With a unique flavor alternately described as lobster or shrimp, the gourmet mushroom Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) with its out-of-this-world showy display of cascading 'teeth' also possesses singular medicinal properties - stimulating myelin and nerve regeneration (150, 151) - which upon further study may prove beneficial in a whole series of neurological conditions. Paul Stamets suggests the possible usefulness of Hericium erinaceus extract in conditions such as Alzheimer's, muscular dystrophy, M.S. and dementia. (134)
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is known in the wild from North America, Europe, China and Japan. It grows on many species of deciduous trees, in particular oak, walnut, beech, maple and sycamore.
"Erinacines" is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. (152, 153, 154)
Two Japanese patents exist relating to Hericium erinaceus extracts; one from the 1990's for an extraction process of these compounds yielding an extract known as "Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor." (150, 151) A more recent one from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus, also used for its nerve regenerating properties. (155)
In addition to its effect on nerve regeneration, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also prescribes Hericium erinaceus extract for stomach and digestive conditions, as well as cancers of the digestive tract and related organs.
Modern studies have affirmed the validity of this traditional application of Hericium erinaceus extract. One paper published in 1985 reported positive findings in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Another from 1995 concluded that Hericium erinaceus had an ameliorating effect on hepatoma with an increased life expectancy for treated patients. (156)
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is known in the wild from North America, Europe, China and Japan. It grows on many species of deciduous trees, in particular oak, walnut, beech, maple and sycamore.
"Erinacines" is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. (152, 153, 154)
Two Japanese patents exist relating to Hericium erinaceus extracts; one from the 1990's for an extraction process of these compounds yielding an extract known as "Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor." (150, 151) A more recent one from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus, also used for its nerve regenerating properties. (155)
In addition to its effect on nerve regeneration, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also prescribes Hericium erinaceus extract for stomach and digestive conditions, as well as cancers of the digestive tract and related organs.
Modern studies have affirmed the validity of this traditional application of Hericium erinaceus extract. One paper published in 1985 reported positive findings in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Another from 1995 concluded that Hericium erinaceus had an ameliorating effect on hepatoma with an increased life expectancy for treated patients. (156)
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, visit site, in partnership with the NC business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. To find the research references for this article, use this link to Lions Mane page and click on any number indicating a reference.
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