Lion's Mane is known for its anti-inflammatory properties has been suggested to alleviate symptoms of mild depression and anxiety[15]. It is believed to enhance the functioning of the hippocampus[16], a brain region responsible for memory processing and emotional regulation. With its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which increase blood flow to the brain, Lion’s Mane is being studied for its ability to treat vascular dementia.[17]It has also been studied for its ability to protect against memory problems caused by the buildup of amyloid-beta—a substance that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.[18]

[15]Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231-237.https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231

[16]Ryu S, Kim HG, Kim JY, Kim SY, Cho KO. Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. J Med Food. 2018;21(2):174-180. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.4006

[17]Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y. and Tuchida, T. (2009), Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother. Res., 23: 367-372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634

[18]Woon-Man Kung, Ying-Jui Ho, Hiroshi Yoshizawa, Shinro Matsuo, Cheng-Yu Wei, "Behavioural and Cognitive Changes in Lewy Body Dementias", Behavioural Neurology, vol. 2018, Article ID 2404191, 2 pages, 2018.https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2404191

The Lion's Mane mushroom has two edible parts, the fruiting body and the mycelium, which contain the organic compounds Hericenones and Erinacines. Hericenones are obtained from the fruiting body of the mushroom, while erinacines are extracted from its mycelia. These compounds may have therapeutic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and can stimulate[19] the release of nerve growth factors (NGF). Lion's Mane is known for its ability to enhance NGF release. In the CNS, NGF plays a supportive role and is crucial for protecting both existing and developing neurons.

Polysaccharides extracted from Lion's Mane mushroom had neuroprotective effects by promoting the survival of nerve cells and modulating the activity of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which is involved in regulating nerve cell growth and survival.[20] Lion's Mane extracts have also increased the production of nerve growth factor, a protein that promotes the growth and survival of nerve cells, in a cell culture of brain tumor cells.[21] Lion's Mane also have been found to protect nerve cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and promoted the growth of nerve fibers in a cell culture model.[22]

Studies have demonstrated that Lion's Mane mushroom may have potential benefits for myelination. Myelination is the process by which the fatty insulation called myelin is formed around nerve fibers in the central and peripheral nervous system. Myelination is crucial for the proper functioning of nerve fibers and helps to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. Nerve fibers that are not myelinated, or that have damaged myelin, can result in impaired nerve function. One particular study found that extracts of Lion's Mane mushroom increased the production of nerve growth factor, a protein that is important for the growth and maintenance of myelin.[23]

[19] Ma, Bing-Ji & Shen, Jin-Wen & Yu, Hai-You & Ruan, Yuan & Wu, Ting-Ting & Zhao, Xu. (2010). Hericenones and erinacines: Stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. Mycology. 1. 92-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/21501201003735556

[20] "Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides exhibit neuroprotective activity through the regulation of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo" (Li et al., 2018)

[21] "Hericium erinaceus enhances nerve growth factor synthesis and secretion by C6 glioma cells" (Mori et al., 2009)

[22] "Hericium erinaceus extracts protect PC12 cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and enhance neurite outgrowth" (Zhang et al., 2014)

[23] "Hericium erinaceus enhances nerve growth factor synthesis and secretion by C6 glioma cells" (Mori et al., 2009)

Several studies have demonstrated Lion’s Mane’s ability to reduce inflammation in different areas of the body.

One study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of the Lion's Mane both in vitro (in cell cultures) and in vivo (in living organisms). It found that Lion’s Mane had anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in cell cultures. It also showed neuroprotective effects, protecting nerve cells from damage in cell cultures. These results suggest that lion's mane extract has potential therapeutic benefits for conditions involving inflammation and neurodegeneration.[24]

Another study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides extracted from the mushroom with results demonstrating the polysaccharides had anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and modulating the activity of two key signaling pathways involved in inflammation (MAPK and NF-κB).[25]

One study investigated the effects of Lion’s Mane on inflammation and oxidative stress in mice that were induced to become obese through a high-fat diet. The results showed that supplementing the mice's diet with lion's mane mushroom reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in both the liver and brain, compared to the control group. These findings suggest that lion's mane mushroom has potential therapeutic benefits for conditions involving inflammation and oxidative stress, particularly in the context of obesity.[26]

[24] “Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of the Lion's Mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes), in vitro and in vivo studies" (Wang et al., 2018)

[25] "Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides exhibit anti-inflammatory activity via MAPK and NF-κB pathways in vitro and in vivo" (Li et al., 2018)

[26] “Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Liver and Brain of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice" (Zhu et al., 2016)

It has properties that can enhance the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infections.[5]

[5]"Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides: Immune modulation and potential benefits for human health" by J.J. Lu, et al., published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules in 2015.

It has shown potential in improving heart health and reducing the risk of heart diseases.[6]

[6]"Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities" by J. Wang, et al., published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules in 2017.

It can improve digestion and gut health by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.[7]

[7]"The Effects of Hericium erinaceus Supplementation on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial" by H.S. Kim, et al., published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2017.

Some studies suggest that Lion's Mane has anti-cancer properties.[8]

[8]"Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides exhibit anti-tumor activity and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in human breast cancer cells" by J. Zhang, et al., published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules in 2017.