Lion’s mane tincture has an array of potential benefits, from neurological health to immune boosting ability
Lion’s mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, is an interesting and unique choice edible. The lion’s mane mushroom looks very different from many other mushrooms, as it appears to be shaggy, toothed, and rounded in shape. The mushroom gets its name from its appearance, and it is also known as the bearded tooth mushroom, pom pom mushroom, monkey head mushroom, or the bearded hedgehog mushroom. For those interested in eating the mushroom, it has a texture similar to crab or lobster meat and a sweet, savory flavor. However, today I am discussing the lion’s mane tincture, which does not lend itself to the same flavors associated with eating the mushroom fresh.
Learning about our lion’s mane tincture
Our lion’s mane tincture can be a great way of supporting neuron outgrowth and the nervous system. When we create this tincture, we use a triple extraction method to get the most out of the mushroom. We offer this tincture for fungi aficionados who love using medicinal mushrooms as a potent supplement in their daily healthcare.
Lion’s mane tincture and neurological health
A variety of studies have been conducted that look at the efficacy of lion’s mane medicinal qualities. Here’s a quote from the study “The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model”, which demonstrates some of the neuro possibilities of lion’s mane mushrooms.
“Hericium erinaceus, an edible and medicinal mushroom, displays various pharmacological activities in the prevention of dementia in conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease…Our findings provide experimental evidence that HE may provide neuroprotective candidates for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.”
That is not the only study conducted on lion’s mane either. Here is yet another study with favorable information regarding lion’s mane and neurological health. The study “Lion’s Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study” took a look at neurodegenerative disease, which impacts nearly 100 million people worldwide.
The study states, “Hericium erinaceus is one of the well-established medicinal mushrooms for neuronal health. It has been documented for its regenerative capability in peripheral nerve.” It continued to say, “H. erinaceus extract at 50 µg/mL triggered neurite outgrowth at 20.47%, 22.47%, and 21.70% in brain, spinal cord, and retinal cells.”
As a quick note, neurite outgrowth is defined as a process where developing neurons “produce new projections as they grow in response to guidance cues.” These results imply that consuming lion’s mane can help regenerate and lead to new growth of neurons.
The need for more studies
There are clearly promising details associated with lion’s mane mushroom. However, many of the studies conducted do not involve humans. There is clearly a bigger need to have more human test subjects to truly understand how this mushroom impacts the human consumer. Although in vitro studies have been the main focus with lion’s mane mushroom, there is something to note.
According to “Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines”: “Although it has been difficult to extrapolate the in vivo studies to clinical situations, preclinical studies have shown that there can be improvements in ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression if H. erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines are included in daily meals”
However, I do want to take a look at the study involving humans so there can be a better understanding of it. According to “Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines” again, “Growing preclinical studies have demonstrated that the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment could be reduced in the early stages by erinacine-enriched H. erinaceus mycelium consumption.” There appears to be reason to believe that lion’s mane does benefit people with cognitive impairment.