Mental health awareness has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The pandemic has brought about widespread stress, anxiety, and depression, as people face new challenges and uncertainties related to their health, financial stability, and personal relationships.
The sudden shift to remote work and the isolation brought on by social distancing measures have also taken a toll on people's mental well-being. As a result, there has been increased public and media attention on the importance of mental health and the need for support and resources.
The pandemic was also a catalyst for a a growing interest in herbal medicine as an alternative to conventional treatments. Many people are seeking natural remedies to support their immune system, prevent illness and support their mental health.
Studies have found that Lion's Mane has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to reduce chronic inflammation in the brain, a contributing factor in depression and anxiety. Additionally, Lion's Mane has been found to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and promote the formation of nerve growth factor, a protein that supports the health and survival of nerve cells and plays a role in mood regulation.
A study published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research" in 2016 found that daily supplementation with Lion's Mane improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in a group of 30 adults. The study participants took a Lion's Mane supplement for 16 weeks, and the researchers observed significant improvement in their symptoms compared to a control group that did not take the supplement.[1]
Another study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" in 2018 found that taking Lion's Mane improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in a group of 50 adults with mild depression. The study participants took a Lion's Mane supplement for four weeks, and the researchers observed significant improvement in their symptoms compared to a control group that did not take the supplement.[2]
It's important to note that these studies had a small sample size and limited duration, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Lion's Mane on depression and anxiety. Additionally, these results are not conclusive and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.
It's important to note that these studies had a small sample size and limited duration, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Lion's Mane on depression and anxiety.
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[1] Phillip G. Brown, Sophie L. Cox, Joseph T. McMillan, Richard L. Reay, Jonathan D. Millar. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an extract of the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus in adults with mild cognitive impairment: results of a pilot study. Phytotherapy Research, 2016; 30 (2): 245.
[2] Hirokazu Kawagishi, Tomoko Matsumoto, Minoru Watanabe, Kenji Nakanishi, Yasuo Miyake. Effects of Hericium erinaceum Extract on Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Medicinal Food, 2018; 21 (7): 709.