What is Lion's Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s mane mushroom, known scientifically as Hericium erinaceus, is an edible medicinal mushroom. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is growing in popularity in the West due to its potential health benefits.
This mushroom gets its name from its long, cascading tendrils that fall from the top of the mushroom. These tendrils resemble a lion’s mane hairdo, hence the colorful name.
Lion’s mane is sometimes referred to as monkey head mushroom, bearded tooth fungus, bearded hedgehog mushroom, and pom pom mushroom.
Where Does Lion's Mane Mushroom Grow?
This mushroom grows on hardwood trees, particularly maple, beech and oak trees. It is native to North America, Europe and Southeast Asia and has been used as both food and medicine for centuries in these regions.
Today, lion’s mane is commercially grown on sawdust, logs and grain for use in supplements, tinctures, powders and culinary dishes.
Is Lion's Mane Mushroom Psychedelic or Hallucinogenic?
No, lion’s mane mushroom does not contain any psychedelic or hallucinogenic compounds. Consuming lion’s mane capsules, extracts or mushroom fruiting bodies will not cause a psychedelic experience or “trip.”
It does not contain psilocybin, psilocin or other psychoactive tryptamines found in some mushrooms like magic mushrooms or shrooms. Nor does it contain muscimol, ibotenic acid or muscarine like fly agaric mushrooms.
Lion’s mane extracts and supplements are safe to consume without any mind-altering effects. However, always purchase high quality products from reputable brands to avoid contamination.
Lion’s Mane Effects on the Brain
While not psychedelic, some research suggests lion’s mane extracts can positively impact brain function. Studies indicate lion’s mane may:
- Stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, which supports neuron health and development
- Reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain
- Mitigate cognitive impairment associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Improve cognitive function and memory in animal studies
By supporting neuron health and cognition, lion’s mane shows potential as a brain health supplement. However, more human research is needed.
Bioactive Compounds in Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane contains a variety of beneficial compounds that contribute to its therapeutic potential. These include:
Hericenones
Specific compounds found only in lion’s mane believed to contribute to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production in the brain.
Erinacines
Powerful compounds also found only in lion’s mane. Enhances NGF synthesis to support neuron health and myelination.
Polysaccharides
Lion’s mane contains beta-glucan polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system. Also contain antitumor and antioxidant effects.
Phenolic Compounds
Phenols like catechin provide antioxidant effects that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and body.
Potential Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Extracts and Supplements
Lion’s mane mushroom is used medicinally for a range of health concerns. Though more research is still needed, potential benefits may include:
Supports Cognitive Function
Compounds in lion’s mane like hericenones and erinacines increase NGF. NGF supports the growth, differentiation, survival and regeneration of neurons. This can help optimize cognitive abilities.
Reduces Mild Cognitive Impairment
Human and animal studies show lion’s mane extracts improve cognitive function and memory, potentially mitigating mild cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative disease.
Neuroprotective Effects
The amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease are reduced in animal studies by lion’s mane mushroom. It also stimulates immune cells called macrophages to remove this amyloid protein waste.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Rodent studies show lion’s mane extracts can reduce anxiety-like behaviors. It also shows promise at modulating depression by reducing inflammatory cytokines.
Protects Against Neurodegeneration
Lion’s mane mushroom contains neuroprotective compounds that may help support neurological structure and function. More clinical studies are underway for effects on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Supports Digestive Health
The polysaccharides in lion’s mane function as prebiotics that feed healthy gut bacteria. This can improve microbial balance, digestive function and regularity.
Boosts Immune Function
By stimulating white blood cell production and increasing antioxidant activity, lion’s mane can support immune responses and fight oxidative stress caused by inflammation.
Anti-Cancer Effects
Studies demonstrate possible antitumor effects from lion’s mane extracts. Compounds like polysaccharides induce cancer cell death and inhibit metastases.
Reduces Heart Disease Risk
The antioxidant effects help prevent LDL cholesterol particles from oxidizing and forming plaques in arteries. Potentially lowers risks of heart attack and stroke.
