Lion’s Mane

*Reference to Thomas DeLauer on this site are for informational purposes only. Eternum Labs – Australia is not affiliated with Thomas DeLauer in any way.

As we age, the connections in our brain become weaker, leading to reduced mental clarity and increased brain fog. Studies have found that lion’s mane mushrooms contain two special compounds (hericenones and erinacines) that may stimulate the growth of brain cells. Because of this, lion’s mane has been used to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and help reduce mild memory loss.

Because lion’s mane may in fact regenerate brain cells in the hippocampus (the area of the brain responsible for processing memories and emotional responses) researchers believe that this may reduce anxious and depressive behavior.

In one study, lion’s mane dietary supplements appeared to give mice better object recognition and recognition memory. A Japanese study on adults aged between 50 and 80 years with mild cognitive impairment found that daily consumption of mushroom extract for 16 weeks led to higher scores on cognitive function scales compared with a placebo group.

Lion’s mane is rich in antioxidants that support overall cellular health and help your body to produce energy. The mushroom also increases tissue glycogen content which helps your body produce energy quicker.

It has been shown to reduce lactic acid in the blood, which causes fatigue after intense physical activity. Lion’s mane provides a steady energy boost without the jitters of other stimulants, like caffeine.

Lion’s mane may help digestive health by fighting inflammation, which could be beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The mushroom may also boost immune function and encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut. In vitro studies report that lion’s mane mushrooms can result in antibacterial activity that may improve digestion. Research in mice supports these findings by showing that extracts of lion’s mane may protect against stomach ulcers.

Lion’s Mane may have an indirect benefit to our mental prowess by the role it plays in supporting the digestive tract.

Lion’s Mane has been shown to help improve sleep quality, particularly with deep and REM sleep. REM sleep is the fourth and deepest stage of sleep. It is at this stage that one also gets to experience vivid dreaming. REM sleep is good for the brain and is required for optimal brain function. Net getting enough REM sleep is an indication of sleep deprivation, which poses a higher risk of developing the following health conditions: 

• Dementia
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Type-2 diabetes
• Depression
• Cardiovascular disease

Improving REM sleep boosts brain activity, growth, and memory. With the help of Lion’s Mane, this could be achieved.