Lion's Mane for Bipolar: Research on Benefits and Safety

What is Lion's Mane Mushroom?

Lion's mane mushroom, known scientifically as Hericium erinaceus, is an edible medicinal mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. It has a unique, cascading white mane-like appearance resembling a lion, hence its name. Lion's mane mushroom grows on hardwoods and is native to North America, Europe, and Asia.

Medicinal Compounds in Lion's Mane

Lion's mane contains bioactive substances like hericenones, erinacines, polysaccharides, and flavonoids that exert a number of beneficial physiological effects. Hericenones and erinacines can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis needed for neuron regeneration. Polysaccharides and flavonoids demonstrate antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating capabilities.

Neuroprotective Benefits

Much interest in lion's mane centers around its neuroprotective and nootropic qualities. NGF stimulation enhances neuron health, survival, growth, and differentiation within the brain and central nervous system. This can mitigate or reverse neuropathy damage, improve cognitive deficits, and alleviate mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Using Lion's Mane Mushroom for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, concentration, sleep, and behavior. The cyclic episodes of manic highs and depressive lows negatively impact daily functioning. Lion's mane shows promise in stabilizing mood and controlling symptoms of bipolar disorder through several mechanisms.

Stabilizes Mood

Chronic inflammation often underlies neuropsychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder. Bioactive polysaccharides and flavonoids in lion’s mane demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that improve emotional regulation by lowering systemic inflammation. This can reduce mood instability in bipolar patients.

Protects Brain Cells

Lion’s mane supports neuron health, communication speed, plasticity, and connectivity through NGF synthesis and myelination of nerve cells. Preserving and enhancing neurocircuitry needed for proper mood regulation may prevent cycles between mania and depression in those with bipolar disorder.

Alleviates Anxiety and Depression

Many battling bipolar disorder experience periods of dark, hopeless depression. Animal research indicates lion’s mane biosynthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin lifted depressive behaviors. Anxiolytic effects emerged as well, likely mediated by anti-inflammatory activity affecting emotional control regions of the brain.

Improves Concentration and Focus

Cognitive dysfunction like attention deficits, poor concentration, and clouded thinking afflict many with bipolar disorder. Nootropic properties of lion’s mane tied to NGF synthesis and neuron growth factors show measurable improvements in memory, focus, and executive function. This assists with life quality and success.

Offsets Drug Side Effects

Lithium remains a frontline bipolar treatment, yet over 50% stop taking it due to adverse effects. Co-administering lion’s mane mitigated lithium-induced memory impairment, confusion, tremors, and kidney damage in one mouse study. More research is needed, but findings suggest lion’s mane could make medication regimens more tolerable.

Incorporating Lion's Mane Mushroom into Your Routine

Integrating lion’s mane mushroom into your regular routine may augment conventional bipolar treatments. Available forms include:

Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder

Dried, ground fruiting bodies produce a fine powder that can mix into smoothies, oatmeal, soups, baked goods, NutriBullet recipes, and more for a nutrition and brain boost. Standard dosing ranges from 500-1000mg once or twice daily.

Lion’s Mane Capsules or Tablets

Those averse to mushroom flavor find capsules and tablets more palatable. Either allows lion’s mane consumption without altering food’s taste. Follow supplement facts for proper dosing; amounts typically range from 500-1000mg concentrated extract taken once or twice per day.

Lion’s Mane Tea

Steeping dried mushroom pieces in hot water releases beneficial compounds into a tea boasting both comfort and health qualities. Add lemon, ginger, honey or milk for additional flavor. Enjoy 1-2 cups of mushroom tea daily as a warm beverage.

Lion’s Mane Tincture

Tinctures feature lion’s mane extracts in an alcohol or glycerine solution, making active components highly bioavailable for rapid absorption. For bipolar symptoms, ingest 0.5 to 1 teaspoon once or twice daily either straight or mixed with a little water.

Safety, Side Effects & Precautions

Overall, lion’s mane mushroom proves very safe, especially at culinary dosing levels. Still, some precautionary considerations exist:

Allergies

Avoid lion’s mane if you have a known mushroom allergy. Discontinue use if any hypersensitivity reaction like hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling emerges.

Bleeding Disorders

Those with clotting factor deficiencies or using blood thinners should exercise caution as lion’s mane may increase bleeding risk, though evidence remains limited.

Diabetes Medication

Lion’s mane may enhance insulin release and lower blood sugars. Monitor levels closely and adjust diabetes medications under medical guidance if combining this mushroom.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid lion’s mane supplements due to lack of safety research during this period.

When sourcing quality lion’s mane mushroom products, opt for certified organic whenever possible. Conduct supplier research, inspect COAs for contaminant testing, and verify concentration of bioactives like polysaccharides and hericenones/erinacines tailored to your health needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.