As of recently there has been an explosion of products containing medical /  ergogenic / Ayurvedic mushrooms. They can be found in tea, chocolate, and in raw-powdered form for supplemental consumption. Common mushrooms include Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi, but what is so special about these mushrooms? Let’s focus specifically on Lion’s Mane because it is one of the most popular for good reason. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) or bearded tooth fungus is a mushroom found in Asia and has been used extensively in Chinese medicine. They look similar to a white toupee and grow on the wooded areas close to the base of trees.

One of the most noted benefits of the compounds found in Lion’s Mane is their ability to increase neurotrophic growth factors such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). An increase in NGF in these studies showed to increase the signal transmitting organs in neurons (1,2). Which, in theory, could reduce cognitive decline and protect cognitive function throughout the lifespan. Lion’s Mane can also act as an antioxidant with the capabilities of reducing gastrointestinal related disorders (3). Furthermore, Lion’s Mane has the ability to reduce markers of chronic inflammation associated with obesity, which have an effect on many long term health problems such as diabetes and cancer (4). Therefore, Lion’s Mane’s cognitive benefits may be three fold because it promotes the growth of neurological tissue used in memory and learning; improves digestive health impacting cognitive function; and reduces whole body inflammation (4).

The many benefits of Lion’s Mane support its use in Mainframe. Its ability to repair old brain cells and grow new cells works synergistically with Acteolin™, which acts as a free radical scavenger in the brain preventing neurological decline. Additionally, pairing Lion’s Mane with active nootropics such as Alpha-GPC, Sulbutiamine, and Bacopa Monnieri will not only maintain cognitive function, but enhance your ability to perform.

- William Wallace PhD(c)
   Co-Founder of CreoDigm

Citations

1. Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., ... & Malek, S. N. A. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 15(6).

2. Wong, K. H., Sabaratnam, V., Naidu, M., & Keynes, R. (2007). Activity of aqueous extracts of lion's mane mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers.(Aphyllophoromycetideae) on the neural cell line NG108-15. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 9(1).

3. Wong, J. Y., Abdulla, M. A., Raman, J., Phan, C. W., Kuppusamy, U. R., Golbabapour, S., & Sabaratnam, V. (2013). Gastroprotective effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers.(Aphyllophoromycetideae) extract against ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.

4. Collins, S. M., Surette, M., & Bercik, P. (2012). The interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the brain. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 10(11), 735.