Lions Mane, Mushroom Extraordinaire

One of my all-time favorite mushrooms is the lion's mane. The scientific name for lion's mane is Hericium erinaceus. The common name comes from the way its strands hang down, resembling a beautiful mane of lion's hair.

Lions Mane has been described as tasting mildly sweet, savory, and umami. It has also been compared to meat, specifically lobster or crab. When seasoned or marinated for a few hours then pan fried or grilled, you've got yourself quite a delicious mushroom steak.

Lions mane contain vitamins like niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin. Unique to mushrooms, they also contain vitamin D. Lions mane also contains minerals such as manganese, zinc, and potassium (S.R., V., & Porter, K. 2022, June 23).

According to the USDA, 100 Gram (2/3 Cup) serving of fresh Lions mane contains:

35 Calories

.26 grams of fat

7.5 grams of carbohydrate

2.5 grams of protein

4.4 grams of fiber

As well as a bunch more, check out the USDA site in the references for a comprehensive listing.

Lions mane is a saprophytic mushroom, which means its food of choice is dead or decaying organic matter. Because of this, you can find Lions mane hanging out on dead trees and falling logs. This amazing mushroom can be found all throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. In fact, you can find it right here in the Pacific North West!

Research on Lions Mane

Like many other mushrooms, Lions mane has long been used for its restorative properties, especially in eastern medicine. It was used for heart, lung, spleen, and to replenish ones qi, or spiritual life force. In the last few years, western culture has started to take note. Here are a few studies of note about this audacious mushroom.

According to a study done in 2023, Lions manes contains many components which may help our noggins. In fact, the study says over 102 compounds have been isolated from samples of lions mane. Some benefits proposed by this study include:

1. Cognitive Enhancement: It may promote nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons, potentially improving memory and cognitive function.

2. Neuroprotective Effects: The mushroom has shown promise in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

3. Mood and Anxiety Regulation: Some studies suggest that Hericium erinaceus may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, possibly due to its impact on neurotrophic factors and inflammation.

4. Digestive Health: It may support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and protecting the gastric mucosa.

5. Immune System Support: The mushroom possesses immunomodulatory properties, which can enhance the body's immune response. In addition, Lions mane has compounds which are antidiabetic.

Overall, Hericium erinaceus appears to have significant potential for cognitive health, mood improvement, digestive support, and immune system enhancement.

Source : (Szućko-Kociuba I, Trzeciak-Ryczek A, Kupnicka P, Chlubek D., 2023)

A study in 2015 on multiple groups of diabetic rats involving a control group, saw promise for Lions mane in promoting insulin production.

Source : (Liang B, Guo Z, Xie F, Zhao A., 2015)

References:

Default FoodData central. (n.d.). DEFAULT FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/1999626/nutrients

Szućko-Kociuba I, Trzeciak-Ryczek A, Kupnicka P, Chlubek D. Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 3;24(21):15960. doi: 10.3390/ijms242115960. PMID: 37958943; PMCID: PMC10650066.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10650066/)

Liang B, Guo Z, Xie F, Zhao A. Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Oct 3;13:253. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-253. PMID: 24090482; PMCID: PMC3852124.

(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3852124/)