Lion’s Mane

Natural History

(Ecology, Where and How it Grows)

Fungi in the genus Hericium are found throughout the northern hemisphere. Hericium erinaceus is most commonly found in eastern North America growing in the deciduous forests along its eastern coastal plains. These fungi typically grow on the hardwood trees found there such as oak, maple, beech, sycamore, and walnut. Lion’s Mane fungi are facultative parasites which commonly grow out of downed logs and old snags, but they can be spotted less frequently on trees that have been wounded or are dying.

H. erinaceus grows as fleshy, rounded, sessile protuberances covered in growths that are colloquially known as “teeth” or “spines.” These spines function in the same way the thin-bladed gills or tiny-holed pores do in other mushrooms; called hymenia, they bear the basidia, where spores are produced and released. This fungi fruits in late summer or early fall when temperatures fall into the 50s and 60s.

Ethnomycology

(The Cultural and Sociological Impact of this Species)

Lion’s Mane has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine where it was added to teas. For centuries, Hericium erinaceus has been harvested and consumed for its ability to improve cognitive function, among a whole host of other health benefits.

Yamabushi Buddhist monks use H. erinaceus for focus during meditation. Its use for this practice is the source of its name in Japanese (Yamabushitake i.e. "those who live in the mountains”).

Quick Facts

Mood & Depression

Current research shows the health benefits of Lion’s Mane aka Hericium erinaceus includes a reduction of depressive symptoms. Its antidepressant effects have been attributed, at least in part, to the presence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pathway PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β. There is also evidence that a lack of BDNF is linked to the pathophysiology of mood disorders.

Scientists in the field have correlated stress as a component that “negatively regulates the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which may contribute to the impairment of the dendritic plasticity”... (the plasticity of dendrites)... and hippocampal neurogenesis… (the growth of new tissue in the hippocampus)... and [may] be responsible for neuron damage and [the] onset of depression.”

The presence of BDNF is shown to exert antidepressant effects “because it can modulate synaptic efficacy by changing transmitter release and sensitivity.” In other words, a lack of BDNF is an indicator of a lack of plasticity in the dendrites and a lack of regeneration in the hippocampus. [2]

WHAT ARE DENDRITES?

Neurons are responsible for the rapid exchange of information in the brain. They have a soma or cell body akin to other cells but also have specialized “thin branches” called dendrites and axons. Neurons communicate information to other cells via axons, whereas communication i.e. “chemical input” from neuron to neuron takes place through the dendrites. [10]

The Role of the Hippocampus

The hippocampus is located deep within the brain’s temporal lobe which sits just above the brainstem, in front of the cerebellum. Its major role involves the functions of learning and memory. It is noted as being “vulnerable” and “plastic” in structure and easily “damaged by a variety of stimuli.” Studies have demonstrated that the hippocampus is an affected area in numerous “neurological and psychiatric disorders.” [1]

Anxiety & Depression

In Kyoto, Japan, thirty females were randomly assigned in a double-blind, placebo-controlled four week trial. Participants were administered either Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) cookies or placebo cookies for four consecutive weeks. The clinical effects of H. erinaceus were measured using the Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Indefinite Complaints Index (ICI). The study concluded that “H. erinaceus intake has the possibility to reduce depression and anxiety.” The study also concluded that H. erinaceus agents other than solely its NGF-enhancing hericenones and erinacines, already known to have “some effects on brain functions and autonomic nervous system” were responsible for the reduction in depression and anxiety in the study’s participants. Therefore, more research is needed to ascertain which bioactive substances are responsible for their ability to reduce anxiety and depression. [9]

Dementia

In 2020 a double-blind, 49-week pilot study of two randomized parallel groups of males and females was conducted to assess the beneficial effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium. Patients with mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) were given three H. erinaceus mycelium capsules per day, containing 5 mg/g active ingredient, or an identical placebo.

The results showed “significant benefit in the reduction of cognitive decline.” Those who received the H. erinaceus mycelium capsules scored higher on the CASI [Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument], MMSE [Mini-Mental State Examination], and IADL [Instrumental Activities of Daily Living] scores, and “achieved a better contrast sensitivity in patients with mild [Alzheimer’s Disease] AD when compared to the placebo group, suggesting … [it] may be important in achieving neurocognitive benefits.” [6]

Nervous System Injuries

Hericium erinaceus has also been shown to promote a “more rapid return of sensory function” to damaged nerves. A 2015 study demonstrated a “neuroregenerative role of polysaccharide from H. erinaceus” in the “peripheral nervous system” of rats with traumatic nerve injury and “promote[d]” a “more rapid return of sensory function.” Both, the breakdown and restoration of BNB is an important reaction in nerve regeneration. Notably, H. erinaceus was shown to first pass through the blood-nerve barrier (BRB) and once the nerve had been regenerated, it facilitated restoration of “impermeable endoneurial microvessels.” [15]

Ulcerative Colitis & Gut Health

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a medical condition that affects 600,000 to 900,000 Americans. [10] It is an “idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disorder of the colonic mucosa” [the inner lining of the colon and rectum]. Individuals with UC have a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer than members of the general population.

In 2018, a team of researchers isolated a purified unique polysaccharide from Hericium erinaceus and found it “effective in relieving the symptoms of acetic acid” in UC-induced rats. rRNA sequencing “indicated that the intestinal flora structure remarkably changed.” Further results showed the purified H. erinaceus polysaccharide “modulated the gut microbiota community and increased short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).” The purified H. erinaceus isolate also “showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and enhancing immune activities.” [14]

Lion’s Mane Nutritional Information

Dietary Considerations

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a nutritious food product which can be cooked in numerous ways. Its pleasant, delicate umami taste makes it an excellent meat substitute. Its flavor profile has seafood-like undertones which make it a good vegan choice to replace crab or lobster.

Lion’s Mane is often consumed in supplement form for both humans and pets alike. View Verdant Leaf’s Lion’s Mane mushroom products for the whole family.

Medicinal Compounds

(Beta-Glucans, Phenols, etc.)

At Verdant Leaf we want to empower consumers with the education they need to make informed choices. Hericenones are found in higher concentrations within the Lion’s Mane fruiting body. Erinacines are found in higher amounts within the mycelium of Hericium erinaceus. Both have beneficial effects when consumed.

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