An effective type of medicinal mushroom is Hericium erinaceus, also referred to as lion’s mane. In both supplement and fresh form, lion’s mane has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Lion’s mane review, according to scientific studies, contains a variety of nutrients that are good for your health, such as beta-glucan and antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane
Advocates claim that lion’s hair mushroom can help with a variety of health problems, consisting of:
- Alzheimer’s illness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High cholesterol
- Inflammation
- Parkinson’s condition
- Ulcers
In addition, lion’s hair is said to reinforce the immune system, boost digestion, and safeguard against cancer.
Thus far, research on the particular health and wellness results of lion’s mane is restricted. It is additionally crucial to note that the existing searchings for are largely from animal-based research study, test-tube studies, and little professional trials. Extra research study is required prior to recommending lion’s mane as a treatment for any condition.
The restricted research shows that lion’s hair might use particular health and wellness advantages, including assistance for neuronal wellness.
Brain Function
Lion’s mane may benefit older adults with light cognitive disability, according to a small research study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2009. For the research, researchers assigned 30 older grownups with moderate cognitive problems to take either lion’s mane extract or a sugar pill everyday for 16 weeks. In cognitive examinations given at weeks eight, 12, and 16 of the research, participants of the lion’s hair team showed considerably greater enhancements contrasted to participants of the sugar pill team.
In an extra current study (published in Biomedical Research in 2011), researchers took a look at the effects of lion’s hair on brain function in mice. Outcomes exposed that lion’s mane aided protect versus memory problems caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta (a compound that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s illness.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) cautions that while some tiny preliminary studies on the impact of natural supplements on cognitive function have revealed small results, “straight evidence is lacking.” Insurance claims made to the contrary are not supported by evidence.6.
Depression and Anxiety.
Research to date suggests that lion’s hair may aid minimize depression and anxiety. For example, a 2020 testimonial of the literary works called lion’s hair “a prospective alternative medicine for the therapy of depression.”.
Similarly, a 2021 research evaluation in-depth a number of researches that revealed substantial anti-anxiety results. Lion’s mane appears to provide “neuroprotective features, cytotoxicity, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, as well as herbicidal tasks,” too.
Due to an absence of sustaining research study, it’s too soon to suggest lion’s hair for any particular health condition.2 If you’re taking into consideration using lion’s hair for a chronic problem, make sure to consult your medical professional prior to beginning your supplement regimen. Self-treating a persistent problem with lion’s mane and preventing or delaying conventional care may have serious repercussions.
Possible Side Effects of Lion’s Mane.
Little is known about the security of long-term use and also adverse effects of lion’s hair supplements.
Nonetheless, there’s some concern that lion’s hair may exacerbate signs in people with allergies as well as asthma. As a result, it’s important to consult your physician before using lion’s hair or any other supplement, specifically if you have a history of allergic reactions, asthma, and/or any other clinical problem.
Researches on the possible benefits of lion’s hair in humans have actually shown guarantee, however study thus far has actually been restricted mainly to pets. Constantly consult your doctor prior to ingesting lion’s hair or any other supplement.
How to Take Lion’s Mane.
Insufficient research has been done on lion’s mane to establish recommended dosages and methods of preparation. The following are general recommendations, but always follow your doctor’s specific instructions when taking supplements and medications.
Dosage.
Lion’s mane is generally consumed in several Asian nations for medical and also cooking purposes, however there are no consistent solutions or dosage suggestions. Follow the instructions on your bundle of lion’s mane carefully.
Constantly consult your physician for details guidance on just how much you need to take every day.
Lion’s Mane Precautions and Interactions.
Stay clear of making use of lion’s hair mushroom items if you’re expectant. Not enough research study has actually been done to figure out if any type of dosage is safe during pregnancy.
If you take diabetes drugs, realize that Lion’s hair mushroom can decrease your blood sugar degrees way too much. Keep a close eye on your readings.
Also, taking lion’s mane in addition to anticoagulant/antiplatelet medicines can cause blood clotting problems that can result in bleeding or bruising.
Lion’s hair can cause allergies in some people. If you experience throat irritation, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms or signs after taking lion’s mane, seek medical attention right away.
What to Look For When Buying Lion’s Mane.
Beware of products that claim to have been clinically proven to improve human health; in reality, most research has only been conducted on animals.2 Some lion’s mane supplements have been marketed with unsubstantiated claims, like the promotion of fat loss, brain health, and the prevention of heart problems.
For example, in 2019, the Food and also Drug Administration (FDA) sent out a caution letter to Pure Nootropics, LLC, for making unverified claims concerning a range of their products, consisting of for their lion’s hair powder. The company was marketing the supplement as “wonderful for mind injury recuperation” and to “decrease signs and symptoms of anxiety and also depression.” Since then, the firm has actually removed these specific cases from their advertising however remain to claim that the product “supports total cognitive health and wellness.
Where to Find Lion’s Mane.
Numerous big-box and specialized online and offline retailers offer fresh, dried, and/or powdered lion’s hair, along with pills, teas, and various blends that contain the fungus. In the natural world, they frequently grow in logs, decaying wood, and also tree wounds.