mushroom has been shown to protect or reduce gastric ulcers. It can also significantly improve symptoms of two major inflammatory disorders of the digestive system, gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Reduces Inflammation
A 2015 study from Japan found that the lion's mane mushroom was able to reduce inflammation in fatty tissue. This is important because inflammation of adipose tissue is a factor in the formation of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Acts as a powerful antioxidant
Lion's Mane Mushroom is a generally safe food item. Several studies have found that it is non-toxic at different dosages, even over long periods. A study by the University of Malaysia found that a liquid extract of lion's mane accelerated wound healing significantly faster.
Improve mental health and general well-being
Using Yamabushitake can also help you feel better by improving sleep and reducing the effects of mental health issues.
Improves immune function
Lion's mane appears to have the ability to improve immune system function, according to research conducted on mice. Nevertheless, contact dermatitis and breathing difficulties are possible in rare cases.
It can be helpful in controlling diabetes
A 2013 animal study showed marked improvement in blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and several other symptoms of diabetes with the use of the mushroom. Lion's mane can be included as part of a comprehensive program to manage diabetes symptoms and parameters.
Epilepsy
Research has concluded that lion's mane can help prevent nerve damage after seizures. More studies are needed to confirm these results and verify its effectiveness in humans. Talk to your doctor before including lion's mane in an established treatment for epilepsy.
Maintaining a Healthy Cholesterol Content
An in vitro study concluded that lion’s mane might help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is widely considered a major cause of clogged arteries. However, we still need more research to confirm whether this is applicable to animals or humans. Another study found that cholesterol levels, including LDL and HDL, and triglycerides returned to normal after consuming lion's mane.
Conclusion
Lion’s mane has received a lot of attention in the treatment of various problems related to the nervous system and cognitive functioning. It may also have other benefits common to other mushrooms, such as immune boosting, anti-inflammatory properties, and overall health support. Talk to your doctor to include lion's mane in an individualized, comprehensive plan for your mental, neurological, and general health.
