The Roaring Powers of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

The lion’s mane mushroom somewhat resembles its namesake – a stringy, white fruiting body which some say resembles the mane of a lion. It’s also referred to as the bearded hedgehog or the hedgehog mushroom.

While this mushroom isn’t a natural predator and doesn’t have a roar or lots of spikes, it does have a list of potential benefits almost as impressive as the big cat itself! Lion’s mane is a great all-rounder, with the potential to aid with a lot of different illnesses, diseases and ailments impacting the mind and body.

What does the science have to say about the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms? Let’s take a look!

What is Lion’s Mane Good For? Benefits of Lion’s Mane Extract

Lion’s Mane for Memory Loss

Lion’s mane mushrooms have been linked to assisting people struggling with brain decline and memory loss.

Studies have shown lion’s mane mushrooms have two compounds that can aid in stimulating the growth of brain cells, making it potentially beneficial for people with worsening mental function.

A study from 2020 found that 1 gram of lion’s mane daily for just under a year significantly improved cognitive test scores for people with mild Alzheimer’s disease, compared to those who took a placebo.

Scientists have undertaken a significant amount of research on animals when it comes to the benefits of lion’s mane for diseases like Alzheimer’s – a degenerative brain disease that causes progressive memory loss. Lion’s mane mushroom and its extracts reduced memory loss symptoms when tested on mice, and helped prevent damage to the neurons by toxic molecular forms that accumulate in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease.

While a lot of the research does come from animals at this stage due to some limitations when it comes to human studies, the ability of lion’s mane mushroom to protect the brain from Alzheimer's - related damage is an exciting potential for millions of families across the world.

Lion’s Mane to Help Mental Health

When investigating the causes of mental illnesses including anxiety and depression, one cause believed to be a contributing factor is chronic inflammation. 

With lion’s mane having anti-inflammatory effects, research has looked at whether mushroom extract can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results of a study released in 2018 discovered lion’s mane mushroom reduced anxiety and depression symptoms in mice; while a study of menopausal women in 2010 found taking lion’s mane daily (in a cookie!) helped reduce their reported feelings of irritation and anxiety.

Other studies have found lion’s mane can aid in regenerating brain cells and improve how the hippocampus (the region of the brain that processes memories and emotional responses) functions. Researchers have suggested improved hippocampus functioning may explain the reduction in anxious and depressive behaviours.

Lion’s Mane for Digestion

A healthier head, and a healthier stomach? Extensive research has been undertaken into the power of lion’s made for digestion – particularly when it comes to ulcers.

Studies have looked into whether lion’s mane extract can protect against the development of stomach ulcers, by stopping the growth of bacteria due to the long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs and protecting the stomach lining from damage.

Lion’s mane can also benefit when it comes to alcohol-induced stomach ulcers. A study from 2013 uncovered that lion’s mane extract was more effective at reducing them than a traditional stomach acid-lowering drug – and didn’t produce any negative side effects on test subjects.

Due to its anti-inflammatory powers, lion’s mane extract has benefits for reducing inflammation and preventing tissue damage across the greater gastroenterological area. Research has suggested it can aid in treating inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease. One study found that ulcerative colitis symptoms were significantly reduced, leading to improved quality of life, when patients took a mushroom supplement containing lion’s mane.

Can Lion’s Mane Help Heart Disease Sufferers?

Research points to yes! Some of the major risk factors for developing heart disease include obesity, large amounts of oxidised cholesterols and high triglycerides – with research suggesting lion’s mane extract can influence some of these factors.

Studies in smaller animals have found that lion’s mane improves fat metabolism and lowers triglyceride levels – pointing to the benefits for people with those comorbidities. Another from 2010 fed rats a high fat diet, while giving them daily doses of lion’s mane extract. The mice who received the extract had 27% lower triglyceride levels and less weight gain after a 28 day period, compared to those who weren’t given lion’s mane.

When oxidised, the cholesterol molecules often attach to the walls of arteries, causing them to harden and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies that haven’t yet progressed to animal or human testing have shown that lion’s mane extract can potentially prevent cholesterol from oxidising in the bloodstream. Lion’s mane also contains a handy compound called hericenone B – which can help decrease how fast the blood clots, lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Can Lion’s Mane help with Diabetes?

Lion’s mane mushroom has the potential to assist with diabetes management, by improving blood sugar levels in the body and reducing some of the side effects of diabetes, including kidney disease, vision loss, and nerve damage.

It’s understood that lion’s mane lowers blood sugar levels by blocking the activity of the alpha-glucosidase enzyme, which breaks down carbs in the small intestine. With the enzyme blocked, the body isn’t able to digest and absorb carbohydrates as effectively, resulting in lower levels of blood sugar.

Several studies have shown lion’s mane can assist with significantly lowering blood sugar levels. A study in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice saw significant differences even with a very low dose of lion’s mane. It’s also linked to reducing diabetic nerve pain in the hands and feet, with one six-week study showing a daily dose of lion’s mane mushroom significantly reduced pain and lowered blood sugar levels.

Lion’s Mane to Lower Inflammation

Thought we were done? Guess again!

As we’ve hinted throughout the research analysis above, lion’s mane extract has been linked to lowering inflammation – so we thought it was important to include it separately as well. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to be contributing factors to many modern illnesses including heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Research suggests that lion’s mane contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help reduce the impact caused by those illnesses.

Several studies have found lion’s mane extract reduced inflammation and oxidative stress markers in animals, making it potentially useful for managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and liver damage. Lion’s mane has also been linked to reducing health risks in obese people, with the mushrooms shown to decrease the amount of inflammation released by fat tissue.

Lion’s Mane Dosage

Other than drive your car for you, doesn’t it seem like there’s nothing lion’s mane can’t do?

This all-in-one power-packed product probably has more benefits than we even know now, with research ongoing into all its potential benefits. 

The right amount of lion’s mane for you depends on your overall health and what you’re looking to use it to support – different amounts are recommended for conditions like Alzheimer’s, inflammation, or relieving mental health conditions.

It’s important to speak to a medical professional to figure out the right dosage of lion’s mane for your medical condition.