Benefits of Lions Mane Mushroom

Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom More in Self-Improvement Holistic Health Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships In This Article Table of Contents Expand Uses Benefits Safety Where to Find It Using It for Health Lions mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, lions mane is widely available in supplement form. Scientific research shows that lions mane contains a number of health-promoting substances, including antioxidants and beta-glucan.?? Uses Proponents claim that lions mane can help with a variety of health problems, including: Alzheimers diseaseAnxietyDepressionHigh cholesterolInflammationParkinsons diseaseUlcers In addition, lions mane is said to strengthen the immune system, stimulate digestion, and protect against cancer. Benefits So far, research on the health effects of lions mane is fairly limited. However, findings from animal-based research, test-tube studies, and small clinical trials indicate that lions mane may offer certain health benefits. Heres a look at some key study findings: Brain Function Lions mane may benefit older adults with mild cognitive impairment, according to a small study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2009. For the study, researchers assigned 30 older adults with mild cognitive impairment to take either lions mane extract or a placebo every day for 16 weeks. In cognitive tests given at weeks eight, 12, and 16 of the study, members of the lions mane group showed significantly greater improvements compared to members of the placebo group.?? In a more recent study (published in Biomedical Research in 2011), scientists examined the effects of lions mane on brain function in mice. Results revealed that lions mane helped protect against memory problems caused by buildup of amyloid beta (a substance that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimers disease).?? Studies have also shown a possible neuro-protective effect against ischemic stroke.?? Depression Lions mane may help alleviate depression and anxiety, suggests a small study published in Biomedical Research in 2010. For the study, 30 menopausal women consumed cookies containing either lions mane or a placebo every day for four weeks. Analyzing study findings, researchers observed that members of the lions mane group were less irritable and anxious and had less difficulty concentrating than members of the placebo group.?? Cancer Preliminary research suggests that lions mane shows promise in protection against cancer. For instance, in a 2011 study from Food Function, tests on human cells revealed that lions mane may help knock out leukemia cells.?? In addition, a 2011 study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that lions mane extract helped reduce the size of cancerous colon tumors in mice.?? The studys findings suggest that lions mane may help fight off colon cancer, in part by increasing activity in certain cells involved in the immune response. Another study found that the extract might help reduce the spread of colon cancer cells to the lungs.?? However, its too soon to tell whether lions mane can help prevent colon cancer in humans. Safety Little is known about the safety of long-term use of lions mane supplements. However, theres some concern that lions mane may aggravate symptoms in people with allergies and asthma. Therefore, its important to consult your physician prior to using lions mane if you have a history of allergies and/or asthma. Where to Find It Widely available for purchase online, supplements containing lions mane are also sold in many natural-food stores and in stores specializing in dietary supplements. Using It for Health Due to a lack of supporting research, its too soon to recommend lions mane for any health condition. If youre considering the use of lions mane for a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen. Self-treating a chronic condition with lions mane and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.