Can Lion's Mane Make You Smarter?
Everyone would like to be a little smarter or more intelligent. That would make life a lot easier. Do you ever wonder if there is a supplement that can improve your intelligence? Hericium erinaceus is a fungus that has attracted the attention of scientists. Lion's Mane has the potential to make our brains work better and hopefully make you smarter.
What is Lion's Mane?
Lion's Mane is a striking mushroom and looks beautiful. It grows as a long, white, rough bunch of thin strings on the trunks of trees (like a lion's mane). It looks impressive, but its special properties are also worth mentioning. Lion's mane (the scientific name is Hericium erinaceus and it is also called the wig mushroom) has traditionally been valued for its positive effects on health. It is mainly used in Asia. Herbalists praised its properties, which could promote brain function. It was seen as a remedy that was good for general well-being. Lion's Mane has been processed into tea or used in meals in Asia for centuries.
How does Lion's Mane affect the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)?
But why is this fungus so special? The secret lies in its unique composition. It contains various substances with a powerful effect. These are mainly hericenones and erinacines. These may stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a substance essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. And these nerve cells are the building blocks of our brain and nervous system. Lion’s mane helps keep these cells healthy and therefore may also help make you smarter.
Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia
This study investigates how hericenones and erinacines, compounds in Lion’s Mane, can stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is essential for the growth and survival of neurons. (FRONTIERSIN)
How Lion's mane can help make you smarter
The two substances that are the reason that Lion's mane has such a positive impact on the brain are hericenones, which are found in the fruiting body of the mushroom, and erinacines. The latter are found in the mycelium, the underground network of the fungus. These substances can promote the production of NGF. NGF is a protein that is important for neurogenesis. This means that it is involved in the creation of new neurons. As you get older, cognitive functioning can deteriorate, such as concentration and memory. Due to the special properties of the lion's mane mushroom, this process can possibly be slowed down.
Several studies have already been conducted to clarify how this mushroom works. Research on animals indicates that a lion's mane supplement can improve memory and stimulate learning. In a study on mice that were given Lion's mane extract, it turned out that these animals were much better able to find their way through mazes, compared to the control group. This is a classic test of cognitive functioning.
But the special properties of lion's mane mushroom are also evident outside the laboratory. In a small study of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, they were given a supplement of Lion’s Mane. It was found that their cognitive functioning improved significantly over time. However, these improvements diminished when they stopped taking the supplement.
Dr. Pahan, a professor of neurology and biochemistry at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, told Healthline in an interview that Lion’s Mane can stimulate the growth of neural nerves. According to him, it is already being studied in depth and several studies show that it is good for the development and growth of neurons. It can be used for spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury and even degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease.
A similar message comes from Dr. Jeroen van Dijk, a neurologist at the University of Amsterdam:
“The substances erinacines and hericenones in Lion’s Mane appear to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is essential is for neuron health. However, these results are mainly based on laboratory research. Until large-scale, double-blind studies are conducted in humans, we cannot confirm the effects on cognitive function with certainty."
Other Benefits of Lion's Mane
In addition to potentially helping you become smarter, Lion's Mane has other benefits. The supplement has also been linked to improving mood. It can help reduce anxiety and depression. As a result, Lion's Mane can also be used to treat mental health conditions.
Furthermore, like many other medicinal mushrooms, Lion's Mane also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Many conditions originate from Lion's Mane. in inflammation, such as diabetes, joint pain and digestive problems. You can also use this special mushroom for that.
Of course, a well-functioning immune system is also very important to stay healthy. Hericium erinaceus appears to have natural properties that can boost the immune system. These positive properties come from the large amount of polysaccharides that the mushroom contains. These stimulate the activity of the immune system that is located in the intestines and help support a healthy microbiome.
Another advantage of Lion's mane is that it can help reduce stress. The active substances in the mushroom have a calming effect on the nervous system and help regulate the production of stress hormones.
How do you use Lion's mane?
Do you want to use Lion's mane to boost your cognitive functioning? to give, then it is very simple. The mushroom is available as a capsule, powder and extract. Use the power of the lion's mane in combination with minerals (zinc) and vitamin C with McMyco's Brain Booster. These substances also have a positive effect on the brain.
Which supplements combine well with Lion's Mane?
You can also combine different medicinal mushrooms with each other. For example, Lion's mane goes well with Chaga. Both have a positive effect on cognition and resistance. For an effective effect against stress, you can combine Lion's mane with Reishi. In our shop you will also find a supplement, McMyco Fantastic 5, which combines the powers of 5 medicinal mushrooms, namely Lion's Mane, Chaga, Maitake, Reishi and Cordyceps.
Disclaimer:
Despite the potentially positive effects of Lion's Mane, it is important to pay attention to possible risks and side effects. Although the mushroom is generally considered safe, some people may experience allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or breathing problems. In addition, there may be interactions with certain medications, especially in people with autoimmune diseases or who use blood thinners. Furthermore, there is still a lack of extensive clinical research into the long-term effects of long-term use of Lion's Mane supplements. It is therefore advisable to always consult a doctor or specialist before use, especially if you are under treatment for a medical condition or are using other supplements. The author and publisher are not responsible for any side effects or health problems that arise from the use of Lion's Mane or other supplements mentioned in this blog.
