Lion’s mane is a mushroom with a history of both medicinal and culinary uses in Asia and Europe. Medicinal mushroom use dates back to 450 BCE when Greek physician Hippocrates discovered the potential anti-inflammatory properties of fungi as well as its role in wound cauterization, according to a 2017 study in the Journal of Restorative Medicine^[1].

The mushroom is a source of natural bioactive compounds, which are health-promoting chemicals found in certain foods and plants. As a result, it exhibits disease-fighting properties, including anti-cancer, anti-microbial and antioxidant activity.

Research also suggests that lion’s mane may protect nerves from disease or decline, according to a 2015 abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The same study concludes the mushroom displays additional health-promoting benefits, such as:

• Regulates blood sugar
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Promotes healthy energy levels and combats fatigue
• Helps to prevent excess blood lipid accumulation
• Protects heart health
• Slows biological aging
• Protects liver health
• Protects kidney health

Potential Alternative Treatment for Depression

Lion’s mane mushroom may be a potential alternative treatment for depression, according to a 2020 abstract in the Journal of Molecular Science. The abstract highlights three ways in which lion’s mane may ease depression symptoms:

• Helping ensure the presence of sufficient neurotransmitters
• Reducing the loss of nerve growth brought about by stressful situations
• Minimizing inflammation linked to depression^[3].

Furthermore, research shows that people living with major depressive disorder may have lower nerve growth factor than non-depressed people, according to a 2015 meta-analysis in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment^[4].  Nerve growth factor helps nerve cells specialize, grow and remain healthy, which are important aspects of mood regulation.

A number of studies demonstrate that lion’s mane increases nerve growth factor, according to Lexi Watson, a doctor of pharmacology, functional medicine practitioner and founder of Oakley Wellness, a practice that specializes in brain health and optimal aging.

1. Could protect against dementia

2. Helps relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety

3. May speed recovery from nervous system injuries

4. Protects against ulcers in the digestive tract

5. Reduces risk of heart disease

6. Helps manage diabetes symptoms

7. May help fight cancer

8. Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

9. Boosts the immune system