The Marvellous Mane of the Forest: 10 Mind Blowing Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last couple of years, you've probably heard about Lion's Mane. 

The mushroom has become one of the most famous fungi in the world, with more critical acclaim than a Steven Spielberg movie. As we shall see later, this high praise is not without merit. Despite the mushroom skyrocketing to prominence in recent years, it's not actually a new discovery, as Lion's Mane has been used in traditional Asian and European cultures for centuries.

Some of the earliest reports of the consumption of Lion’s Mane come from China, where it was used as a tonic to support overall wellbeing and vitality. Legend has it that Buddhist Shaolin monks have historically consumed Lion's Mane tea as they believed it supported focus and concentration during meditation. Modern scientific research is now exploring some of the traditional uses and potential benefits of Lion's Mane for cognitive wellbeing.

The mushroom, known scientifically as Hericium erinaceus, does not have the typical cap and stem appearance of most other mushrooms. Instead, the mycelium produces snowball or pom-pom like fruiting bodies. Rather than from a typical mushroom cap and gills, Lion’s Mane releases spores from long spines which elongate as the mushroom reaches maturity.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is one of the coolest looking mushrooms in the forest, with lots of character. It produces fruiting bodies resembling white snowballs or pom-poms.

Lion's Mane is found in North America, Europe and Asia during the autumn and winter months. It’s preferred natural habitats include decaying wood, but it may also be found growing on the bark of living hardwood trees (oak, walnut, birch & beech). The mushroom is an essential part of the forest ecosystem, as it helps to recycle nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen back into soil, which is needed for plants to survive and thrive.

If you’re lucky enough to find Lion’s Mane growing in the wild, you must be aware that it is currently on the red list of threatened species in the UK and much of Europe. This means that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Lion’s Mane is legally protected and must not be harvested. Due to its threatened status, foraging for wild Lion's Mane mushrooms is strongly discouraged in order to maintain wild populations for future generations. Luckily, Lion’s Mane is easy and fun to grow (link to Martian blog) at home, so you don’t need to worry about getting your hands on some.

Lion's Mane has become a hot topic on socials, with scientific and wellness communities particularly interested in Lion's Mane because of its potential role in supporting cognitive wellbeing. This blog will explore the scientific literature surrounding Lion's Mane and its possible effects, so you can gain a deeper understanding of this incredible mushroom.

Key Compounds in Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane is a rich source of diverse natural compounds, with over 854 identified through scientific analysis. Some of the most well studied are listed in the table below: 

Taking Lion’s Mane 

There has been a lot of research done on Lion’s Mane, particularly investigating its possible cognitive effects. For example, scientists have looked at how particular dosages of Lion's Mane affect cognition, mood, gut health and inflammation, to name but a few promising areas. However, all of these studies have used varying forms and dosages, which complicates pinning down the best way to take the mushroom. 

Always check the label: it’s best practice to seek guidance from the manufacturer as to the exact dosage. This is usually written on the back of the packaging, like in the above image. 

It’s important to note that dosage may range depending on the form of Lion's Mane you are taking (e.g. raw powder or extract), whether it’s made from mycelium or fruiting body and which brand/product specifically you’re taking. 

For some people, it might be beneficial to begin with a smaller dose and slowly increase it. Still, it’s a good idea to enquire with the product manufacturer directly, as specific needs can differ greatly from one person to another. 

In terms of when to take Lion’s Mane, most people like to take it in the morning after or with breakfast, but again this comes down to personal preference, so best to experiment and see what suits you. 

Scientific Research 

Lion's Mane has been the subject of numerous and extensive scientific trials, including in vitro, animal, and human. While studies into the exact effects of Lion’s Mane are still ongoing, current research suggests it has many different functions in the body and may impact upon the nervous system, immune health and general wellbeing. 

We examine some of these areas of promising research in greater detail below, along with supporting evidence. 

1. Cognitive Wellbeing 

One area of research that has scientists particularly excited is Lion's Mane potential ability to support overall cognitive wellbeing. Some have even dubbed it the 'smart mushroom’ for this very reason. Research is exploring the potential effects of Lion's Mane on various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, focus, and mood

Specifically, researchers are hoping to discover the possible mechanisms by which Lion's Mane might affect cognition. 

Lion's Mane is rich in two distinct types of bioactive compounds — hericenones and erinacines. Both are a type of terpene, but where they differ is that hericenones are found in fruiting bodies, whereas erinacines are found in the mycelium. 

These compounds are unique for two main reasons: 

1. They are only found in this mushroom, nowhere else in nature. 
2. They have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant area of research interest. 

Some research indicates that hericenones and erinacines can stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), proteins important to the growth, maintenance, and function of nerve cells. They are also involved in various processes within the immune and endocrine systems. Research has examined their effects on various brain regions, such as those related to learning and memory (the hippocampus).

