The ‘little-known’ supplement has the potential to reduce inflammation, act as an antioxidant, and boost the immune system
A ‘little-known’ veg, that you can take as a supplement, has been shown to work wonders for overall health and wellbeing. According to various studies, lion’s mane mushrooms are packed full of nutrients that could help reduce your risk of chronic illnesses – including heart disease, dementia, depression and more.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are big, white, shaggy fungi that look like a lion’s mane as they mature. They hold bioactive substances that provide various benefits to the body, particularly the brain, heart, and gut.
Rhysa Phommachanh, healthcare expert at Landys Chemist , explained: “Lion’s Mane is packed with compounds that support brain health and mental clarity. It’s especially popular among students, professionals, and older adults looking to boost cognitive function and memory naturally, while also providing a natural alternative to synthetic supplements.
“They are best tolerated before or during a meal as this helps reduce the risk of any gastrointestinal discomfort as recommended for most dietary supplements. You can even add a powdered form to your tea or coffee as part of your routine.”
Holland and Barrett is selling a bottle of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms with Ginseng and Omega-3 for £12 – down from £24.50. There are 60 capsules in a bottle, meaning each pill costs just 20p.
1. Cognitive function
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms contain compounds such as hericenones and erinacines. These can stimulate nerve growth factor production and, in turn, support brain health, memory, and focus.
Research also indicates that Lion’s Mane Mushrooms may have neuroprotective properties due to its ability to promote nerve growth and repair, which could potentially aid in the prevention or management of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
In a study conducted in 2020, individuals with mild Alzheimer’s disease who took 1 gram of lion’s mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks showed a notable enhancement in cognitive test scores when compared to those who were given a placebo.
Lion’s mane mushroom and its extracts have also demonstrated the ability to decrease memory loss symptoms in mice and protect against neuronal damage from amyloid-beta plaques. These are known to build up in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Mental health support
Evidence suggests that consuming Lion’s Mane Mushrooms can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression due to their anti-inflammatory properties. This mushroom also supports the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which may help regulate mood and promote overall mental well-being.
A small study conducted in 2010 with menopausal women revealed that consuming cookies with lion’s mane mushrooms on a daily basis for a month led to a decrease in self-reported feelings of irritation and anxiety. Studies on animals have also shown that lion’s mane mushroom extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice.
3. System boost
Lion’s Mane contains polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, which are compounds that can help enhance the immune system and help fend off illness and infection. Studies on rats have shown that lion’s mane extract may accelerate the healing process of nervous system injuries, although there is a lack of research involving humans.
4. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Due to containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, factors which are associated with many chronic diseases. It could also potentially help with managing diabetes by enhancing blood sugar control and alleviating certain side effects.
Studies indicate that lion’s mane extract has the potential to impact these variables and lower the chances of developing heart disease. Lion’s mane mushrooms are rich in hericenone B, a compound that has been shown to reduce blood clotting and potentially lower the chances of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
In a study conducted in 2012 to assess the antioxidant properties of 14 mushroom species, lion’s mane was identified as having the fourth highest antioxidant activity. The study suggested that lion’s mane could be a beneficial dietary source of antioxidants.
5. Digestive health
Lion’s Mane could also improve digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gut lining. This can potentially aid with conditions like ulcers and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
In 2016, a study on individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis revealed that the consumption of a mushroom supplement with 14% lion’s mane extract led to a notable decrease in symptoms and an enhancement in quality of life within a span of three weeks. But, the herbal supplement used in the research contained various types of mushrooms, making it challenging to draw conclusions specifically about the effects of lion’s mane.
6. Menopausal symptom relief
Preliminary research has indicated that supplementing Lion’s Mane Mushrooms could provide symptomatic relief for women going through menopause, such as sleep disturbance and mood swings. This is potentially due to its beneficial effect on NGFs and cognitive enhancement.
Who should not take Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?
Rhysa Phommachanh warns: “Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are generally considered safe to consume as part of a daily supplement regime for most people. However, for some individuals, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, those taking blood thinners or medication for diabetes or individuals with mushroom allergies, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before taking them.”
Research on animals indicates that lion’s mane mushroom and its extracts are generally considered safe, even in large amounts. Nevertheless, there have been cases of allergic reactions in humans, therefore individuals with a known mushroom allergy should steer clear of it.
Important things to remember:
Despite the promising results of ongoing research, further studies with human participants is required in order to develop practical health applications for lion’s mane mushrooms. It is also important to remember that even though vitamin and mineral supplements are fine to take, it is beneficial to obtain such nutrients directly from food.
Always speak to your doctor first before making any drastic diet or lifestyle changes, and to check if certain supplements are safe for you to take.
