Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits: Boost Memory, Focus & Brain Health Naturally

Mushrooms have been used for their health benefits for thousands of years as part of traditional medicine. They have been used by Greek and Egyptian physicians, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese Medicine and by the first people of North America. Now they have come under the microscope of modern science, which is now proving their medicinal benefits.

One of the most studied mushrooms is the Lion’s Mane Mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus. After much research, this has been classed as a Nootropic, meaning it is a substance that can enhance memory or other cognitive functions.

Where are they native to?

Lion's Mane grows across North America, Europe, and Asia, often on hardwood trees such as oak, beech, and maple. They are known as saprotrophs, as they recycle the nutrients from dead parts of a tree, ie. fallen logs or wounded areas of a tree. This makes mushrooms an important part of the ecosystem.

Its striking appearance has earned it many names: the bearded hedgehog in Europe, monkey head mushroom in China, mountain monk mushroom in Japan, and Lion’s Mane in the USA. With its brain-like shape and delicate tendrils resembling neurons, herbal medicine has long linked it to brain health, echoing the Doctrine of Signatures, which associates a plant’s form with the body part it benefits.

Lion's Mane Mushroom 

         Neurons in the Brain

What is in Lion’s Mane?

Research has identified several active chemicals in these fungi, such as polysaccharides (sugars), phenolic acids (antioxidants) and two of the most studied ingredients, hericenones and erinacines. These two chemicals have been shown to quickly cross the brain barrier, which helps with the cognitive benefits of these fungi.

Overall, they have been shown to help the brain by:

• Reducing inflammation

• Providing protective effects with antioxidant support

• Supporting the growth of neurons (brain cells)

There may also be an indirect effect on the gut important for the regulation of neurotransmitters.

These powerful compounds inspired us to create LionsMane+, formulated to enhance mental clarity and focus. 

What is Lion's Mane good for?

Brain function and repair

Lion’s Mane shows promising potential for brain cell (neuron) protection and growth. This is due to its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that is needed for the development and function of neurons. These actions are attributed to the actions of the hericenones and erinacines chemicals found in Lion’s Mane.

Also, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of mushrooms are protective for brain cells. This can make it helpful for maintaining brain health as we age and for brains coming under stress. It also keeps our brain functioning well, for our best thinking.

Low mood, anxiety and sleep

Research on Lion's Mane showed that it helped with anxiety and those struggling with low mood. A study carried out with menopausal women found that Lion’s Mane reduced feelings of irritation and anxiety. This could make them helpful for women at this time of transition. Also, individuals with mood and sleep disturbances noted improvements in sleep quality after taking Lion's Mane.

How does it work?
New research has shown a link between low mood and inflammation, and these fungi have anti-inflammatory actions. Also, nerve growth factor (NGF), which is increased when taking Lion’s Mane, plays a role in mood regulation.

There is also new research showing mushrooms have a beneficial effect on the microbiome. It is known that the gut is important for the production of neurotransmitters that affect our mood.

Improved thinking, learning and memory

In terms of taking mushrooms to freshen up our brain when we are feeling foggy and unfocused, studies suggest that Lion's Mane mushroom can increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels and thereby enhance cognition.

BDNF is a crucial protein that helps neurons grow, survive, and form new connections, a process called neuroplasticity. As the neurons strengthen the connections, they form the basis for learning and memory formation. This allows us to take in new information, to assimilate what we hear, see and feel. It makes our brains adaptable. It also helps to support the creation and maintenance of our memory.

In Summary

Looking at all these benefits, it is no wonder that we are seeing an increase in Lion’s Mane mushroom-based drinks, foods or supplements. In this fast-paced, changing world, functional foods can support mind health going forward, helping us to adapt to stress and keep us working at our best.

So next time you think of charging up mental energy with a coffee, perhaps a mushroom-based brain refresh could be a better option. 

Try our LionsMane+ capsules, formulated with Lion's Mane and Gotu Kola to support clear thinking, focus and a balanced mood in times of stress.