Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: Your Guide to Nature’s Nootropic

If you haven’t heard of Lion’s Mane mushrooms, you might recognise it by its striking appearance that resembles the regal mane of a majestic lion. This fascinating fungi has had its fair share of the limelight in recent years within the mysterious world of mushrooms, and for good reason. Traditionally used in medicinal practices in East Asian countries, notably China and Japan, for its perceived therapeutic potential [1], they are becoming increasingly popular globally for their myriad of potential health and wellness benefits. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this versatile mushroom and unlock a realm of holistic wellness possibilities.

What Is Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus), native to East Asia, North America and Europe[2], is a specimen of fungi belonging to the tooth fungus group, Hericiaceae. Also commonly known as ‘Hou Tou Gu’ (in China) and Yamabushitake (in Japan), the botanical name ‘Hericium erinaceus’ comes from the Latin term ‘erinaceus’, which translates to ‘hedgehog’. Lion’s Mane can be likened to long flowing pom-poms (and that of an actual lion’s mane) that are off-white to yellow in colour, depending on its age, and it’s usually found growing on the deadwood of fallen trees.

For our forest enthusiasts in the UK, should you be lucky enough to come across this bearded tooth fungus, leave them as they are! Lion’s Mane mushrooms are officially protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 [3], which means it is illegal to collect them in the wild. Although they are rare gems of nature, you can easily purchase them in many places from supermarkets to online supplement sites.

Potential Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are often referred to as a type of functional mushroom [4], a class of edible fungi believed to offer potential health benefits beyond their nutritional composition. Emerging studies have identified several potential health and wellness benefits for those who consume Lion’s Mane mushrooms. These potential benefits may include [5]. These may include:

Supporting mental health:

Research suggests that Lion’s Mane may support the balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are associated with mood regulation. This indicates its potential to contribute to mood enhancement and may provide support for those experiencing symptoms of low mood and anxiety [6].

Improving cognitive function:

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as hericenones, beta-glucans, and erinacines, which are believed to support mental acuity, memory, and focus [7]. Emerging research also suggests that these compounds may help protect the brain from cognitive decline associated with aging [8].

Supporting the nervous system:

These mushrooms contain bioactive elements with potential anti-inflammatory properties, which may support the management of symptoms associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. [9].

Immune boosting properties:

The fungi are believed to help support the activity of the intestinal immune system, potentially strengthening the body’s natural defences against harmful pathogens that enter the gut.[10].

Lion’s Mane Dosage: How much Should I Take?

For liquid extract supplements, the recommended dosage is typically around 1-2 mL per day, which is usually equivalent to about 20-40 drops.

For a powder extract, the recommended dosage is generally between 500 mg to 3000 mg per day. Depending on your tolerance as well as preference, this can be taken either in equally divided doses throughout the course of the day or as a single dose.

We recommend consulting a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist should you require personalised advice and dosage recommendations tailored to you.

The best time to take Lion’s Mane will also depend on personal preferences, as individuals may differ due to different daily routines and habits. We recommend taking it around midday or late afternoon.

Erik (Co-Founder Of Love Mushrooms)

Lion’s Mane Supplements Options

You might be wondering – Which form of Lion’s Mane works best for me? Although fresh Lion’s Mane might be the best way to get the most out of the fungi’s benefits, there are many other ways to incorporate these mushrooms in your daily routine. We offer organic Lion’s Mane supplements in the form of liquid tinctures, capsules, and even delicious raspberry-flavoured gummies you can have on-the-go!

For our readers who are also foodies, here’s an interesting fact you may not know about this fun fuzzy fungi: Lion’s Mane mushrooms has a texture that can be likened to that of white fluffy bread, and it tastes similar to seafood such as lobsters and crabs. There are many easy recipes to follow, so go ahead and give it a try!

Sources

[1] Khan, Md.A., Tania, M., Liu, R. and Rahman, M.M. (2013). ‘Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values’. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 10(1). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2013-0001.

[2] David, G. & Williams, J. (2023). ‘Lion’s Mane Mushroom- From Culinary to Medicine’. Annals of Innovation in Medicine. Doi: https://doi.org/10.59652/aim.v1i2.55

[3] Anon, (2021). The Lion’s Mane Fungus (Hericium Erinaceus) Identification. [online] Available at: https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2021/12/16/the-lions-mane-fungus-hericium-erinaceus-identification/

[4] Rai, S.N., Mishra, D., Singh, P., Vamanu, E. and Singh, M.P. (2021). ‘Therapeutic applications of mushrooms and their biomolecules along with a glimpse of in silico approach in neurodegenerative diseases’. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie, [online] 137, p.111377. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111377.

[5] Martínez‐Mármol, R., Chai, Y., Conroy, J.N., Khan, Z., Hong, S., Kim, S.B., Gormal, R.S., Lee, D.H., Lee, J.K., Coulson, E.J., Lee, M.K., Kim, S.Y. and Meunier, F.A. (2023). ‘Hericerin derivatives activates a pan‐neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1 /2 signaling enhancing spatial memory’. Journal of Neurochemistry, 165(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15767.

[6] Chiu, C.-H., Chyau, C.-C., Chen, C.-C., Lee, L.-Y., Chen, W.-P., Liu, J.-L., Lin, W.-H. and Mong, M.-C. (2018). ‘Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects through Modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Mice’. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(2), p.341. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19020341.

[7] Kushairi, N., Phan, C.W., Sabaratnam, V., David, P. and Naidu, M. (2019). ‘Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. Suppresses H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and LPS-Induced Inflammation in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons and BV2 Microglia’. Antioxidants, 8(8), p.261. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080261.

[8] Spelman, K., Sutherland, E. and Bagade, A. (2018). Herbal Medicine for Alzheimer’s Disease: Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus). [online] Restorative Medicine. Available at: https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/neurological-activity-lions-mane-hericium-erinaceus/.

[9] Yang, P-P., CY, L., TY, L. & WC, C. (2020). ‘Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Exerts Neuroprotective Effect in Parkinson’s Disease-in vitro and in vivo Models’. Journal of Drug Research and Development. 6(1). Doi: 10.16966/2470-1009.150

[10] Diling, C., Chaoqun, Z., Jian, Y., Jian, L., Jiyan, S., Yizhen, X. and Guoxiao, L. (2017). ‘Immunomodulatory Activities of a Fungal Protein Extracted from Hericium erinaceus through Regulating the Gut Microbiota’. Frontiers in Immunology, 8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00666.

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