Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Common Names
Hedgehog mushroom, yamabuskitake, houtou, Monkey’s Head, Bear’s Head.
Natural Habitat
North America, Europe, China and Japan.
Key Components
Polysaccharides; erinacines, herincenones; beta D-glucans; nerve growth stimulating factor (NGF); ergosterol (provitamin D2).
Overview
Lion’s Mane is a unique “toothed fungus,” composed of cascading downward pointing spines. A gourmet culinary mushroom once reserved for royal palates1, Lion’s Mane has a delicious vermicelli-like texture and distinctive seafood flavor, sometimes described as being similar to lobster.2 Lion’s Mane has been found to contain substances that exhibit an ability to speed the repair and regeneration of nerves.3
In traditional Chinese medicine, Lion’s Maine is used to support the five primary organs and to promote strength, good digestion, and overall vigor. Lion’s Mane is also prescribed for ulcers and chronic gastritis4.
Perhaps the most exciting discovery concerning Lion’s Mane is a group of compounds called erinacines which stimulate nerve regrowth.5 Now known as nerve growth stimulant (NGS) factor, these compounds increase production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is responsible for nerve health and repair, and plays a key role in a number of neurological functions.6
Supplementation with Lion’s Mane extract has been shown to improve myelination7, the process whereby a fatty layer called myelin accumulates around nerve cells, protecting them and allowing them to transmit information faster and perform more complex brain functions. Low levels of NGF are found in early stages of both Alzheimer’s and dementia8. NGS factor from erinancines exhibit the ability to stimulate neurons to re-grow, suggesting application for the treatment of cognitive decline and neurological trauma9.
Lion’s Mane has been shown clinically beneficial in mild and severe cognitive decline. In one study with dementia patients, 6 out of 7 patients showed improvement in functional capacity (ability to understand, communicate, and remember), and all 7 improved in functional independence (ability to carry out essential daily tasks such as dressing, eating, and walking)10. Another double-blind study involving patients with mild cognitive impairment found a control group taking Lion’s Mane supplements showed significantly increased scores on cognitive function tests compared with those taking a placebo11.
Lion’s Mane demonstrates promising benefits for MS patients due to its ability to increase myelin production, the breakdown of which is responsible for the symptoms of MS. In addition, Lion’s Mane’s immune-modulating properties help suppress the chronic inflammatory response that causes brain destruction in neurodegenerative disorders such as MS12.
Lion’s Mane shows promising applications for speeding nerve regrowth and regeneration following injury or trauma. One study with Sprague-Dawley rats showed that supplementation with Lion’s Mane resulted in faster recovery following nerve injury13.
NGF also accelerates wound healing and is involved with pain sensitivity and sensory function. NGF stimulates the function of the immune system, for which has NGF specific receptor sites14.
Traditionally indicated for gastric upset, the cyathine derivatives in Lion’s Mane show antibacterial action against the Heliobacter pylori bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. Interestingly, a compound has also been isolated from Lion’s Mane active against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic resistant infection commonly a problem in hospitals settings15.
1 Stamets, P., 2002. MycoMedicinals: An Informational Treatise on Mushrooms. MycoMedia, Olympia, WA, p. 46
2 Stamets, P., 2005. Notes on nutritional properties of culinary-medicinal mushrooms. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 7:109-116.
3 Wong, K.H., et al. 2012. Neuroregenerative potential of Lion’s Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 14 (5), 427-446.
4 Hobbs, C., 1986. Medicinal Mushrooms: an Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Cultures. Botanica Press, p. 194
5 Powell, M., 2010. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, Mycology Press, East Sussex U.K., p. 58
6 Shimbo, Mari, Hirokazu Kawagishi, and Hidehiko Yokogoshi. Erinacine A increases catecholamine and nerve growth factor content in the central nervous system of rats. Nutrition Research 25.6 (2005).
7 Kolotushkina, E. V., et al. The influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro. Fiziolohichnyĭ zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine: 1994) 49.1 (2003).
