Every Friday, I break down the latest scientific findings on mushrooms and fungi in our weekly newsletter.
Here, I’ve compiled all of the latest research on lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) – the shaggy fungus that’s making waves in the scientific community. From its potential to enhance cognitive function to its effects on gut health, here’s what science has uncovered about Lion’s mane, starting with our most recent findings:
Epilepsy breakthrough 💜 A 10-year-old girl with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy experienced a 99% reduction in seizures after starting daily supplementation with Naturealm Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder, containing chaga (Inonotus obliquus), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), maitake (Grifola frondosa), reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor). Once having up to 50 seizures a day, she now experiences a drastic reduction, no adverse effects, and remarkable cognitive progress. (Newsletter published: 1/31/25)
The gut-brain connection 🧠 Reishi and lion’s mane influence mood and brain function by interacting with gut bacteria with their bioactive compounds that enhance key brain proteins like BDNF, which supports neuron growth and repair and is linked to improved mental well-being. (Newsletter published: 1/31/25)
Wound healing ❤️🩹 A novel hydrogel film incorporating lion’s mane mushroom extract (Hericium erinaceus) enhances wound healing. This film, made from polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan, gradually releases ergosterol, a compound that promotes cell growth and repair. (Newsletter published: 1/24/25)
Marvels revealed 🪄 Lion’s mane enhances nerve growth and brain health, showing over 50% improvement in nerve regeneration markers. Agaricus blazei boosts immune response and reduces inflammation, enhancing antioxidant activity up to 60%. (Newsletter published: 1/24/25)
Bioactive breakdown 🧬 Scientists uncovered the first steps of how lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) produces meroterpenoids—bioactive compounds linked to brain health. This breakthrough enables us to scale production for potential treatments for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. (Newsletter published: 12/27/24)
Water rescue 💧 Biochar from lion’s mane waste effectively removed 95% of phosphates and 100% of cadmium from polluted water. When enhanced with iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), the biochar effectively removed high levels of pollutants. (Newsletter published: 12/20/24)
Apples for inflammation 🍎 Young apples fermented with Schizophyllum commune DS1, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) produced high-quality mycoprotein with 33.56% yield and revealed three anti-inflammatory peptides that, when tested in lab conditions, reduced inflammation markers like NO, IL-6, and IL-1β. (Newsletter published: 12/6/24)
Battling colorectal cancer ❤️🩹 Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), and oystermushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) increased colorectal cancer cell death by up to 60% in lab tests and reduced tumor size in mice. When combined with standard chemotherapy drug 5-FU, reishi enhanced the treatment’s effectiveness while protecting healthy cells. Oyster mushrooms improved survival time and reduced cancer-related weight loss when added to the diet. (Newsletter published: 11/22/24)
Power up your gut 🦠 For the first time, a major review definitively shows polysaccharides from medicinal mushrooms improve metabolism by transforming gut bacteria. The compounds cut blood fats and reduce weight gain by boosting beneficial bacteria while dropping harmful ones by 50%. Extracts from reishi and lion’s mane increased gut-produced metabolism regulators by 60%. (Newsletter published: 11/22/24)
Protect your brain 🧠 Scientists discovered two compounds in rice-grown lion’s mane that shield brain cells from damage. The compounds cut inflammation by 40% and protect against toxic stress in lab tests by balancing key proteins that control cell survival. (Newsletter published: 11/22/24)
IBD relief 😌 Mushroom beta-glucans (β-glucans) show potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. A new study reports up to 50% decrease in intestinal inflammation from lion’s mane and shiitake (Lentinus edodes) β-glucans. These β-glucans stimulate immune cells to better fight off threats, while also blocking pathways that cause excessive inflammation in the body. This dual action helps reduce inflammatory substances that worsen IBD symptoms. (Newsletter published: 10/18/24)
Hormonal heroines 📈 A new study found a serotonin-estrogen link that may contribute to women’s 2-3 times higher risk of autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, certain mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane have been shown to modulate serotonin systems and possess estrogen-like effects, potentially offering natural alternatives for managing hormonal health issues. For instance, reishi mushrooms have demonstrated a 9.3% reduction in breast cancer cell viability, while lion’s mane has shown promise in reducing menopausal symptoms by up to 50% in some studies. (Newsletter published: 10/18/24)
