Nerve Regeneration by Wild Mushroom Lion's Mane
The unique flavor of the gourmet mushroom Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is often compared to either lobster or shrimp. And modern science is now discovering that not only is it a culinary delicacy but it may also possess some unique medicinal properties, with its ability to stimulate nerve and myelin regeneration. [150, 151] In the book Mycelium Running, foremost American medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets suggests this may make Hericium erinaceus useful in a large number of neurological conditions, from multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy to Alzheimer's and dementia. [134]
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is known in the wild from North America, Europe, China and Japan. It grows on many species of deciduous trees, in particular oak, walnut, beech, maple and sycamore.
"Erinacines" is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. [152, 153, 154]
Two Japanese patents exist relating to Hericium erinaceus extracts; one from the 1990's for an extraction process of these compounds yielding an extract known as "Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor." [150, 151] A more recent one from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus, also used for its nerve regenerating properties. [155]
In addition to its effect on nerve regeneration, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also prescribes Hericium erinaceus extract for stomach and digestive conditions, as well as cancers of the digestive tract and related organs.
Two modern studies have confirmed this ancient wisdom. One done in 1985 showed positive results for treating atrophic gastritis. Another conducted a decade later, in 1995, showed some ameliorating effect on hepatoma, with a marked life extension of treated patients. [156]
In conclusion, additional medical research studies on Hericium erinaceus extract that are worth mentioning have shown it to have some therapeutic effect in the following areas: Immune stimulating [157]; antimicrobial against Aspergillus and Candida [158]; anti-tumoral [159]; inflammation [134]; stomach cancer. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is known in the wild from North America, Europe, China and Japan. It grows on many species of deciduous trees, in particular oak, walnut, beech, maple and sycamore.
"Erinacines" is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. [152, 153, 154]
Two Japanese patents exist relating to Hericium erinaceus extracts; one from the 1990's for an extraction process of these compounds yielding an extract known as "Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor." [150, 151] A more recent one from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus, also used for its nerve regenerating properties. [155]
In addition to its effect on nerve regeneration, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also prescribes Hericium erinaceus extract for stomach and digestive conditions, as well as cancers of the digestive tract and related organs.
Two modern studies have confirmed this ancient wisdom. One done in 1985 showed positive results for treating atrophic gastritis. Another conducted a decade later, in 1995, showed some ameliorating effect on hepatoma, with a marked life extension of treated patients. [156]
In conclusion, additional medical research studies on Hericium erinaceus extract that are worth mentioning have shown it to have some therapeutic effect in the following areas: Immune stimulating [157]; antimicrobial against Aspergillus and Candida [158]; anti-tumoral [159]; inflammation [134]; stomach cancer. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has been engaged with herbal medicine since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal fungi, including Hericium erinaceus extract (Stamets'), in partnership with the NC business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. To find the scientific references for this article, go to the Lion's Mane Supplement page and click on any number indicating a reference.