Overview:

Hericium Erinaceus, known as the Lion’s Mane mushroom in North America, has been used as a medicinal mushroom in Asia for centuries for several health benefits. Rich in beta-D-glucan and antioxidants such as threitol, D-arabinitol, and palmitic acid, the lion’s mane mushroom offers excellent support in gastrointestinal (1) and cardiovascular health (2).  Recent animal studies also suggested that Lion’s mane mushroom may carry anti-dementia components that can help to improve memories. (3)

Active Constituents:

Lion’s mane is an excellent source of beta-D-glucan, threitol, D-arabinitol, and palmitic acid, which are believed in clinical studies to be the key components supporting blood lipid (4) and glocose level (5) and stimulating immune functions of the digestive tract.

Pharmacological and Clinical Research: Original Research on Lion’s Mane

References:

1. Lu et. al., A double-blind study of effectiveness of hericium erinaceus pers therapy on chronic atrophic gastritis. A preliminary report., Chin Med J (Engl). 1985 Jun;98(6):455-6.
2. Lau et al., Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities., Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:464238.
3. Nakahata et al., Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid ?(25-35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice., Biomed Res. 2011;32(1):67-72.
4. Komai et al., Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet., Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1447-51.
5. Lee et al., Antitumor and immunoenhancing activities of polysaccharide from culture broth of Hericium spp., Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2001 Sep;17(9):461-7.