Lion’s Mane is a medicinal mushroom with some of the best reputed natural Nootropic effects. Nootropics are substances that are said to improve cognition and concentration; in simple terms, they help you ‘think better’. Used as a traditional Chinese remedy, Lion’s Mane extract can improve the nerve growth factor (NGF) within the brain, which is essential for the proliferation and survival of neurons, through a process called neurogenesis. This may result in permanent improvements to overall brain health. Lion’s Mane extracts are also rich in antioxidant properties and have been shown to successfully treat a variety of health issues
The most common ailments treated by Lion’s Mane, especially in Chinese medicine, are stomach troubles. The effectiveness of Lion’s Mane in easing stomach problems is strongly backed by scientific study, having been shown to contain antibacterial properties and to produce notable anti-inflammatory effects.
Other noted positive effects of Lion’s Mane include regulated blood sugar and improved cholesterol levels. These health improvements are especially beneficial for people suffering from diabetes and related illnesses. Lion’s Mane extract can also help to prevent heart disease, as it lowers both harmful cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream, an early indicator of heart disease.
Perhaps the most thoroughly researched feature of the Lion’s Mane mushroom is the impact it has on brain cells and their related functions. This impressive fungus may one day have a revolutionary impact on neurodegenerative diseases.
Consuming Lion’s Mane has been shown to actually regenerate damaged cells following peripheral nerve injuries, which affect the delicate tissue between the brain and spinal cord. When studying how brain diseases might be affected by particular medications or treatments, what is known as the ‘PC12 cell line’ is frequently used for testing. Extracts and various forms of Lion’s Mane seem to have a major impact on PC12 cells, protecting them from damage and delaying their cell death significantly. These findings could prove extremely relevant for the prevention and treatment of brain conditions in the near future.
The way in which Lion’s Mane affects these incredible benefits is quite different from the ways in which other Nootropics work, if they work at all. While synthetic ‘smart drugs’ work by modulating the production of various neurotransmitters, Lion’s Mane enhances cognition by increasing the amount of Nerve Growth Factor or NGF in the brain. NGF, which is crucial for a well-functioning brain, is a protein secreted in the brain that is essential for the growth, maintenance, proliferation, and survival of neurons. This may actually help to slow down the onset of dementia, a brain dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s.
If you’re looking for a powerful brain booster and to improve your overall health, Lion’s Mane supplements are the way forward. Lion’s Mane extract can be found from numerous suppliers, however we recommend Medi Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Brain Power Booster, which are completely vegan friendly and pack a powerful dose of the extract per capsule. 2 – 3 capsules per day are recommended for adults.