The Hippocampus - an area of the brain associated with learning and memory. In this region, researchers are studying the effects of Lion's Mane.

Scientists are exploring a possible link between elevated levels of NGF and memory, learning and other forms of cognition. Since memory troubles typically happen because of age related cognitive decline or because of genetic predispositions, scientists also want to know whether NGF assists with keeping the brain healthy and balanced as individuals grow older.

Lion's Mane may also affect the myelin sheath thickness of neurons, according to other studies on Lion's Mane. The myelin sheath is a fatty insulating layer that covers the long projections between neurons, called axons. Axons connect different neuronal cells in the brain together and are important for transmitting nerve signals within the brain. 

Neuronal cell axons are covered in a myelin sheath - a fatty insulating layer. Lion’s Mane may impact myelin thickness. 

A few studies on young rats also suggest that Lion's Mane affects myelination. One trial found that dosing rats with an extract of Lion's Mane mycelium resulted in greater numbers of myelin producing cells. The myelin content of nerve fibers was also higher compared to the control group.

These novel results provide an exciting insight into the possibility of Lion's Mane on myelin. Scientists are also studying the potential of myelin in neurological processes, its role and how it can be used to maintain nerve health.  

2. Mood & Stress

The most important compounds in Lion's Mane are erinacine and hericenones, which have a unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Along with their hypothesis of potential cognitive benefits, scientists are also using these compounds in studies for mood and stress.

In particular, scientists are investigating whether the NGF stimulating and potential anti-inflammatory effects of Lion's Mane could play a role in these areas.

One 4 week study assessing 30 women (age 41 ± 5.6 years) looked at the potential benefits of Lion's Mane on menopausal symptoms in women. The researchers randomly assigned participants to either a Lion's Mane group or a placebo group. After four weeks, the group taking Lion's Mane showed changes in measures of menopausal symptoms, mood, stress levels, and sleep quality.

3. Focus 

Focus is a complex cognitive process that involves more parts of the brain and more neurotransmitters doing their thing than we currently understand.

What we do know is that it is becoming ever more critical to maximise concentration in the fast-paced world we live in.

Whether you are studying for a major exam, creating a detailed article on mushrooms (like this one), or simply finding ways to improve in your office life, the ability to focus is absolutely critical. In the end, it is all about doing more in less time.

So, it comes as no surprise that some people start to reach for a cup of coffee in an attempt to improve their focus and concentration. However, too much caffeine can cause overstimulated and burnt out sensations. Is there a more natural way of aiding focus?

Well, researchers are looking to answer that question by investigating the potential of Lion's Mane to influence focus, memory, and cognitive performance.

For instance, there are studies indicating that Lion's Mane may affect acetylcholine levels in the brain. Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter involved in both focus and cognitive performance.

There is some evidence Lion's Mane may impact other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, a chemical that plays a role in cognitive function and mood. Lion's Mane is also under investigation for its potentially supportive role in maintaining brain function and neuromodulation, critical for people with high-stress or cognitively demanding lives and exercise patterns

4. Liver Function

The liver is a key organ in the body, that acts like a filter for toxins and promotes general health.

In one study, researchers administered Lion's Mane extract to mice with liver impairments and found improvements in certain aspects of liver functioning. The authors of the study noted that the extract was linked to decreased liver injury markers, particularly serum enzymes ALT and AST.

An increase in antioxidant activity was also noticed in liver cells. One way to fight free radical damage is through antioxidants. This data serves as a first glimpse into the possible impacts of Lion's Mane on liver health.

5. Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can cause swelling and discomfort throughout the body. Besides just the discomfort, chronic inflammation is linked to numerous ailments.

The good news is that researchers have been looking into natural alternatives that may help with inflammation.

Studies suggest compounds found in Lion's Mane, like beta-glucan, can alter the function of immune cells (like macrophages which are critical to inflammatory responses). The compounds also appear to play a role in regulating cytokine production: small proteins vital to the growth and function of other blood cells, especially those involved in the immune system.

6. Gut Health

Lion′s Mane also has some prebiotic dietary fibers like chitin-glucan (a fibrous structure found in the mushroom fruiting body) which provides a habitat and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria that support digestion and nutrient absorption.

Similar to many other mushrooms, it is high in beneficial vitamin D that helps with calcium absorption. It is also critical for gastrointestinal wellbeing, as it aids in digestion, calcium homeostasis and a healthy gut microbiome.

7. Neurodegeneration

It is a truth that no one wants to admit, but 1 in 2 of us will experience cognitive decline during our lifetime, including neurodegenerative conditions. Which has left many wondering: is it possible to slow the inevitable decline, so that we can live fuller lives for longer? Well luckily, researchers are investigating alternative ways to understand these disorders and possible avenues for promoting brain health.

