Lionsmane - NutraPedia

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Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) Overview

1) Studied Conditions

Cognitive Decline
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Depression and Anxiety
Chronic Inflammation
Gastric Ulcers

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

While there is promising preliminary evidence especially in the area of cognitive health, more extensive and rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of Lion's Mane in treating the above conditions.

3) Health Benefits

May support brain health
Potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF)
Antioxidant properties
May support the immune system
Could have anti-inflammatory effects

4) Potential Downsides

May cause mild digestive discomfort in some individuals
Allergic reactions are possible
Insufficient data on long-term use
Interactions with medications have not been thoroughly studied

5) Impact on Genetic Variations

As of the current state of research, there is limited information on whether Lion's Mane is particularly beneficial or harmful for specific genetic variations. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your regimen, especially if you have known genetic conditions or mutations.

Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) Research Summary

Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults

A clinical trial with Japanese adults aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment showed that Lion's Mane supplements significantly improved cognitive function over 16 weeks. However, cognitive scores decreased after ceasing supplementation. No adverse effects were reported.

Effects on Mild Alzheimer's Disease

A 49-week double-blind study indicated that Lion's Mane mycelia capsules improved cognitive function and contrast sensitivity in patients with mild Alzheimer's Disease, suggesting a protective effect on brain structure.

Potential in Preventing Dementia

Research suggests that Lion's Mane supplementation could help prevent cognitive decline, potentially by enhancing brain neural networks.

Impact on Menopause, Depression, and Sleep Quality

A study on females showed significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores and improvements in menopause-related symptoms after consuming Lion's Mane cookies.

Therapeutic Effects and Pharmaceutical Potential

Lion's Mane contains bioactive compounds beneficial for treating Alzheimer's, cancers, and immune disorders, with potential therapeutic effects on multiple physiological systems.

Improvements in Mood and Sleep Disorders

Supplementation with Lion's Mane in overweight or obese individuals led to improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality over 8 weeks.

Antidepressant-like Effects

Lion's Mane has been associated with boosting the expression of neurotrophic factors, suggesting potential as an alternative treatment for depression.

Stimulation of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

Extracts from Lion's Mane increased NGF gene expression and promoted neurite growth in vitro and in vivo, pointing to therapeutic effects for neurodegenerative diseases.

Promotion of Myelination Process

An extract from Lion's Mane promoted the development of cerebellar cells and enhanced the myelination process in vitro, showing potential for nerve system repair.

Medicinal Mushrooms and Health Benefits

Medicinal mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, possess active compounds providing a range of health benefits, though more research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

No Impact on Metabolic Flexibility or Cognitive Abilities

A study found that consuming 10 grams of Lion's Mane daily for four weeks did not affect metabolic flexibility or cognitive abilities in a college-aged population.

Enhancement of Wound Healing

Research on rats indicated that Lion's Mane mushroom extract significantly improved the speed of wound closure.

Lipid Metabolism and Weight Management

Studies showed that Lion's Mane extracts and an exo-biopolymer derived from its culture had a lipid-lowering effect in animals on a high-fat diet.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antiproliferative Effects

Ethanol and methanol extracts from Lion's Mane showed high levels of bioactive components with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and cytotoxic effects on lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Psilocybin Microdosing and Mental Health

An observational study found that microdosing psilocybin, sometimes in combination with Lion's Mane, improved mood and mental health, with older adults experiencing psychomotor improvements.

Effects on Gut Microbiota and Serum Biochemical Markers

Short-term consumption of Lion's Mane powder increased gut microbiota diversity and correlated with changes in blood chemical markers in healthy adults.

Note: This summary is based on the provided extracts and reflects the research up to the knowledge cutoff date.

References:

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