Hericium Erinaceus

Hericium erinaceus, also known as lion's mane mushroom or hedgehog spiny beard, offers a variety of health and brain benefits.

Here are some of the benefits that may be associated with taking Hericium erinaceus:

• Promote neurological health:Hericium erinaceus contains several bioactive compounds that have neuroprotective properties These compounds may promote the growth and regeneration of nerve cells, which may contribute to improved neurological health.
  
  
• Support cognitive function:Lion's Mane Mushroom may improve cognitive function, including memory, concentration and learning. Studies suggest that taking Hericium erinaceus promotes the production of nerve growth factors, which are important for the formation and protection of nerve connections in the brain.
  
  
• Strengthening the immune system:Hericium erinaceus contains immunomodulating compounds that can strengthen the immune system and support the body's defences against disease and infection.
  
  
• Improving digestive health:Lion's Mane Mushroom may promote digestive health by supporting the growth of healthy gut bacteria and improving the function of the digestive system. This can lead to better nutrient absorption and more efficient digestion.

The active ingredients responsible for the beneficial effects of Hericium erinaceus are mainly the so-called hericenones and erinacins. These compounds are bioactive substances that can have a stimulating effect on nerve growth and neurotransmitter production.

Studies on Hericium Erinaceus

Here are some studies that deal with the effect of Hericium erinaceus:

• This study investigated the neurohealth properties of Hericium erinaceus mycelium enriched with erinacins, suggesting potential beneficial effects on neurological function, including concentration.
  

  Li, I. C., Lee, L. Y., Chen, W. P., et al. (2018). Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines. Behavioural Neurology, 5802634. DOI: 10.1155/2018/5802634 

• This in vitro study investigated the influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on the myelination process, which is important for neuronal communication and cognitive function.
  

  Kolotushkina, E. V., Moldavan, M. G., Voronin, K. Y., et al. (2003). The influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro. Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine: 1994), 49(1), 38-45. 

• This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Hericium erinaceus in depressive disorders and provided evidence for its possible role in improving mood and cognitive function.
  

  Phan, C. W., David, P., Naidu, M., et al. (2015). Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(11), 26280-26291. DOI: 10.3390/ijms161125942 

• This study investigated whether the intake of Hericium erinaceus over a period of 4 weeks can lead to a reduction in depression and anxiety, which could indirectly influence cognitive function.
  

  Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., et al. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231-237. DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.31.231 

• This study investigated the effects of Hericium erinaceus extract on anxiety and depressive behaviours by promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with cognition.
  

  Li, G., Yu, K., Li, F., et al. (2018). Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviours by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 62-71. DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.10.047 

• This study investigated how Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide can restore cognitive impairment in aging mice by regulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites.
  

  Zhang, J., An, S. C., Hu, W. S., et al. (2019). Dietary Hericium erinaceus Polysaccharide Restores Cognitive Impairment by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Senile Mice Induced by D-galactose. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 121, 159-168. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.207 

• This study investigated the neurotrophic properties of Hericium erinaceus and demonstrated its potential to promote nerve growth and regeneration.
  

  Mori K., et al. "Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial." Phytotherapy Research, 2009: 23(3), 367-372.
  
  

• This study identified the compounds hericenone and erinacine as potential stimulators of nerve growth factor synthesis, which are important for promoting nerve growth and regeneration in the brain.
  

  Lee KF., et al. "Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in Hericium erinaceus." Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology, 2014: 5(1), 43-54.
  
  

• This study investigated the neuroprotective properties of Hericium erinaceus and demonstrated its ability to reduce toxic effects of Aβ protein on cells.
  

  Zhang C., et al. "Neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its components on Aβ-induced toxicity in PC12 cells." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015.