Lion's Mane - Hericium erinaceus

Health properties of lion's mane mushroom

Lion's mane mushroom is characterized by a relatively high nutritional value. Provides carbohydrates, proteins, B vitamins, tocopherols, trace amounts of minerals: e.g. potassium, phosphorus, copper, cobalt, iron.

Health-promoting properties

Lion's Mane is particularly reach in bioactive compounds including amino acids, organic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids and steroids. It is most abundant in erynacines and hericenones. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic and anticancer properties. The special feature is their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Thanks to the above-mentioned properties, lion's mane mushroom can be used to alleviate ailments that occur in the course of such diseases as: Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease ischemic stroke, cognitive disorders or depression.

Selected properties of bioactive ingredients contained in lion's mane mushroom

· Erynacin: NGF Stimulation, Neuronal Regeneration, Neuroprotective Effects, Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Immunostimulatory Effects

·   Hericenones: Memory Improvement, Effect on Neurogenesis, Cognitive Support

·   Flavonoids and Polyphenols: Strong Antioxidant Effects, Free Radical Neutralization

·   Phenolic Acids: Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Immune System Support

·   Terpenoids: Anticancer, Antibacterial and antifungal, effect on the nervous system

·   Amino acids: protein synthesis, nutritional effect, effect on the functioning of the nervous system

·   Steroids: Regulation of metabolic processes, anti-inflammatory effect

· B vitamins: Support the functioning of the nervous system, metabolism and synthesis of neurotransmitters

· Minerals (K, P, Fe, Cu): Maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting brain function, regulation of physiological processes

Effects on nervous system

The effect of lion's mane extract on the nervous system has been the subject of numerous scientific studies for many years. It is assumed that erynacins and hericenones stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) and participate in neuronal regeneration. Moreover, these substances have neuroportective effects in the course of neurodegenerative diseases and after injuries, as well as inhibit the aging process of cells. In addition, by modulating the activity of certain neurohormones, lion's mane mushroom can alleviate the symptoms of depression by reducing anxiety, improving mood and sleep quality.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

The anti-inflammatory effect of lion's mane mushroom consists in reducing the level of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). On the other hand, the antioxidant effect is mainly due to the presence of compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols. According to experts, the administration of lion's mane extracts promotes the removal of free radicals and intensifies the action of antioxidant enzymes, which in turn alleviates the effects of oxidative stress.

Memory and concentration

By influencing various biological pathways, Lion's Mane may interact with cognitive functions such as: improving memory. Scientific studies suggest that the use of preparations containing lion's mane extract can accelerate learning and remembering for both young and older people as well as even with Alzheimer's disease.