LION'S MANE

LION'S MANE (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) or simply Hericium, is a mushroom that has been used for decades. It is also known as 'Yamabushitake', 'Hou Tou Gu' (monkey head mushroom), 'hedgehog mushroom' or 'pom-pom-blanc'. Its visual appeal is worth highlighting due to its imposing globular fruiting body with hanging white spines that give the impression of a frozen waterfall or a majestic lion's mane (hence its curious popular name).

How can the lion's mane mushroom help our health?

Hericium contains hundreds of bioactive components or active biomolecules such as beta-glucans, hericenones, ergosterol (provitamin D2) or natural GABA, which are studied for their role in the intestinal microbiota. It currently enjoys growing popularity and is the subject of continuous scientific research in various areas. Hericium erinaceus is an edible mushroom well known on the Asian continent, where it has been used for centuries. In fact, the Lion's Mane was first documented with a beautiful Chinese illustration during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century.

Properties and benefits of lion's mane

Research into lion's mane has exploded in the last twenty years, and this has allowed us to learn about its properties and benefits, backed by scientific studies. It contains hundreds of bioactive components such as beta-glucans, erinacins, ergosterol (provitamin D2) or natural GABA, which make lion's mane a very beneficial mushroom for general well-being. Mainly, it has been shown to have enormous benefits especially for the brain and digestive system. Below, we explain its main benefits:

1. Improved memory and nervous system
   

   On the one hand, it stops neuroinflammation and neuronal oxidative stress. In addition, it enhances the regeneration of neurons, thanks to erinacins. Therefore, it is a great ally for the nervous system and specifically for brain longevity, as it improves cognitive performance. The lion's mane is interesting for patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression or any mental or neurodegenerative disorder.

2. Helps strengthen the intestinal mucosa
   

   The characteristics of lion's mane help improve the integrity and regeneration of the intestinal barrier, which is why it is recommended to treat gastritis or to strengthen weak digestive systems. In addition, lion's mane also promotes the proper functioning of the immune system.

3. Modulates the intestinal microbiota
   

   Lion's mane favors the colonization of bacteria that produce butyrate (an essential molecule in brain health), such as Eubacterium Rectale and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. On the other hand, this fungus is responsible for eliminating pathogenic populations of pathobionts. In this way, it works on the gut-brain axis.

How to consume the Lion's Mane mushroom?

• Minimum powder consumption: 500 to 600 mg up to 1500 mg in an infusion.
• In capsules: 2 capsules of 300 mg per day.