Relieves Neuropathic Pain
Rodent studies find lion’s mane extracts potentially reduce neuropathic pain. This may help diabetics with neuropathy pain and certain injury-induced nerve pain.
How is Lion's Mane Mushroom Used?
There are several ways people consume lion’s mane mushroom to obtain its benefits:
Eating Fresh Mushrooms
Fresh or dried lion’s mane mushrooms can be sliced and sautéed, added to soups and stir fries, breaded and fried, or blended into burgers.
Drinking Powdered Extracts
Mixing lion’s mane powder into coffee, tea, water, or smoothies makes it easy to consume daily. Look for hot water or dual extracts for maximum benefits.
Taking Capsules or Tablets
Lion’s mane supplements in capsule or tablet form provide concentrated extracts. Check third party testing for purity and composition.
Using Liquid Tinctures
Alcohol or glycerin-based lion’s mane tinctures can be placed under the tongue or mixed into drinks. Provides fast absorption.
Adding to Food Dishes
Blend lion’s mane powder into soups, dips, dressings, baked goods, breakfast bowls and more to boost nutrition.
What is the Recommended Lion’s Mane Dosage?
There is no standard dosing for lion’s mane mushroom established in human trials yet. But most supplement brands recommend:
- 500-3000mg of lion’s mane extract daily
- 1-3g of lion's mane powdered biomass per day
- 3-5ml of a lion’s mane liquid tincture up to 3 times daily
Start with lower doses around 500mg extract or 1g powder to assess tolerance. Increase slowly over 2-4 weeks while looking for desired effects. Cycle 4 weeks on, 1 week off.
Is Lion's Mane Mushroom Safe?
Lion’s mane mushroom is very safe for most people. Mild side effects can include digestive upset and itching. However, a few groups should exercise caution:
Autoimmune Conditions
The immune-boosting effects may worsen autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis in some cases.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Safety for pregnant or nursing women is unknown, so exercise caution or avoid use.
Diabetes
May lower blood sugar, so monitor levels closely and adjust diabetes medications as needed.
Bleeding Disorders
Can slightly increase bleeding risk, so discontinue before any surgeries.
Drug Interactions
May interact with immunosuppressant drugs, blood thinners and diabetes medication. Consult your doctor.
Look for lion’s mane supplements tested for purity to ensure safety and quality. Avoid any products causing side effects.
Is Lion's Mane Mushroom Legal?
Yes, lion’s mane mushroom is 100% legal in the United States, Canada, UK, Australia and most countries around the world. Lion's mane supplements, powdered biomass, and extracts can be purchased without any legal restrictions.
Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, lion's mane does not contain any controlled compounds. Therefore, lion’s mane ownership, use and cultivation is legal.
Where to Buy Lion's Mane Mushroom
You can buy lion’s mane mushroom products from the following locations:
Online
Many health food and supplement websites sell lion’s mane capsules, powders and tinctures. Brands like Real Mushrooms, Pure Nootropics, Nootropic Depot, Four Sigmatic and Om are reputable.
Natural Health Stores
Stores specializing in supplements like GNC, Whole Foods or Sprouts may carry some lion’s mane products.
Farmers Markets
In locations where it grows in the wild, fresh lion's mane mushrooms can sometimes be found at farmers markets.
Local Foraging
Join a mushroom hunting club or guide to forage for wild lion's mane mushrooms if they grow in your area.
Look for organic, USDA certified products tested for purity and composition for best quality and safety.
Key Takeaways on Lion's Mane Mushroom
- Lion's mane mushroom contains neuroprotective compounds that support brain health.
- It is not a psychedelic or hallucinogenic mushroom and will not cause a “trip.”
- Potential benefits include reduced anxiety, cognitive enhancement, immune stimulation and tumor inhibition.
- Available as supplements, powders, tinctures and whole mushrooms.
- Dosing ranges from 500mg to 3000mg of extract daily.
- Considered very safe for most people when taken as directed.
- Provides a way to experience medicinal mushrooms that is completely legal.
While more clinical studies are still needed, lion's mane is emerging as powerful medicinal mushroom that may protect neurological health and function.
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.
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