The beautiful lion’s mane (hericium erinaceus) mushroom is known for its ability to support brain health and improve cognitive function. The compounds erinacines and hericenones, found in lion’s mane, stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein responsible for the development and survival of neurons (brain cells) (1). This has been linked to better cognitive performance in humans and has been shown to help protect against Alzheimer’s disease in mice (2)(3). Beyond their ability to support brain health, lion’s mane mushrooms are traditionally known to reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, protect against chronic inflammation and fight tumors.
Referenced sources:
Lai, PL, Naidu, M. (2013) Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia.
Tsai-Teng, T, Chin-Chu, C, et al. (2016) Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice.
Zhang, J, An, S. (2016) The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model.