Lion’s mane became famous primarily as an adaptogen.
Like other adaptogenic mushrooms, such as chaga and reishi, lion’s mane functions as a stress booster. Supplementing with this fungus regularly may help cope with anxiety by regulating the body’s natural stress responses.
Besides using lion’s mane for mood support, emerging studies suggest the mushroom may also aid the nervous system. The mushroom exerts its neuroprotective effects without inducing the unpleasant reactions associated with conventional remedies.
Here’s an in-depth look at lion’s mane and its positive effects on the nervous system.
Introducing Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a large, white mushroom beloved for its delectable taste and nutritional value. The fungus is also a powerful nootropic.
The name “lion’s mane” derives from the mushroom’s shaggy spines, which dangle gracefully like the King of the Jungle’s majestic mane.
Exploring Lion’s Mane’s Active Compounds
Numerous compounds are responsible for lion’s mane’s benefits. However, most studies cite two specific substances - hericenones and erinacines.
Hericenones and erinacines belong to a class of bioactive compounds known as terpenoids. The substances occur in different levels in various parts of the lion’s mane.
Studies have shown that hericenones are concentrated in lion’s mane’s fruiting body. Meanwhile, erinacines are high in the fungus’s mycelium.
Besides terpenoids, polysaccharides like beta-glucans also account for lion’s mane mushrooms’ healing benefits.
Beta-glucans contain powerful immunomodulatory properties, enabling them to regulate the body’s natural immune responses. The compounds also work synergistically with hericenones and erinacines to support healthy nerve functioning.
Other active ingredients in lion’s mane include ergothioneine, corallocins, gallic acid, and caffeic acid.
How Does Lion’s Mane Support the Nervous System?
1. Stimulating NGF
Lion’s mane’s nootropic properties are rooted in its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF).
NGF is a protein involved in various nerve functions. It notably supports the production and development of neurons.
According to a recent study, lion’s mane elevates NGF production through its principal bioactive compounds – hericenones and erinacines.
Both substances impact certain intracellular signaling pathways responsible for neuroregulation.
2. Promoting Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis denotes the synthesis of new neurons. It’s one of the immediate consequences of a stimulated NGF.
While lion’s mane can induce neurogenesis throughout the body, findings indicate the mushroom particularly stimulates neuronal synthesis in the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is the brain region largely responsible for memory consolidation and mood regulation.
3. Aiding Nerve Repair
Lion’s mane may accelerate nerve repair. Supplementing with this nootropic mushroom may help restore nerve functioning, particularly after a devastating injury or illness.
Accelerating neuroregeneration is one of the reasons experts recommend taking lion’s mane for brain health. The mushroom’s active compounds stimulate nerve regrowth by inducing myelination.
4. Enhancing Cognitive Functions
Grappling with cognitive decline?
Whether your condition is due to old age or a chronic illness, you can safely take lion’s mane for mental clarity. Lion’s mane aids cognitive performance by supporting neuronal health.
Administering the mushroom might help to manage various cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
5. Alleviating Inflammation
Inflammation can impair neuronal performance, causing symptoms like incoordination.
Lion’s mane contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The mushroom may reduce neuroinflammation, enhancing overall neuronal functions.
Starting a wellness regimen, but can’t figure out the products to start with?
How about you make lion’s mane mushrooms the cornerstone of your new routine!
6. Preventing Chronic Ailments
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s are typically progressive. Fortunately, you may slow down their progression using lion’s mane supplements.
Most lion’s mane compounds are antioxidants.
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals, a complex biological process that minimizes disease risks. As an antioxidant, lion’s mane’s nervous system benefits may help nip chronic ailments in the bud. The mushroom may boost your overall immunity, helping prevent even non-neuronal conditions.
7. Soothing Anxiety
Like other adaptogenic mushrooms, lion’s mane might help combat stress and anxiety. Various compounds in the mushroom may soothe nervousness by modulating the signaling of key ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
But how does stress impact nerve functioning?
Multiple studies point to a correlation between high stress levels and nerve function impairments.
Intense nervousness can impact virtually all cognitive faculties. Without timely interventions, persistent anxiety may worsen the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Lion’s mane doesn’t just help you cope with stress. The mushroom may also prevent stress-induced neuronal abnormalities, improving your overall bodily functions.
Choosing The Best Lion’s Mane Products
Lion’s mane comes in diverse products, including edibles like gummies. Gummies provide a convenient way to administer the mushroom.
Each piece contains a predetermined lion’s mane concentration, eliminating the hassles of measuring your serving portions with each dosage.
Gummies are also discreet. You can pop and chew them anywhere, including in public spaces, without drawing the spotlight to you.
However, insist on lion’s mane gummies from established stores. Sample customer reviews online to validate a store’s reputation before sourcing lion’s mane supplements from them.
Besides, choose lion’s mane gummies formulated with all-natural ingredients. Shun products laced with contaminants.
Even better, choose gummies infused with lion’s mane alongside other therapeutic compounds. Adaptogenic mushrooms like chaga, reishi, and shiitake can all maximize lion’s mane’s neuroprotective effects.
Other potent nootropics include delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), chamomile, green tea, and ginger.
Lion’s Mane FAQs
1. Is lion’s mane a nootropic?
Many consider lion’s mane a nootropic due to its ability to stimulate NGF, resulting in improved cognitive performance.
2. What are lion’s mane’s most bioactive compounds?
Hericenones and erinacines account for most of lion’s mane’s neuroprotective effects.
3. Can taking lion’s mane offer other therapeutic benefits?
Besides supporting nerve functions, lion’s mane is also an effective adaptogen.
4. What’s the best time to take lion’s mane?
The ideal time to consume mushrooms depends on the desired effects. Integrate lion’s mane gummies into your breakfast to rev up your cognitive functions, or consume them at bedtime to mellow you down.
5. Will lion’s mane get me high?
Unlike hallucinogenic mushrooms, lion’s mane is non-psychoactive and won’t get you high.
Unlocking Lion’s Mane’s Health Benefits With Premium Supplements
Lion’s mane’s neuroprotective properties are well-documented. While the mushroom supports nervous functions in diverse ways, it’s best known for activating nerve growth factor production.
A healthy nervous system aids mobility and coordination. It also enhances various cognitive functions, including attention span, mental concentration, and memory consolidation.
Besides, healthy nerve functioning is essential for involuntary physiological activities like breathing, heartbeat, digestion, and excretion.
The best part about lion’s mane is that it’s remarkably safer than conventional neuroprotective interventions. However, insist on high-quality supplements by renowned brands.
Assess the safety of all the ingredients in each lion’s mane edible before administering the products. Ideally, you’d want to prioritize supplements that are richer in lion’s mane (plus other neuroprotective botanicals) but lower in contaminants and additives.
