Medicinal Benefits

Lion’s mane mushrooms are some of the best-known “functional” or adaptogenic mushrooms. Considered immune support herbs that also aid brain, heart and gut health benefits; yet are their claims overblown or is there real science behind this trend?

Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) and lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), two functional mushrooms commonly taken as supplements and teas, may enhance mood, cognition and other aspects of wellbeing – evidence for which has mostly come from animal studies; however, one recent study demonstrated their positive impacts on human cognitive performance as well.

Researchers conducted their study by having participants either consume a placebo, 650 mg of guayusa extract or 1 gram of Nordic-grown lion’s mane mushrooms; their reaction time, ability to tolerate stress tolerance, productivity levels and subjective feelings of happiness were then tested as well as blood pressure and heart rate to assess any changes caused by mushrooms on those parameters.

Results revealed that both guayusa and lion’s mane significantly enhanced mental clarity, focus, concentration and the ability to produce. Lion’s mane was found to have longer lasting results due to chemicals present within it known as hericinones and L-ergothioneine which promote neural growth factors while decreasing oxidative stress – both essential for improving cognitive functions.

Health Benefits

Lion’s mane mushrooms have earned themselves a place among functional mushrooms as an adaptogenic herb, acclaimed for their range of benefits – from immune support, brain enhancement and heart health to immune support, brain enhancement and heart protection. But is all the buzz surrounding lion’s mane truly legit or has all this buzz become hype?

This study involved two separate trials where participants were randomly assigned either a placebo or guayusa and lion’s mane extract supplements. They completed several neuropsychological tests measuring reaction time, mental processing speed and cognitive control in order to measure improvement, along with subjective happiness ratings and the ability to tolerate stress tolerance levels as well as both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements before, 60 minutes after and 120 minutes after taking these supplements.

Results revealed that both guayusa and lion’s mane had positive impacts on test subjects; however, lion’s mane produced longer-lasting benefits to mood and cognition than guayusa due to different compounds present in mushrooms that stimulate neurological growth factors while decreasing oxidative stress levels. Although promising, it’s best to consult a health practitioner prior to beginning any new supplement regimen; mushroom tea lion’s mane ingredients may affect individuals differently.

Weight Loss

Mushroom teas are becoming increasingly popular, and dietitians and experts praise their benefits as functional fungi. Common varieties used in mushroom tea are Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Turkey Tail mushrooms.

Mushrooms are low in calories and fat content while also boasting an abundance of nutrition. Lion’s mane mushrooms from Hericium erinaceus species contain B vitamins as well as D, K and potassium to provide significant health benefits, including increased immune function, healthy circulation and cognitive enhancement.

Lion’s mane tea may also provide relief from symptoms associated with gastritis and other stomach conditions, according to a 2012 study. Lion’s mane extract helped reduce oxidative stress in the stomach – which has been linked with acid reflux, ulcers and heart disease – leading to reduced acid reflux episodes, ulcers and heart disease risk factors.

Other studies have demonstrated the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom to include potential roles in lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation and fighting certain forms of cancer; however, further research needs to be completed in order to support such claims.

One study demonstrated a promising result when giving mice lion’s mane, as their body weight and fat mass decreased significantly. Although these results appear promising, Gorin emphasizes the need for further study on humans as well.

Even though lion’s mane mushroom supplements are typically safe, they should not be taken by those with known allergy to mushrooms. Hericenone B, found within this herb can inhibit blood clotting and should therefore be avoided by those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Lion’s mane mushrooms may provide mental health benefits; however, further research needs to be completed before reaching that conclusion. A small study indicated that older Japanese adults taking three times per day lion’s mane mushroom supplements for four months experienced improved mental clarity; however, within one month of stopping taking these supplements these improvements had faded considerably.