Lion's Mane Mushroom: Origins, Compounds, and the Science So Far

Fungi are having a moment. Scientific interest in their compounds continues to expand rapidly like a mycelial web, and they are the subject of a growing body of research.

Lion's Mane mushroom: an introduction

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a culinary mushroom considered a delicacy in East Asian cuisine, where it is also known as Yamabushitake or monkey’s head mushroom, and has a long history of traditional use. Bioactive compounds such as corallocins, erinacines, and hericenones are found in the mycelia and fruiting bodies, and have been studied for their interaction with neurotrophic factors, small proteins involved in the biology of nerve cells, including NGF, GDNF, and pro-BDNF.

These neurotrophic factors are a long-standing area of scientific study. In laboratory research, Lion’s Mane extract has been investigated for its interaction with myelination processes. GDNF and pro-BDNF, a precursor to BDNF, are among the proteins researchers study in relation to the survival and development of neurons.

Lion's Mane and neurotrophic factors

Neurotrophic compounds like BDNF feature in research on neurogenesis, the growth and development of neurons from neural stem cells. The role of neurogenesis in the adult human brain remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate.

Why consuming both mycelium and fruiting bodies matters

Different parts of the fungus contain varying amounts of bioactive compounds, with mycelium being a richer source of erinacines, while fruiting bodies contain hericenones. To take in the fullest spectrum of these compounds, ingesting both together may be of interest. Both compound groups have been studied, with a larger body of research focused on mycelial erinacines. If growing your own Lion’s Mane, it's best to use an extract, cook it if fresh, or powder it if dried to release the bioactive compounds from the tough cell walls.

Lion's Mane and the science of healthy ageing

Neurotrophic compounds such as BDNF are studied for their part in neuronal growth, development, and survival. Lion’s Mane has been examined in laboratory settings for its potential role in neurite growth in neuronal cells, the fibres that connect neurons. Neuroplasticity, the capacity of the nervous system to adapt, is another active field of study.

Research and studies into Lion’s Mane are increasing

Human research on Lion’s Mane is still in its early stages, and a number of small studies have explored its effects in various contexts. An eight-week study and a separate four-week study have looked at mood and general wellbeing, while a small pilot study examined subjective wellbeing among undergraduate students. A double-blind clinical study assessed participants aged 50-80 after 16 weeks. These early findings are preliminary and warrant further research.

Cacao with Lion's Mane: a popular pairing

Cacao is a popular addition when taking Lion’s Mane. The flavonoids in cacao have been studied in relation to neurogenesis and blood flow in the brain, and feature in research alongside Lion’s Mane. The two also make a pleasant flavour combination.

Lion's Mane and the future of research

Research on Lion’s Mane is still in its early stages. Due to the challenges of studying the human brain, much research is conducted on animals. While cellular similarities exist between humans and other mammals, caution is needed when applying these findings to humans. Nevertheless, Lion’s Mane remains an active and promising subject of scientific research.

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