Lion’s Mane Mushroom 

The Hericium Erinaceus mushroom, better known as the lion’s mane mushroom, is an edible mushroom that grows in hanging clusters and long white spines that give it its distinctive appearance. Cultures in China and Japan have used it since ancient times for its medicinal properties. 

It lives mainly in beech and oak forests, growing on large dead trunks and directly on living trees. It tends to grow in clumps, and its fruiting body is common in the summer and autumn. 

It is widely distributed in north America and very common in the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica. It is also grown in other countries, such as Colombia, but not in Canada. 

The lion’s mane mushroom has a series of compounds, such as B-glucans, heteroglucans, heteroxylans, hericenones, erinacines, triethol, and arabinol, which give it therapeutic properties. Scientists have shown in clinical animal tests that Hericium erinaceus extracts decrease markers of depression in the blood of mice, as well as their depressive behavior. 

Doctors have also conducted small-scale tests on humans, and the fungus has shown its ability to at least decrease levels of anxiety and irritability in menopausal women. Another property of the lion’s mane is that it stimulates the production of a protein called Nerve Growth Factor (FCN), which is necessary for neuronal growth. In addition, the fungus stimulates the development of the myelin sheath, which is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses. 

Fights depression 
The lion’s mane mushroom has hericenones and erinacines in its composition, with antidepressant action, which can help combat mild symptoms of depression. This mushroom can help balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Likewise, this lion’s mane mushroom can help improve the functioning of the hippocampus in the brain, which is responsible for the formation of memories, improve motivation and connect emotions to memories. 

Prevents Alzheimer’s disease 
Due to the hericenones and erinacines in its composition, the lion’s mane mushroom helps protect the brain and regenerate brain cells, which may be useful in preventing Alzheimer’s and reducing memory loss from this disease. In addition, lion’s mane mushroom helps prevent brain damage caused by beta-amyloid plaques, which are present in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. 

Improves memory 
Lion’s mane mushroom can help improve memory due to its neuroprotective effects. Also, thanks to its antioxidant effects, this mushroom can help reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the brain, improving its functioning, memory, and concentration. Although this mushroom has benefits for memory, more studies are still needed to prove this benefit. 

Relieves menopausal symptoms 
Due to its antidepressant effects, lion’s mane mushroom can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and irritation in menopause. 

Speeds recovery from nerve damage 
Lion’s mane mushroom can help speed recovery from nerve damage by stimulating nerve cell repair and growth, which can aid in treating and recovering neurological diseases such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease. 

Improves gastrointestinal health 
Lion’s mane mushroom helps improve gastrointestinal health by modulating the intestinal microbiota, having a probiotic effect, which can contribute to the improvement of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. 

Strengthens the immune system 
Due to its probiotic and modulating action on the intestinal microbiota, the lion’s mane mushroom helps to increase activity and strengthen the immune system, preventing and promoting the fight against infections. 

Aids in the treatment of stomach ulcers 
Lion’s mane mushrooms can contribute to the treatment of stomach ulcers, as they have an antibacterial action that helps inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria, preventing the damage caused by this bacteria in the stomach mucosa. 

Helps control blood sugar 
The lion’s mane mushroom has erinacines in its composition, with hypoglycemic properties, which help control blood sugar by inhibiting the activity of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates from food in the intestine. In this way, by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, sugars from food are less absorbed, which helps control blood sugar, so it can be useful to help in the treatment of diabetes. 

Reduces pain from diabetic neuropathy 
Due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective action, lion’s mane mushroom can help reduce pain caused by diabetic neuropathy. In addition, by promoting the control of blood sugar levels, this mushroom can prevent nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels, preventing diabetic neuropathy. 

Prevents cardiovascular diseases 
Lion’s mane mushroom extract can help reduce blood triglyceride levels and cholesterol oxidation, which prevents fat accumulation in the arteries and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack or stroke. In addition, this fungus has isoindolones in its composition, especially hericenone B, which modulates platelets, prevents the formation of blood clots, and helps avoid cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks. 

Relieves symptoms of osteoarthritis 
Due to the active substances in its composition, such as glycoproteins, polysaccharides and ketones, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the lion’s mane mushroom helps relieve osteoarthritis symptoms and prevent the disease’s progression. An animal study showed that the mushroom extract helped reduce the production of inflammatory substances in cartilage and synovium, relieving osteoarthritis symptoms. 

Prevents cancer 
Lion’s mane mushroom can help prevent colorectal or stomach cancer due to its antioxidant effects that reduce free radical damage to cells. In addition, laboratory studies have shown that this mushroom can help treat cancer because it reduces the growth of tumor cells or causes the death of tumor cells. 

Possible side effects:
Lion’s mane mushroom is well tolerated when consumed in the diet, and no side effects related to its consumption have been described. 

However, when used in tea, tincture, or capsules, it can cause nausea, abdominal discomfort, or skin rash. 

Likewise, lion’s mane mushroom can cause allergic reactions, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing and feeling of a closed throat or swollen mouth, tongue or face. 

As we can see, we are dealing with a mushroom with enormous therapeutic potential. However, we should always consult with our health provider before taking or ingesting it to obtain the appropriate dose and maximize its benefits, avoiding those potential side effects. 

Author

  • Dr. Irving Ramírez

    Dr. Irving Ramirez-Alvia, Naturopath, was born in Tepic, Nayarit, in 1992. After obtaining a degree in health and nutrition, Dr. Irving finished medical school and moved to Vallarta. His newly-opened office is at Lord Twigg’s Hotel and Boutique, Francisco Villa #424, Colonia Lazaro Cardenas; his online store features all-natural, homeopathic products and remedies. For an appointment with Dr. Irving in Puerto Vallarta or at FEDA Nutricion and Fitness, Calle Jacarandas 86, in Bucerias, or if you are interested in purchasing Dr. Irving’s CBD oil (5000mg or 10,000mg) without THC, please contact Loren Hayes on WhatsApp at 322-167-7570.

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