Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

The brain tonic, Go beyond ginkgo.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom with long cascading tendrils, hence the name. It is also known as “bear’s head,” “monkey’s head,” “hedgehog fungus,” and “Hou Tou Gu” in Chinese. Recent studies support its traditional use for promoting healthy digestive and immune system functions. However, more promising is its ability to stimulate synthesis of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which may protect nerves in the brain and body from deterioration associated with the aging process.

Bioactive constituents:
Hericenone A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, Xylan, Heteroxylan, Heteroglucan, Proteoglycan

Bioactivities:
• Anti-alzheimer’s disease: Activates synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) / Prevents and ameliorates senile dementia
• Anti-tumor: Enhances immune functions / Cytotoxicity
• Digestive tonic: Treats stomach and duodenal ulcers and chronic atrophic gastritis / Improves indigestion

References:
(1) H. Kawagishi et al, Tetrahedron Letters, 31(3):373 (1990)
(2) H. Kawagishi et al, Agric Biol. Chem., 54(5):1329 (1990)
(3) H. Kawagishi et al, Tetrahedron Letters, 32(35):4561 (1991)
(4) S. Furukawa et al, Kagakuto Seibutsu (Japanese), 29:640 (1991)
(5) T. Mizuno et al, Biosci. Biotech. Bioehem., 56:347 (1992)
(6) H. Kawagishi et al, Phytochemistry, 32:175 (1993)
(7) H. Kawagishi, Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi (Japanese), 68:1671 (1994)
(8) T. Mizuno, Food Reviews, 11 (1):173 (1995)
(9) H. Mori et al, J Appl. Glycosci., 45:361 (1998)
(10) T. Mizuno, International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 1(2):105 (1999)