If you’re into shrooms, there’s a good chance you’ve heard all about the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom. 

The shaggy fungus is having its moment in the spotlight thanks to its positive effects on brain health, cognition and memory. 

On the other hand, not many have heard about tiger milk mushroom.

This obscure Malaysian mushroom has been shown to benefit brain and lung health, but hasn’t received the same attention as lion’s mane.

This article will take a look at lion’s mane and tiger milk mushrooms, their benefits, and offer a comparison on which may be more suitable for your needs.

Lion’s mane explained

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a shaggy looking mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. 

It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine. Recent studies show it might improve nerve development and function, including brain cells (neurons). It might also protect nerves from becoming damaged, acting as a neuroprotective.

Fresh lion's mane mushrooms bring a delightful addition to dishes in terms of flavor, texture, and nutrition with a texture reminiscent of crab.

Lion's mane mushrooms, like many others, are rich in essential minerals such as potassium, zinc, and manganese, as well as several B vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. 

Lion’s mane benefits

Lion’s mane is gaining popularity in the health and wellness world for its cognition-enhancing and neuroprotective effects.

It is being studied as a potential treatment for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, brain injuries including strokes, and cognitive decline due to aging.

It’s also used to enhance gut health, regulate blood sugar levels, and in treatment for cancer. 

Here is a list of science-backed health benefits of lion’s mane mushroom…

• Protection of the brain against neurodegenerative disease
• Reduction in inflammation, particularly in the gut
• Reduction in depression and anxiety
• Enhance recovery from nervous system injuries
• Lower risk of blood clotting and heart attack and stroke
• Control blood sugar and manage diabetes
• Possible anti-cancer effects 
• Boost immune function 

You’d be wise not to expect instant results with lion’s mane supplements. Clinical studies done with lion’s mane are typically done over at least two months of use.

Buy lion's mane mushroom extract here.

Tiger milk explained 

Lignosus rhinocerus, commonly known as tiger milk mushroom, has been used in Southeast Asia and Australia for a long time as treatment for a number of conditions including respiratory problems.

Found in tropical forests, this mushroom's name is tied to a legend. According to folklore, it supposedly sprouts where a mother tiger nurses her cubs.

Traditionally, it was consumed to enhance alertness, particularly during hunting expeditions. This heightened mental alertness is thought to be linked to neuronal health and activity.

Tiger milk benefits

Like lion's mane, tiger milk promotes cognitive health. 

However, Instead of directly stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) like lion’s mane, the bioactive compounds in Tiger Milk Mushroom attach to TrkA receptors, mimicking NGF activity,  leading to increased neuroplasticity.

• Neuron growth - A 2015 study found that, similar to lion's mane, tiger milk mushroom stimulates neuron growth in the brain, spinal cord, and retina. 

• Neuroprotective effects - It also promotes the production of NGF gene expression but not NGF production, and may offer neuroprotective effects.

• Respiratory health and immunity - This study found it beneficial for respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status.

• Anti-cancer - This study found that tiger milk extract could slow down the growth of human breast cancer cells and human lung cancer cells without harming healthy breast or lung cells. This extract seems to work by triggering a natural process called apoptosis, which helps in killing cancer cells.

• Inflammation - This study found that L. rhinocerotis sclerotium might contain substances that could help reduce NO production and potentially ease inflammation.

• Weight loss and fatty liver disease - Tiger milk has been found to not only help in reducing body weight but also in protecting the liver from damage caused by a high-fat diet in hamsters.

While research shows promise, there's still a lack of human trials confirming its benefits. More studies are needed to fully understand the potential of the compounds found in tiger milk mushroom. 

Buy tiger milk mushroom extract here.

Lion’s mane vs Tiger milk

A Lot o the benefits of lion’s mane and tiger milk overlap. 

This makes it difficult to compare these two mushrooms, as they both are very powerful. 

However, depending on your goal or need, one may be more appropriate than the other. 

Alternatively, taking both might be even better for you, particularly if it's for brain health.  

One study that did compare the two. Researchers tested the effects of each mushroom on brain, spinal cord, and retina cells from chick embryos. Results showed both mushrooms triggered nerve growth by around 20% in all tissues.

When it comes to gut health, there is more evidence for lion’s mane. When it comes to certain cancers, there is more evidence for tiger milk, although both have shown promise. 

At the end of the day, human research is lacking on both mushrooms. It’s best to test them for yourself and judge their effectiveness based on your personal experience. 

Final thoughts  

Looking at the benefits of lion's mane mushroom and tiger milk mushroom, there are clear overlapping advantages when it comes to brain health and cognition. 

Lion's mane is noted for its neuroprotective effects and potential in treating diseases like Alzheimer's, while tiger milk mushroom is praised for its promotion of neuron growth and potential anti-cancer properties. 

Although both mushrooms offer similar benefits, the choice between them depends on individual goals or needs.

However, the need for more human research on both mushrooms suggests that testing them personally to determine their effectiveness is best.

Buy lion's mane mushroom extract here.

Buy tiger milk mushroom extract here.