The Hericium erinaceus mushroom is particularly rich in bioactive substances, most of which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties. However, it is undoubtedly the β-glucan polysaccharides and hericenones which are of most interest. The former are a form of soluble fibre which positively affect lipid metabolism, while the latter are phenolic compounds that support neuron function.

Liquid solvents such as water are normally used to obtain a mushroom extract. This acts a bit like a vegetable soup where the hot water enables chemical compounds to be extracted from solids. Immersing Hericium erinaceus in hot water for a certain period, allows all its water-soluble compounds, including its precious β-glucans, to be extracted. The liquid obtained is then dehydrated, producing a powder that’s highly-concentrated in active principles.

In the case of most Hericium erinaceus extracts, the production process stops there. But Hericium erinaceus also contains compounds non-water-soluble compounds such as hericenones. In order to recover these, a second extraction by alcohol is also required. This is a vital step since it’s the hericenones which are primarily responsible for the mushroom’s benefits for neuron function (they stimulate the production of NGF). Lion’s Mane is one of the rare supplements to undergo this dual extraction process and thus offers a guaranteed content in both polysaccharides (water extraction) and hericenones (alcohol extraction).

Numerous studies have shown that neuroplasticity and neurogenesis can be improved by at least four factors:

• Engaging fully in projects, cognitive and social activities(17-19). Learning and mental exercises encourage the survival phase of neurogenesis by stimulating integration of neurons in existing neural circuits. Repeating these activities (or increasing their difficulty or intensity) leads to improved myelinisation of neuronal extensions, enabling faster circulation of information.
• Increasing intake of omega-3 and B vitamins(20-22). Neurons generated in adults are small in size and have very high requirements for essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, in order to produce their demanding cell membranes. Omega-3 fatty acids are universally recognised by the scientific community and European health authorities as helping to maintain cognitive function, particularly DHA (a natural-source fatty acid, a high-quality form of which is found in Super DHA).Adult neurons also have high requirements for vitamins B2, B6 and B12, all of which are essential elements but are increasingly scarce in modern diets.
• Increasing levels of physical activity(23-24). Physical activity increases the proliferation involved in neurogenesis.
• Improving stress management(25-26). Several studies have shown the highly damaging effects of stress – whether physical or psychosocial - on cell proliferation and neurogenesis in general. It’s therefore essential to protect yourself from stress as much as possible, or failing that, to know how to reduce its effects (through exercise, adaptogen plants, breathing techniques, etc.)

Several species of mushrooms such as Cordyceps (27), Pleurotus (28) and Ganoderma (29) are known to offer similar effects to those of Hericium erinaceus. It may therefore be beneficial to combine Lion’s Mane with other supplements available to buy at Supersmart such as Reishi Extract to enhance its anti-cancer effects, or even with Huperzine A to maximise the neuroprotective effects of Lion’s Mane.

Lion’s Mane supplement contain eight times the concentration of active principles as the plant powder. They have a guaranteed content of beta-glucan polysaccharides of 30% (150mg per capsule), and of hericenones, due to the dual extraction technique used.

The recommended dose to take is 3 capsules a day, preferably before meals. The risk of side-effects is very low and Lion’s Mane can thus be taken for 1-3 months. Having said that, this mushroom should not be taken by those with disorders where NGF is already elevated such as allergies, fibromyalgia or polycystic ovary syndrome…