8 Powell, M., 2010. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, Mycology Press, East Sussex U.K., p. 58
9 Stamets, P., 2002. MycoMedicinals: An Informational Treatise on Mushrooms. MycoMedia, Olympia, WA, p. 46
10 The anti-dementia effect of Lion’s Mane mushroom and its clinical application. Kawagishi H, Zhuang C, Shnidman E. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, 2004
11 Mori, Koichiro, et al. Improving effects of the mushroom yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research 23.3 (2009).
12 Powell, M., 2010. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, Mycology Press, East Sussex U.K., p. 59
13 Wong, Kah-Hui, et al. Functional recovery enhancement following injury to rodent peroneal nerve by Lion’s Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 11.3 (2009).
14 Powell, M., 2010. Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, Mycology Press, East Sussex U.K.
15 Kawagishi, Hirokazu. Anti-MRSA compounds from Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 7.3 (2005).
Research
1. Erinacines E, F, and G, stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF)-synthesis, from the mycelia of Hericium erinaceum
Kawagishi, H., et al. Tetrahedon Letters. 1996. 37 (41), 7399-7402.
Researchers looked at several compounds, designated erinacines E, F, and G, found in the mycelia of Lion’s Mane mushroom. In an in vitro experiment, two of the compounds, erinacines E and F, stimulated astroglial cells (a certain type of brain cell) to produce nerve growth factor, an important protein for brain cell growth.
2. Erinacine A increases catecholamine and nerve growth factor content in the central nervous system of rats
Shimbo, M., et al. Nutrition Research. 2005. 25 (6), 617-623.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers sought to determine the effects of erinacine A, a compound found in Lion’s Mane mushroom, on the brain health of rats. Rats were administered erinacine A for five weeks beginning at birth. The treated rats had higher levels of noradrenaline (an important neurotransmitter), homovanillic acid (a catecholamine) and nerve growth factor (a protein required for the growth of certain types of brain cells).
3. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells
Mori, K., et al. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2008. 31 (9), 1727-1732.
In this in vitro and in vivo series of experiments, researchers looked at the effects of mushroom extracts on nerve growth factor gene expression. They produced ethanol extracts of four mushrooms and tested their effects in vitro. Only the extract from Hericium erinaceus, or Lion’s Mane, stimulated the expression of nerve growth factor messenger RNA and the secretion of nerve growth factor. Researchers believe the likely mechanism of action is via the JNK signaling pathway. In vivo, mice given Lion’s Mane powder in their diet showed increased expression of nerve growth factor messenger RNA.
4. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Mori, K., et al. Phytotherapy Research. 2009. 23 (3), 367-372.
In this double-blind, placebo controlled study, researchers examined the effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) on cognitive impairment. Japanese senior citizens were given either Lion’s Mane or a placebo for 16 weeks. Those receiving Lion’s Mane scored markedly higher on cognitive tests and showed no side effects. Four weeks after the Lion’s Mane was discontinued, cognitive test scores declined. Researchers conclude that Lion’s Mane is helpful for cognitive impairment.
5. The influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro
Kolotushkina, E.V., et al. Fiziologichnyj Zhurnal. 2003. 49 (1), 38-45.
In this in vitro experiment, researchers looked at the effects of Hericium erinaceus, or Lion’s Mane, on myelination of nerves. They treated nerve and glial cells with an extract of Hericium and observed the results. The cells grew normally, while the myelination process began earlier and at a greater rate in the treated cells compared to control cells. Researchers conclude that Hericium helped to regulate myelination with no toxic effects.
6. Functional recovery enhancement following injury to rodent peroneal nerve by Lion’s Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae)
Wong, K.H., et al. International Journal of Medical Mushrooms. 2009. 11 (3), 225-236.
Researchers examined the effects of an extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) on nerve injury in rats. Injury to the axonotmetic peroneal nerve was induced in rats. One group was given Lion’s Mane extract daily for several weeks; the control group did not receive Lion’s Mane. Researchers evaluated recovery by examining walking behavior and toe-spreading reflex. The rats who received the extract recovered significantly faster by both measures as compared to the control group. Researchers believe that the administration of the extract at the beginning of the recovery period was key to its effectiveness.
7. Anti-MRSA compounds from Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers.
Kawagishi, H. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2005. 7 (3).
