Consulting

1. May improve cognitive function: Some studies suggest that lion's mane mushrooms may improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and focus. A 2019 review of animal studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that lion's mane extract improved cognitive function in mice, possibly due to its ability to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in the brain (1). Another study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that lion's mane extract improved cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment (2).
2. May have neuroprotective effects: Lion's mane mushrooms may have neuroprotective effects, meaning they may help protect the brain from damage or degeneration. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that lion's mane extract improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3). Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that lion's mane extract protected brain cells from oxidative stress and may have potential as a neuroprotective agent (4).
3. May boost the immune system: Lion's mane mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates that may have immune-boosting effects. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that polysaccharides from lion's mane mushrooms stimulated the immune system in mice (5). Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that polysaccharides from lion's mane mushrooms increased the activity of immune cells in vitro (6).
4. May have anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies suggest that lion's mane mushrooms may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial for a variety of health conditions. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that lion's mane extract reduced inflammation in a mouse model of colitis (7). Another study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that polysaccharides from lion's mane mushrooms reduced inflammation in rats with acute pancreatitis (8).

Overall, while more research is needed, lion's mane mushrooms appear to have a number of potential health benefits. It's important to note that the studies cited above were conducted on animals or small human populations, so more research is needed to confirm these findings in larger, more diverse groups of people. Additionally, lion's mane mushrooms should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment without first consulting with a healthcare professional.

References:

1. Phan CW, David P, Naidu M, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V. Therapeutic potential of culinary-medicinal mushrooms for the management of neurodegenerative diseases: diversity, metabolite, and mechanism. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019; 244: 112082.
2. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2019; 21(2): 167-177.
3. Yang Y, Zhang J, Zhao Y, et al. Neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide-protein complexes against oxidative stress and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease mice. J Alzheimers Dis. 2020; 76(2): 751-767.
4. Li H, Li Y, Li Y, et al. Neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its polysaccharides on oxidative stress-damaged HT