Lion’s Mane extract 20:1 | Hericium erinaceus

Properties: Benefits of lion’s mane have been exploited in many cultures. There is a reason why it is an important part of natural medicine in China and in various indigenous tribes that inhabit the forests of North America. It is appreciated for its extraordinary taste, which makes it a delicacy of Asian cuisine. However, its popularity is also linked to its other properties that were noticed thousands of years ago. Supplementation with Lion’s mane extract improves the functioning of the central nervous system. It can also help to preserve good memory and attention levels. Note that new brain cells are produced with varied intensity. Hericium erinaceus accelerates their production and thereby supports mental processes such as clear thinking and information. Moreover, its active compounds facilitate memory and focus capabilities. 

Lion’s mane is sometimes treated as a “youth elixir”, because its active compounds can slow down the aging processes. Those active agents, specifically erinacines, stimulate the production of collagen – a protein that occurs mostly in the skin, tendons, and bones. Increased amounts of collagen lead to more elasticity of the skin and its younger appearance. For physical well-being it is also essential that the organism can decompose fats properly. Lion’s mane limits the production of “bad” cholesterol that proves to be harmful to the body. Instead, it stimulates the production of “good” cholesterol, which has a direct influence on the health of the cardiovascular system. What is more, it prevents development of diseases linked to bad management of fats in the blood, such as atherosclerosis.

That’s not all! Lion’s mane can also support the immune response. The organism fights the pathogenic microorganisms mostly with the help of white blood cells – a specialized type of cells that play the key role in the immune system. Supplementation of lion’s mane stimulates the production of white blood cells and thereby strengthens immunity so the infections are targeted more precisely.

Occurrence: Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom that can grow up to 12 in. It belongs to the Hericiaceae family of fungi. Naturally, it grows mainly in the deciduous forests of Asia, North America, and Europe. Usually, it grows on old and mucked trees’ trunks. Lion’s mane is a saprophyte and is sometimes considered to be a weak parasite. It has a characteristic appearance of a fructification that contains plenty of long and thin spines of light, creme beige color that gets darker with age. Its taste is delicate and sweet, whereas the smell is clearly mushroom.

In traditional Chinese medicine lion’s mane has been used for centuries as a remedy for ailments of liver, kidneys, spleen, and stomach, as well as cardiovascular problems. Moreover, this mushroom has a tonic effect on the whole organism, as it strengthens its condition and functioning. Its beneficial properties were also discovered by Native Americans, who used lion’s mane powder to heal wounds.

Biochemistry: Lion’s mane owes its beneficial properties to erinacines – active compounds found in this fungus. From a chemical perspective, they belong to cyathane-xylosides. At the moment there are thirteen isolated and described types of erinacines that are tagged with letters from A to K and from P to Q. Hericenones (A and C-H) – acids found only in lion’s mane – are also quite significant. Apart from them, this mushroom also contains basic amino acids, polysaccharides, and minerals (potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, germanium, as well as a small amount of sodium).

Fun fact: The name “lion’s mane” is actually no accident. The mushroom’s fructification has a unique appearance – it is composed of many long spines or “icicles” that resemble the look of male lion’s hair.