In this series of in vitro experiments, researchers identified extracts made from the various parts of Hericium erinaceus that were effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and isolated the active compounds. Through their methods, they isolated five compounds that were effective against MRSA.
8. Hypoglycemic effect of extract of Hericium erinaceus
Wang, J.C., et al. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2005. 85, 641-646.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers produced a methanol extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) and examined its effects on blood sugar levels. The extract was included in the daily diet of one group of diabetic rats; a control group was given no extract. The treated rats had lower blood sugar levels than untreated rats. The control group exhibited more excessive thirst than the treated rats. In addition, rats given greater doses of the extract showed greater beneficial changes in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels compared to rats given smaller doses of the extract.
9. Hericium erinaceus enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Lee, J.S., and Hong, E.K. Cancer Letters. 2010. 297 (2), 144-154.
In this study, researchers sought to determine the mechanism of action by which Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) suppresses cancer growth. They looked at the effects of Hericium on liver cancer cells. They discovered that Lion’s Mane helps boost the effects of doxorubicin, a cancer drug that stimulates apoptosis (cell death). It helps to increase the amount of intracellular doxorubicin by suppressing NF-kB, a protein complex that is involved in immune system response. Researchers believe that Lion’s Mane combined with doxorubicin therapy may be beneficial in cases of drug-resistant liver cancers.
10. Cytoprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus on gastric mucosa in rats
Yu, C.G., et al. Chinese Journal of Gastroenterology. 1999-02.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers examined the effects of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) on gastric mucosa injury. One group of rats was treated with Lion’s Mane before injury was induced; another group was treated with Lion’s Mane after injury. Gastric ulcers were inhibited 62% in rats treated before injury and 91% in rats treated after injury. The Lion’s Mane also boosted appetite, decreased swelling and inflammation, and decreased hemorrhagic necrosis. Researchers conclude that Lion’s Mane may help protect the gastric mucosa.
11. Potential activity of aqueous extract of culinary-medicinal Lion’s Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in accelerating wound healing in rats.
Abdulla, M.A., et al. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2011. 13 (1), 33-39.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers induced neck wounds in rats and examined the effects of an extract of Lion’s Mane on healing. The animals were divided into groups and their wounds were treated with sterile water, wound gel, or one of three dose sizes of Lion’s Mane extract. Those receiving either the gel or the Lion’s Main healed more quickly. Rats treated with Lion’s Mane had less scar tissue and more collagen formation with the development of new blood vessels. Researchers conclude that an extract of Lion’s Mane can speed wound healing.
12. Effect of culinary-medicinal Lion’s Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae), on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats
Abdulla, M.A., et al. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2008. 10 (4), 325-330.
In this in vivo study involving rats, researchers looked at the effects of freeze dried Lion’s Mane on gastric mucosal injury. Rats were given water, omeprazole (a drug used to treat reflux), a smaller dose of Lion’s Mane, or a larger dose of Lion’s Mane. Then gastric mucosal injury was induced in each rat. The rats who received either the larger dose of Lion’s Mane or omeprazole had significantly less damage compared to the controls and compared to the rats who got the smaller doses of Lion’s Mane. Researchers conclude that Lion’s Mane can help protect against gastric mucosal damage.
13. Activity of aqueous extracts of Lion’s Mane mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) on the neural cell line NG108-15
Wong, K.H., et al. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2007. 9 (1), 57-65.
In this in vitro study, researchers examined the effects of extracts of Lion’s Mane mushroom on neurites (outgrowths from a neuron cell that help make connections with other cells to form neural networks). They tested extracts derived from two parts of the mushroom, the mycelium and the fruiting body. While both extracts stimulated neurite outgrowth, the mycelium extract had a much greater effect.
14. Neurotropic and trophic action of Lion’s Mane mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) extracts on nerve cells in vitro
Moldavan, M., et al. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2007. 9 (1), 15-28.
In this in vitro study, researchers studied the effects of Lion’s Mane extracts on rat brains. Researchers treated rat brain samples with L-glutamic acid to induce excitation of the neurons, and followed it with treatment with Lion’s Mane mushroom extract. The extract suppressed the activity of neurons, but did not inhibit other neuron activity such as cell growth. It also improved myelination of nerve fibers. There were no toxic effects observed.
