Label: Beneficial Botanicals Botanical Name:Hericium erinaceus Other Names: Bearded Tooth, Satyr's Beard, Pom Pom Mushroom Parts Used: fruiting bodies Origin: USA Organic: yes, cultivated with supplemental hardwood Menstruum: organic food grade alcohol, spring water Gluten Free: yes Alcohol by Volume: 45% Ratio: 2:3
Known Uses:
Stimulate the nerve growth factor (NGF) in the central and peripheral nervous system
Repair neurological degradation from senility
Improve cognitive function and memory
Improve reflexes
Alleviate head pressure and tightness associated with Lyme Disease
Anti-depressant effects, especially in women
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Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), not to be confused with other species of Hericium, is an edible and medicinal mushroom in the tooth fungus group. This mushroom has been used traditionally in China and Japan for hundreds of years, once reserved only for the palates of the royal families. Currently, you may find this mushroom in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, used to replace pork or lamb.
Constituents: Some of the compounds found in Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that are rendered in the fresh tincture include hericenones A-H, cyclic dipeptides, indole alkaloids, pyrimidines, flavones, anthraquinones, amino acid derivatives, and phenolic compounds.
Research:
There have been many studies on the virtues of the Lion's Mane mushroom showing there are compounds like threitol, D-arabinitol, and palmitic acid that have antioxidant effects, may regulate blood lipid levels and reduce blood glucose levels. More recently, scientists have investigated this mushroom for possible anti-dementia compounds and found that it stimulates the nerve growth factor in human astrocytoma cells and myelination. A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial showed improved cognitive ability.
Recently a group of Japanese researchers have patented an extraction process which isolates a NGSF (Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor). They found a compound in Hericium erinaceus which causes brain neurons to regrow, a feat of great significance in potentially helping senility, repairing neurological degradation, increasing intelligence and improving reflexes. Studies also confirm many of its traditional uses, supporting the digestive system, and acting as a tonic for the nervous system.
In 2015 a study was published by Chinese researchers that reported Hericium erinaceus can offer pain relief in diabetic neuropathic pain, as studied in diabetic laboratory rats.
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Lion's Mane has been shown in studies to affect the hippocampus, primarily known for being the part of the brain where memory is stored. This area of the brain also processes emotional responses.
Lion's Mane is used to stimulate the nerve growth factor (NGF) in the central and peripheral nervous system, repair neurological degradation from senility, improve cognitive function and memory loss, and improve reflexes. It is also known to have anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, especially in women, subtly bringing on a feeling of "well being". In certain protocols for Lyme Disease that is presenting with symptoms of "brain fog" and inflammation, Lion's Mane is also recommended.
Known Dosage (for Adults)
Stimulate Nerve Cell Growth : 1 teaspoon twice a day in a small amount of water.
Anxiety : 1 teaspoon twice a day in a small amount of water
Lyme Disease : Stephen Buhner recommends 1/2 tsp. 3 x daily taken in a small amount of water.
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Generally considered safe, however if you are allergic to mushrooms or derivatives of fungi, do not take this tincture.
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, MD, Lion's Mane mushroom is a nontoxic medicinal (and culinary) and completely safe for women who are breastfeeding.
As with all herbal medicine, generally known to be blood thinning, discontinue 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
[tab name="References"]
Chong, P.S., Poon, C.H., Roy, J. et al. Neurogenesis-dependent antidepressant-like activity of Hericium erinaceus in an animal model of depression. Chin Med 16, 132 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-021-00546-8
Ryu S, Kim HG, Kim JY, Kim SY, Cho KO. Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. J Med Food. 2018 Feb;21(2):174-180. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2017.4006. Epub 2017 Nov 1. PMID: 29091526.
Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54.
High molecular weight of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus against amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity. Cheng JH, Tsai CL, Lien YY, Lee MS4, Sheu SC. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jun 7;16:170. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1154-5.
Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K. Azumi, Y and Tuchida T. 2009. Phytother Res. 23:367-372.
Hericenone C, D and E, stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis from the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Kawagishi, H., Ando, M., Sakamoto, H., Yoshida S., Ojima, F., Ishiguro, Y., Ukai, N., Fukukawa, S. 1991. Tetrahedron Lett 32, 4561-4564.
Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. Ma, Bing-Ji , Jin-Wen Shen, Hai-You Yu, Yuan Ruan, Ting-Ting Wu & Xu Zhao, 2010. Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology. 1(2): 92-98
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider and should not be construed to indicate that the use of this herbal product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this herbal product.
