Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): A Guide to Its Mental Health Benefits
Dr. Danish is passionate about exploring all research-backed treatments, including medications, supplements, and interventions like exercise. The growing interest in the therapeutic potential of fungi, especially Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), has captured his attention for its mental health benefits. In his practice, Dr. Danish sometimes incorporates Lion's Mane as part of a more complete treatment approach.
Neuroprotective and Neurotrophic Mechanisms
Lion's Mane mushroom, has been identified for its potent neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties, offering a promising avenue for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's disease. Its neuroprotective action is attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, inhibit inflammation, regulate apoptosis, and enhance mitochondrial function and blood flow to the brain, thereby safeguarding neurons from damage or death.
Furthermore, it stimulates the production of crucial neurotrophic factors—nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)—which are essential for neuron growth, development, and protection, as well as maintaining neural plasticity and function. This dual action of neuroprotection and promotion of neurotrophic factors underscores the potential of Lion’s Mane as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative conditions, aiming to improve neural communication, brain function, and overall cognitive health.
Efficacy
Research suggests that Lion's Mane may have potential benefits for mental health, particularly in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. However, the exact percentage of patients who benefit from Lion's Mane is not clearly defined due to the limited number of human studies. Early evidence from small-scale studies and anecdotal reports indicates some individuals may experience improvements in mental well-being and cognitive function.
In Vivo Studies
Animal studies have demonstrated that Lion’s Mane can reduce amyloid plaque burden, enhance NGF and BDNF levels, improve cognitive functions, and exhibit antidepressant-like effects. Specific dosing regimens, such as 8 mg/kg of erinacine A or 300 mg/kg of mycelia powder, have shown significant neuroprotective and cognitive benefits, indicating the potential for these compounds to be used in treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Clinical Trials
The intervention studies reviewed primarily focused on Lion's Mane and its effects on mood and cognitive function, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. These studies revealed some promising outcomes, especially for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). For instance, daily doses of 3 grams of Lion's Mane for periods ranging from 12 to 16 weeks were associated with significant improvements in cognitive function, as highlighted by improved HDS-R dementia scores in a study by Mori et al. (2009). Beyond cognitive enhancements, Lion's Mane supplementation also showed potential benefits for mood. A notable study by Vigna et al. (2019) reported significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbances in obese middle-aged participants after two months of daily supplementation. Despite these positive findings, the review also points out the inconsistency in results across studies and the need for further research involving larger sample sizes and a broader range of mushroom species. Additionally, while some studies explored the potential mechanisms of action, including direct effects like the reduction of pro-inflammatory markers and indirect effects through the enhancement of gut microbiota diversity, the exact pathways through which Lion's Mane exerts its neurocognitive and mood-enhancing effects remain to be fully elucidated.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 250 mg tablets of dried fruiting bodies taken three times a day for 16 weeks showed improved cognitive function in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Lion's Mane can vary widely depending on the form of the supplement (e.g., powder, capsule, liquid extract) and the specific health condition being addressed. In clinical trials, doses have ranged from 250 milligrams three times a day. It is hard to find this dose so most patients start at 500 mg each morning and then increase over time to 2x per day, and then 3x per day. Some studies go up to 1 gram three times per day as a maximum dose, and you will see doses sold online that are much higher. Due to the lack of extensive human studies, there is no standardized dose, and it is crucial to follow the product's label and watch for potential side effects (see below).
Supplements are not regulated the way FDA approved medications are, so it’s important to use reputable supplement companies whenever possible. A few examples may include:
The Genius (each capsule is 600mg)
Double Wood (each capsules is 500mg)
Mud Water makes powders, which often include other supplements as well, you can mix in drinks.
Side Effects and Safety
Toxicology studies suggest that Lion's Mane is safe and does not induce significant side effects. High doses of up to 3 g/kg in animal studies did not show toxicity, and subchronic toxicity studies in rats confirmed the safety of Lion's Mane extracts. These findings support the potential for Lion's Mane to be used safely in dietary supplements and therapeutic applications for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement.
Individuals with known mushroom allergies should avoid Lion's Mane due to the risk of allergic reactions. There is also limited information on the safety of Lion's Mane for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so caution is advised. This handout provides research-based insights but is not exhaustive. Patients are encouraged to discuss this information with their healthcare provider and consult reputable sources like drugs.com and webmd.com for comprehensive details on side effects and interactions.
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