LIONS MANE: Cognitive and Neurological Wellness

Here’s what research shows…

To Summarize: Clinical studies evidence associations between Lion’s Mane supplementations and increased cognitive function, improved mood, improved learning and memory and decreased oxidative stress.

Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique supplement known for its potential cognitive and neurological benefits:

• Supports brain health by promoting the growth and repair of nerve cells, leading to improved cognitive function, including enhanced memory and focus. 
• Lion’s Mane contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Boost mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. 
• Lion’s Mane has been traditionally used to support the immune system.

This article highlights three studies whose results support these claims.

STUDY 1: Cognition.

• This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial lasting 16 weeks.
• The objective was to examine the effect of Lion’s Mane on patients with mild cognitive impairments.
• The study involved 29 men and women, aged 50 to 80 years old.

Key Findings:

• Significant increase in cognitive function observed at weeks 8, 12, and 16 in the group taking lion’s mane.
• 71.4% of participants in the lion’s mane group showed significant cognitive improvement, compared to only 6.6% in the placebo group.

STUDY 2: Mood.

• This study involved 77 overweight or obese volunteers, average age of 53 years and lasted 8 weeks. 
• The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of lion’s mane supplementation in overweight or obese individuals.
• Assessment Tools: Depression, anxiety, and binge eating disorders assessed using self-reported questionnaires.

Key Findings:

• Significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders observed after 8 weeks of lion’s mane supplementation.
• Improvement noted in the quality of nighttime rest.
• Approximately 30% decrease in depression questionnaire scores and over 40% decrease in anxiety symptoms.

STUDY 3: Learning and Memory.

• This was a rodent study that lasted 12 weeks.
• The purpose was to assess the effects of lion’s mane on brain ageing, learning, and memory in ageing mice.
• Learning and memory was evaluated using mouse avoidance tests, measuring the mice’s ability to avoid unpleasant experiences and remember them.

Key Findings:

• Mice fed with lion’s mane showed improved learning abilities and better memory retention in avoidance tests.
• Significant reduction in TBARS levels, indicating decreased oxidative stress in the brain. The highest dose had the most significant effect.
• In male mice, high dose of lion’s mane decreased cortical iNOS levels, suggesting reduced inflammation or oxidative stress in the brain.
• Reduced number of amyloid-β peptide plaques in the brain, associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Decreased levels of 8-OHdG, a marker of DNA damage linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

IS LION’S MANE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• You want to boost your cognitive health, including your memory and learning potential.
• You want to improve your mood and anxiety
• You’re prone to inflammation