Breakdown of Lion's Mane Edible Mushrooms
Lion's Mane is an edible mushroom known for its shaggy, white appearance resembling a lion's mane. It claims to have cognitive and neurological benefits. Traditionally found in Asian countries for both medicinal and culinary purposes.
Is It Available in the United States?
It is quickly becoming popular in the USA as well. The mushroom's non-psychoactive properties, ensure it does not fall under the same regulatory scrutiny as some other substances. However, the mushroom is a protected species in certain countries and specific U.S. states. This protection makes unregulated foraging illegal, a measure intended to preserve wild populations.
FDA's Stance Lion's Mane Mushrooms
The FDA classifies Lion's Mane mushrooms as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a food. It is also sold as dietary supplements in forms like powder or capsules, products must comply with FDA regulations to ensure safety and proper labeling.
Studies on Lion's Mane
Potential Benefits
Studies suggest it might improve memory and focus, and it has been investigated for its potential role in nerve repair. The bioactive components in Lion's Mane may exhibit protective effects on the digestive tract. They might also support heart health.
Its antioxidants could potentially reduce inflammation. They continue to study it to help protect the digestive tract, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Also stomach ulcers both bacteria H. pylori and damage to the mucous layer of the stomach that is often due to long-term use of NSAIDs anti-inflammatory drugs.
It's Effect on Ulcers
In 2013, an animal study was done with lion’s mane and it was more effective at preventing alcohol-induced stomach ulcers than traditional acid-lowering drugs. In 2016 they found patients with ulcerative colitis taking a 14% supplement of Lion’s Mane had significantly reduced symptoms with improved quality of life in as little as three weeks.
Weight Loss and Lowering Cholesterol
In 2010 a study of rats given a high-fat diet and daily dose of lion’s mane showed 27% lower triglycerides levels and 42% less weight gain after 28 days. Also, a test tube study showed that lion's mane extract can help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Oxidation of cholesterol attaches to the artery walls causing them to harden over time which is an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Studies on Blood Sugar Levels
2017 Lion’s mane was used to test on animals which showed significantly lower blood sugar levels in both normal and diabetic mice just using 2.7 mg per pound of body weight. It works by blocking the activity of alpha-glucosidase enzyme which breaks down carbs in the small intestines. Lowering blood sugars helped diabetic nerve pain in as little as six weeks. More research is needed to determine how it may help humans.
Can Lion's Mane Help with Cancer?
In 2011, using test tubes lion’s mane extract was mixed with human cancer cells, which caused the cancer cells to die faster. It was several types of cancer cells including liver, colon, stomach, and blood cancer cells. It also showed that it also slowed the spread of cancer.
A 2013 study of mice with colon cancer found that using lion’s mane extract reduced the spread of cancer to the lungs by 69%. Another 2014 study with lion’s mane was more effective than traditional cancer medications at slowing the tumor growth in mice with fewer side effects. This has never been tested on humans.
Antioxidant Research
The antioxidants can potentially reduce chronic inflammation. In 2012 a study examining the antioxidant abilities of 14 different mushroom species found that lion’s mane was 4th highest antioxidant activity. Several animal studies have found lion’s mane may be especially useful in managing inflammatory bowel disease, liver damage, and stroke. Again more studies to be on humans.
Can Lion's Mane Help with Your Brain and Alzheimers?
On Pubmed Central, you can find several studies on everything, from the brain's ability to grow and form new connections due to two compounds that stimulate cells: hericenones and erinacines.
A study in 2020 of patients who had mild Alzheimers found that 1 gram over 49 weeks improved cognitive test scores. Another study found that lion’s mane sped up the recovery from nervous system injuries. This may help the severity of brain damage after a stroke.
Studies on Menopausal Women
In 2010 a study of menopausal women found taking lion's mane daily for a month helped reduce feelings of irritation and anxiety.
Studies on it's Effect on Immunity
In 2012, studies showed it helped boost the immune system. Animals taking lion’s mane daily helped protect the body from pathogens that entered the gut through the mouth or nose. The study found lion’s mane extract daily nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with lethal doses of salmonella bacteria.
Lion’s mane has been shown through several studies on animals with great success in results however more research is needed on humans.
Dosage and Research on Pubmed
There is no standard dosage for lion’s mane due to ongoing studies. However, the safest most beneficial amounts depend on age and overall health. Please speak with a medical doctor like Dr. James Sturm before taking it.
It's suggested for cognition to be 3-5 grams daily.
In a 2020 study, patients aged 50+ with mild Alzheimer's disease symptoms showed significantly improved cognitive function after taking three 350mg capsules daily for 49 weeks.
In 2019, 77 patients taking three 400mg capsules daily for 8 weeks helped relieve depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders who were overweight or obese.
Side Effects of Lion's Mane
Anyone who is allergic or sensitive to mushrooms should avoid lion’s mane.
No studies involving humans on Pubmed have examined the side effects of lion’s mane or its extract, however it appears to be very safe.
However, if you have any breathing issues or skin rashes after exposure to lion’s mane, likely related to allergies, you should stop and go to the emergency room.
Where Can I Buy Lion's Mane from?
Make sure to get lion's mane mushrooms from someone who's researched it. We have it in our doctor's office to buy right now. It has been researched and handpicked by Dr. Sturm D.O. DABA, FIPP. If you have questions or would like to buy some come in or call us at (636) 244-5004.