When it comes to boosting brain health through diet, most doctors and nutritionists point patients toward lots of berries, seafood, and leafy green vegetables. Now, however, fascinating new findings suggest that lion’s mane mushroom can benefit memory and cognition in a major way.

A recent mouse study conducted by researchers from The University of Queensland has discovered a compound in this edible mushroom has a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory.

Lion's Mane mushrooms, also known as Hericium erinaceus, have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, and this is not the first time that their effects on brain cells have been shown.

Brain boost

The study found that a compound called Hericene A, which is found in lion's mane, promotes neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons, ultimately increasing the size of growth cones, which play a crucial role in brain cells sensing their environment and establishing new connections with other neurons in the brain.

If that sounds a bit complex, imagine the brain is like a big network of wires, with different parts of the brain communicating with each other through these wires. Each wire is made up of special cells called neurons.

This study has found that Hericene A can actually help the neurons in the brain grow longer, connecting with other neurons and making these "wires" stronger.

This is important because these connections between neurons allow different parts of the brain to communicate with each other, and that's what makes our brain work properly. 

Hericene A can also make the growth cones bigger. Growth cones are like the fingertips of the neurons, they help the neurons sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons.

All this suggests that Hericene A can help the brain to adapt, grow, and even repair itself, potentially offering a treatment for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as brain injuries and even strokes. 

Improved memory

Co-author of the study, Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol, said that the discovery has applications that could treat and protect against these types of disorders.

He added that the goal was to identify bioactive compounds from natural sources that could reach the brain and regulate the growth of neurons, resulting in improved memory formation.

Dr Dae Hee Lee from CNGBio Co, which supported and collaborated on the research project, also weighed in on the study's findings.

He said that the properties of Lion's Mane mushrooms have been used to treat ailments and maintain health in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity and that this research is uncovering the molecular mechanism of the mushroom's compounds and their effects on brain function, particularly memory.

What is Hericene A?

Hericenone A is a specific type of hericenone, which is a chemical compound found in certain species of mushrooms, particularly in the Hericium genus. 

Hericenones have been shown to have neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing properties, and are of interest for potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of neurological disorders.

When developing our lion's mane capsules, we use a dual extracting method with both water and alcohol. This process is important because hericenones are only soluble in ethanol.

With each capsule containing a high concentration of 4.8mg of hericenones, our lion’s mane capsules are one of the strongest standardised hericenone-rich extracts on the market. 

This means that you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality product with a consistent concentration of active ingredients in every capsule. 

Previous findings 

Lion's Mane mushroom has been the subject of numerous studies in the past, displaying a variety of health benefits. Previous research has shown that consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms can have a positive effect on brain function, particularly in the areas of memory and cognitive function.

Studies have also shown that Lion's Mane mushrooms can have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. They contain compounds known as hericystin and erinacine that have been found to support the regeneration of nerve cells, making them a potential treatment for conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and traumatic brain injury.

In addition to its brain-boosting properties, Lion's Mane mushrooms have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and boost the immune system.

Read: 10 Reasons You Should Be Taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Conclusion

Overall, research on Lion's Mane mushrooms has shown that they are a versatile and nutritious food that offers a variety of health benefits.

With this latest study highlighting the active compounds that boosts nerve growth factor and enhances memory, lion's mane mushrooms have once again proven to be a valuable addition to any brain health regimen.

And lucky for you, we at Mushies have the best hericenones-rich Lion's Mane extract in the UK available here! 

The study was published in the Journal of Neurochemistry.