In particular, Lion's Mane mushroom has been getting attention as a promising subject of study in this area. Scientists are investigating its effects on nerve cells and exploring whether it may play a role in protecting against neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline.

Scientists are also studying whether Lion's Mane has any influence on the formation of neural pathways and brain function as a whole. This is still being studied, but scientists are slowly piecing together the mechanisms that may be involved (and whether those effects would carry over into benefits in humans).

A study in Japan examined the impacts of Lion's Mane extract on cognitive function among adults aged between 50-80 years with mild cognitive decline. Participants (n=30) received either Lion's Mane extract (3g/day total) or placebo for 16 weeks. The researchers noted better scores for cognitive function in the Lion's Mane group than those on placebo. No detrimental side effects were reported from the study. Although it should be noted that this was a small trial, these results may provide preliminary support for the role of Lion's Mane based intervention in cognitive function.

Further studies have investigated Lion's Mane's effect on peripheral nerve healing, specifically in male rats. Researchers noted that Lion’s Mane may aid in the healing of injured nerves. Current studies are attempting to identify the underlying mechanism responsible for some of these actions and if any of those properties may translate over to some human-related health benefits.

Lion's Mane's effects on beta-amyloid proteins have also been studied in mice. Beta-amyloid proteins are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. This study suggests that Lion's Mane influences the amounts of these proteins in the brain.

These findings could ultimately help treat neurodegenerative diseases, as researchers are investigating different ways to halt or reverse the degeneration of their brain cells.

8. Immune System

Various studies are being conducted on Lion's Mane to see how it affects the immune system. Research shows that Lion's Mane contains polysaccharides (a type of sugar molecule) from the beta-glucan family.

Beta-glucans are being studied for their potential impact T-cell and macrophage function, both of which are involved in the body's immune reaction.

Other research has shown that Lion's Mane could also change macrophage activity and affect cytokine release, both of which are involved in immune responsiveness and signalling pathways.

In addition, Lion's Mane contains other compounds (e.g. ergothioneine) that may also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. There has also been some promising research into the potential contributions of these compounds to exercise induced muscle damage mitigation.

9. Metabolism

Metabolic health is essential for healthy living. Metabolism is a broad term that includes a mind-bogglingly complicated series of processes our bodies rely on to convert food to energy. The energy in turn powers a number of functions that keep us going.

Insulin sensitivity is a central feature of metabolic health.

It works as a hormone to regulate blood sugar levels by allowing cells to absorb glucose from our bloodstream. When cells are sensitive to insulin, they take up and use glucose well for energy. It also impacts how the body utilises different forms of energy, including fat. The prevailing scientific theory is that maintenance of good insulin signalling should ease 'energetic expenditure' and control/integrate metabolic homeostasis overall.

The second critical component is Leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone that helps maintain an energy balance. The hormone helps regulate appetite and food intake by indicating to the brain when there is sufficient energy stored in the body.

Leptin resistance is a complicated state where the organism fails to respond appropriately to leptin, leading to increased appetite, overeating and possibly even weight gain.

Researchers have begun exploring the effects of Lion's Mane on metabolism, assessing its possible influence on key hormones like adiponectin and leptin. Research shows that mushrooms (such as Lion's Mane) could affect adiponectin levels, an important hormone involved in the metabolism of glucose. Researchers are additionally investigating the potential effects of Lion's Mane on insulin sensitivity and leptin resistance.

This is an emerging field, and scientists are trying to get further insight into the mechanisms behind this effect, as well as whether those effects would aid in metabolic health overall.

10. Cell Growth and Proliferation

Scientists are currently investigating the influence of Lion's Mane on various cell functions, including those related to growth and proliferation. Laboratory and animal studies have explored the effects of Lion's Mane extracts on various cell types.

One study on cell cultures looked at the effects of Lion's Mane extract. They observed that certain extracts seemed to impact abnormal cell growth, especially of the stomach, liver and colon.

A second study on mice examined whether Lion's Mane extracts could improve cases of abnormal cell growth. Hot water and alcoholic extracts of Lion's Mane influenced apoptosis-mediated cell death in mice and decreased the migration of cells to lungs by 66% and 69% respectively.

The results suggest a possible impact on cellular processes due to the action of Lion's Mane, but research at scale/in humans is needed before we can derive firm conclusions.

Final Thoughts

To summarise, Lion's Mane mushroom is of considerable interest to researchers for its potential health and wellbeing benefits, with many studies exploring its effects.

As science continues to investigate the unique nature of this mushroom (like which mechanisms may play a role in cognitive function, immune health and so on), it makes for promising times in the mycological field.

At Shroomex, we offer a range of Lion's Mane products, such as extracts and powders. While continuing to support the research of Lion's Mane, we are devoted to producing only the highest value, purest products in the world.