Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a medical mushroom widely used in traditional medicine. The lion's mane mushroom is believed to contain antioxidants and can improve various brain functions, such as protecting nerve cells.
The Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom is a large white fungus that has lion-like mushrooms. This plant contains bioactive compounds that can be beneficial for health. The lion sulfur mushroom is commonly used in traditional medicine and food processing in Asian countries such as China, India, Japan, and Korea. You can find lion’s mane mushrooms in many forms, including powder and capsules, on the market today.
The lion’s mane mushroom supplement is believed to be beneficial for brain function and digestion. Retrieved from Healthline, here are some of the benefits of lion's mane mushrooms:
Preventing dementia
Dementia is a group of symptoms characterised by a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, most commonly seen in the elderly. Multiple disorders can harm the brain's nerve cells, leading to this condition.
Research has shown that the polyphenols, hericenone and erinacine found in the lion's mane mushrooms can promote the proliferation of brain cells. Research on mild Alzheimer's patients suggests that the lion's mane mushrooms may help keep brain function intact for longer by promoting nerve cell growth and protecting the brain from damage associated with the disease.
Alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders
One of the numerous factors that can lead to anxiety and depression is inflammation, particularly chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of the lion's mane mushroom extract have alleviated depressive and anxious symptoms in mouse studies.
Research on animals has shown that the lion's mane extract can promote cell regeneration and enhance function in the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for processing memories and emotions. Animals given the lion's mane mushroom extract showed less symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is thought to be due to the enhancement of hippocampus function.
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It aids in the recovery of nervous system injuries
Scientific research on animals has shown that an extract from the lion's mane mushroom can hasten the healing process after nervous system injuries. Taking the lion's mane mushroom after a stroke may lessen the impact of the severity on your brain because it promotes the growth and repair of nerve cells.
Alleviates symptoms of gastric ulcer
One of the causes of gastric ulcers is the overgrowth of H. pylori bacteria. Some studies have revealed that the lion's mane extract can prevent bacterial growth in test tubes and protect the stomach lining from damage. Still, no studies have tested whether the extract has the same effect on the digestive system.
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Obesity and high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood are some of the risk factors for heart disease. Research has shown that the lion’s mane mushroom extract can boost fat metabolism and lower triglyceride levels in the blood.
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Lion's Mane Mushroom Side Effects
Although the lion's mane mushroom has demonstrated promising results in animal studies, it is unclear whether it would have the same beneficial effect on injuries to the neurological system in humans.
To do that, talking to a medical professional before using the lion's mane mushroom is wise. Do not take this supplement if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to mushrooms; if this occurs while taking it, discontinue use and consult a medical professional. The consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded on your phone, can provide you with further health.
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- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
Julson, E. (2018). 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects). [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom.
www.webmd.com. (n.d.). LION’S MANE MUSHROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1536/lions-mane-mushroom.
Verywell Mind. (n.d.). The Health Benefits of This Medicinal Mushroom. [online] Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-lions-mane-89474#toc-potential-health-benefits-of-lions-mane [Accessed 2 Feb. 2024].