Scientific Studies on Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. Numerous scientific studies now support its therapeutic properties in the cognitive, emotional, digestive, and neurological spheres, confirming its real health benefits.
Benefits for cognitive and emotional health
Several studies have highlighted Lion's Mane extract's ability to improve key cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and learning. The main agents responsible for these effects are active compounds known as erinacines and hericenones, which easily cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF is an essential protein that helps regenerate neurons and strengthen their connections, processes essential for maintaining brain health (Li et al., 2018; Sabaratnam et al., 2013).
The study conducted by Vigna et al. (2019) showed a notable improvement in cognitive abilities after 12 weeks of Lion's Mane supplementation in older adults. In parallel, the research led by Okamura et al. (2015) showed a significant reduction in symptoms associated with anxiety and depression after four weeks of daily consumption of Hericium erinaceus, suggesting a promising application in the natural management of emotional stress.
Support for digestive system and gut health
Lion's Mane has been shown to be effective in protecting and improving gastrointestinal health. Its high polysaccharide and phenolic compound content exerts strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal mucosa, helping to reduce lesions caused by inflammation and oxidative stress (Friedman, 2015).
A notable study by Rossi et al. (2018) revealed that Hericium erinaceus extracts can significantly alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, thanks to its ability to positively modulate the gut microbiome and reduce levels of inflammatory substances in the body.
Why is Lion's Mane beneficial for health?
The therapeutic benefits of Lion's Mane stem from its ability to stimulate fundamental biological processes such as neuronal regeneration, reducing inflammation, and improving the intestinal environment. These properties not only offer specific and direct improvements but also strengthen the body as a whole against stress, chronic inflammation, and the effects of aging.
Scientific studies cited
- Li, I.-C., et al. (2018) . Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines . Behavioral Neurology.
- Sabaratnam, V., et al. (2013) . Hericium erinaceus: an amazing medicinal mushroom . Mycological Progress.
- Vigna, L., et al. (2019) . Acute effects of a standardized extract of Hericium erinaceus on cognition and mood . International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.
- Okamura, H., et al. (2015) . Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake . Biomedical Research.
- Friedman, M. (2015) . Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus . Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
- Rossi, P., et al. (2018) . Hericium erinaceus, a medicinal fungus with a centuries old history and evidence in gastrointestinal diseases . World Journal of Gastroenterology.
- Kolotushkina, EV, et al. (2022) . Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its bioactive compounds promote oligodendrocyte maturation . Neurochemical Research.
At NUALAT, our mission is to offer natural products supported by the most solid scientific evidence, thus guaranteeing the highest quality, safety, and efficacy in each of our extracts.