Mushroom makeup 💄 Reishi (Ganoderma lucidim), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), and lion’s mane (Heracium erinaceus) are being incorporated into cosmetics for their anti-aging and skin-brightening properties, like reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production. A South Korean study of 28 mushroom species found ergothioneine levels ranging from 0.06 to 5.54 mg/g dry weight, with some species containing up to 10.65 mg/g. Research suggests mushroom extracts can potentially reduce hyperpigmentation, while also providing hydration and supporting overall skin health. (Newsletter published: 10/18/24)
Kids & inflammation 🧒 A new study dropped a bombshell: chronic low-grade inflammation in children doesn’t just affect physical health, it makes them more likely to face serious mental health challenges like depression and psychosis in early adulthood. But here’s some fungal hope: mushrooms like lion’s mane and shiitake are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds that could help combat this risk, boosting both body and brain health as kids grow up. (Newsletter published: 10/4/24)
Good for your gut 💓 A recent study showed how shiitake (Lentinus edodes), button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), and lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) are unique in their ability to produce different short-chain fatty acids—acetate, propionate, and butyrate—that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote beneficial gut bacteria. (Newsletter published: 9/20/24)
Reviewing the material 🧠 A systematic review analyzed 16 studies on lion’s mane mushrooms, with most showing positive effects, finding that compounds like erinacines and hericenones support nerve growth, reduce anxiety, and help protect against brain diseases. (Newsletter published: 9/20/24)
Not every body responds the same 🚧 A 43-year-old woman with metastatic colorectal cancer experienced severe liver damage after self-medicating with a mushroom powder containing lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) and Agaricus blazei Murril. This highlights the critical need for careful communication regarding complementary alternative medicines (CAM). (Newsletter published: 9/6/24)
Mycelium in space 🛰️ Samples of lion’s mane, turkey’s tail, and cordyceps were sent to the International Space Station to study how mycelium grows in zero gravity. The mushrooms will return to Earth in the coming weeks, where they will be grown in lab conditions before being compared to a control group of mushrooms that have never left Earth. (Newsletter published: 8/30/24)
Can fungi help our gut woes?
Over 40% of the world’s population has some form of a gastrointestinal disorder, but it’s still hard to find effective treatments. Holistic practitioners often turn patients to medicinal mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, and turkey tail, and in the last ten years, more clinical research applying medicinal mushrooms to GI disorders has been published.
Recently, researchers in Romania conducted an in-depth literature review on the topic of medicinal mushrooms and gastric conditions. Such reviews are crucial for emerging fields, sifting through numerous studies to identify key trends and guide research funding and efforts. This review refined its focus from 61 to 7 studies that specifically explored the relationship between medicinal mushrooms and gastric conditions.
- 😁 All sevens studies showed positive effects of mushrooms on GI disorders. The catch is that the seven studies focused on animals, not humans. This isn’t uncommon in the world of medicine as clinical research, especially, is at the hands of time.
- 🛡️ Medicinal mushrooms have high levels of gastroprotective effects due to their bioactive compounds like polysachharides and beta-glucans, which, in turn, create high levels of anxtioxidants that bolster and regulate our digestive tract.
- 📈 Higher doses of mushroom extracts led to significant improvements in gastric ulcers. This suggests that dosage is important for achieving the best therapeutic outcomes, something for future studies to explore in research on human subjects. 👉️ Read more. (Newsletter published: 1/3/24)
💃 What mushrooms do supermodels love? Well, she can’t speak for everyone, but Gisele Bündchen made headlines this week when she shared her love of Lion’s Mane. “I’ve been taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom for a while and it really helps me focus and boost my energy,” she wrote in a new campaign for Gaia Herbs. (Newsletter published: 10/25/23)
Katy Perry’s line of non-alcoholic apéritifs released Très Rosé, an adaptogenic drink with lion’s mane mushrooms and saffron. Lion’s mane mushrooms are having a moment this year (along with cordyceps, thanks to The Last of Us.) (Newsletter published: 8/16/23)
What are lion’s mane mushrooms?
Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus), also known as “bearded tooth mushroom” or “pom pom blanc,” are notable for their unique, shaggy appearance resembling a lion’s mane. These mushrooms are celebrated not only for their distinct flavor and texture in culinary dishes but also for their medicinal benefits.
Lion’s mane mushrooms grow on hardwood trees and are found primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. The part utilized is the fruiting body, which contains a host of bioactive substances including beta-glucans, hericenones, and erinacines.
Traditionally valued for their cognitive-enhancing properties, lion’s mane mushrooms are researched for their potential to support nerve growth and repair. They are believed to improve mental clarity, focus, and memory. Additionally, they have been studied for their possible effects in reducing mild symptoms of anxiety and depression.
