Maximise the Power of Lion’s Mane with the Right Extraction

Lion’s mane is renowned for its effect on cognitive function and brain health. Most of this effect is attributed to its capacity to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a neuropeptide with a multitude of functions within both brain and body.  Studies have suggested that it is two particular groups of compounds found in Lion’s Mane, the hericenones and the erinacines, that are key to stimulating NGF production. 

These molecules, which are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, are triterpenes and are produced in the fruiting body and the mycelium of Lion’s Mane. As with all triterpenes, these compounds are not very soluble in water and are more easily extracted from the mushroom using alcohol.  

Water extracts of Lion’s mane contain more of the polysaccharide fraction of the mushroom, including the beta-glucans. These are crucial for their effects on the immune system and gut health.

To get the best from Lion’s Mane, you really need to have a dual extract giving the best of both worlds – the alcohol extract containing the triterpenes for brain health combined with the water extract for our immune and gut health. 

There is also a calming side to Lion’s Mane, one which we make use of in our Calm & Collected capsules. Studies in various groups of women have demonstrated a reduction in anxiety, depression and an improvement in sleep after taking Lion’s mane in various forms for between 4 to 8 weeks^1-3. It seems that, in addition to NGF, Lion’s Mane can impact our neurotransmitters⁴. It is not clear the exact mechanism of action or the active compounds involved at this stage so make sure that your Lion’s Mane is a full spectrum extract containing a balance of all components to get the full range of effects. 

By Schia Mitchell Sinclair MNIMH, Chief Herbalist at The Herbtender

References 

1. Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research. 2010;31(4):231-237. doi:10.2220/biomedres.31.231 
2. Vigna L, Morelli F, Agnelli GM, et al. Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers? Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-12. doi:10.1155/2019/7861297 
3. Okamura H, Anno N, Tsuda A, Inokuchi T, Uchimura N, Inanaga K. The effects of Hericium erinaceus (Amyloban® 3399) on sleep quality and subjective well-being among female undergraduate students: A pilot study. Personalized Medicine Universe. 2015;4:76-78. doi:10.1016/j.pmu.2015.03.006 
4. Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;21(1):163. doi:10.3390/ijms21010163