Lion's mane – Good for the brain? article image

Lion's mane – Good for the brain?

Lion's mane - Good for the brain?

Lion's mane is a mushroom that got its fantastic name due to its unusual appearance, namely that it looks like a white lion's mane! The Latin name for Lion's mane is Hericium erinaceus and is also known as Hedgehog mushroom in Swedish.

Where does Lion's mane grow?

Lion's mane mushroom grows wild in forests around the world and is known to grow on dead or dying trees, especially deciduous trees such as oak and maple. It also grows in Sweden but is unfortunately rare and therefore also protected here. It is also possible to cultivate Lion's mane for commercial use, such as for dietary supplements and food production, or personal consumption. Cultivation allows for control over environmental conditions and promotes reliable and sustainable production of the mushroom.

Lion's mane nutritional content

Lion's mane contains compounds and various active substances that have caught the attention of researchers due to their potential health benefits. Below are some of the main active substances that have been identified in the Lion's mane mushroom:

Polysaccharides:

Lion's mane contains several different so-called polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans. Polysaccharides are a group of complex carbohydrates, important components of fungal cell walls, and have been shown to have immunomodulatory properties, i.e., an effect on the immune system.

Erinacins:

Erinacins are a group of compounds found in Lion's Mane that, according to some studies, can affect the body's production of NGF, which stands for "nerve growth factor". NGF is a protein factor involved in the growth, survival and differentiation of nerve cells.

Hericenones:

Hericenones are another group of compounds (also acting as antioxidants) that have also been linked to NGF.

Sterols:

Lion's mane also contains sterols, which are chemical compounds similar to steroids. These compounds possess a range of properties and have been studied for their potential health benefits.

Peptides:

The mushroom contains peptides, which are short chains of amino acids. Some peptides in Lion's mane may have biological activity and may be involved in its special properties.

Vitamins and minerals:

Lion's mane contains a range of B vitamins but also several minerals.

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Fungi that occur with Lion's mane

There are a number of health mushrooms that are good to take together in supplement, food or powder form. Mushrooms that often occur together with Lion's mane are Cordyceps, Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake and Chaga. Below we describe these in more detail.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a group of fungi that includes several species, of which Cordyceps sinensis is one of the most studied and used in health contexts. Cordyceps is called Larvsvamp in Swedish as it is a parasitic fungus in mainly larvae. Cordyceps sinensis has been used in Chinese health philosophy for over 2000 years. It is considered an adaptogen and contains active compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Maitake

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) , known as Korallticka in Swedish, is a fascinating mushroom with interesting properties and a rich history in traditional Chinese health philosophy. Maitake, also known as the "dancing mushroom" in Japanese, gets its name from the historical anecdotes of people dancing for joy when they found the mushroom in the forest. Originally, the mushroom comes from Japan, China and North America.

Maitake, like several other health mushrooms, has a high content of active compounds such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans and is considered an adaptogen.

Reishi and Chaga are also often found together with Lion's mane. Read more about these mushrooms here .

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Long-standing traditional use

Lion's mane has a long history of health and culinary use in some cultures, particularly in East Asia. In China and other East Asian countries, Lion's mane has been used in traditional Chinese health philosophy to support various health conditions. It is said to have been used to promote the immune system, nervous system, and mental ability, among other things.

The mushroom has traditionally been used as part of the diet as it is believed to promote general well-being. Its nutritional profile and potential health benefits have made it a popular supplement.

Lion's mane has a long history of culinary use. In some Asian cuisines, the mushroom has been used to add flavor and texture to various dishes. Its mild and delicate flavor makes it a popular addition to soups, stir-fries, and other dishes.

Does Lion's Mane Affect the Brain?

Lion's mane has been of interest in research due to its potential positive effects on the brain. Among other things, research has investigated whether substances found in the mushroom can improve memory, cognitive function and focus, as well as their potential impact on the immune system.

Cognitive function, memory and learning

Lion's mane contains, as described above, various compounds including erinacines and hericenones. These substances appear in studies to have an impact on the body's production of NGF, which in turn affects the nervous system and the binding of new nerve cells.

Many mushrooms and plants contain various substances that have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. Substances in Lion's mane have also proven interesting in this context. Reducing inflammation in the body in various ways can have positive effects on brain health.

Ingesting substances that have an impact on nerve growth and cognitive functions can also be linked to positive effects on depression and anxiety as they affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Nootropics

Nootropics is a term used to describe substances that have the potential to enhance cognitive functions, including memory, concentration, focus, learning, and creativity, without significant side effects. The term is derived from the Greek, where "nous" means mind and "tropos" means turning, thus "mind-turning" or "mind-enhancing".

Nootropics are often touted for their purported positive effects on brain performance and mental function. These substances can be natural, such as certain herbs and mushrooms, or synthetic, such as certain medications. Lion's mane is often classified as a so-called nootropic.

Other examples of substances classified as nootropics include:

  • Caffeine: Known to improve alertness and concentration
  • Ginko Biloba: An herb that is classified as a herbal medicine in Sweden and that promotes memory and improved cognitive function.
  • L-theanine: An amino acid found in green tea that is said to have relaxing and concentration-promoting properties.
  • Bacopa Monnieri: A plant that has been shown to improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and focus.
  • Racetam family: A group of synthetic compounds that includes piracetam and aniracetam and that have been investigated for their possible cognitive benefits.
  • Modafinil: A prescription drug used to treat sleep-related disorders and sometimes used to support cognitive function.

Lion's Mane: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers