Functional Mushrooms: Everything you need to know about Lion's Mane

What occurs in nature that is shaped like a ball, white, fluffy and good for your brain? You probably guessed wrong, it’s Lion’s Mane.

Where do Lion's Mane mushrooms Grow?

Lion’s Mane is a common type of mushroom generally grown naturally from decaying trees in North America, as well as Europe and Asia.

What are the potential benefits of Lion's Mane mushrooms?

The funky-looking fungus has become increasingly popular for its potential health benefits. Lion's Mane improves cognitive function by reducing inflammation, encouraging neural growth and improving overall brain health. 1

A study found that mycelium, which is the root structure of mushrooms, helps “nerve growth factor” (NGF) production. This suggests that extracts from Lion's Mane mycelium is useful for improving cognition. 2

Two isolated compounds from Lion’s Mane called “hericenones and erinacines” were also shown to promote the growth of neurons. 3 (Don’t worry, I can’t pronounce it either. Who comes up with these names?)

Researchers also explored Lion’s Mane to see if it would be useful with conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and concluded that Lion’s Mane extract could be helpful in preventing these diseases. 4

Lion’s Mane is also known to help with anxiety and depression. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) was explored in a study by Nagano et al., it was found that after four weeks of taking Lion’s Mane supplements, depressive symptoms were reduced. 6

Mushroom guru Paul Stamets has also boasted about the power of Lion's Mane mushrooms in a podcast with Joe Rogan.

I know what you’re thinking, “Stop talking and tell me how the heck can I get ahold of this extract and become the smartest, most alert brainiac who has the best memory on the face of the planet!”

Well, let me tell you friend, you’re in luck. I’m not going to make any promises about you becoming some sort of superhuman Jimmy Neutron brain wizard with a photographic memory, but I will say that Life Cykel makes a pretty epic Lion’s Mane extract, along with a Lion’s Mane powder and maca powder, so you can give it your best shot.

Lastly, in case you still had doubts about how awesome Lion’s Mane is… this fungus is also known as a great antioxidant, 6 helps protect stomach-lining and has been used for the management of diabetes and metabolic disorders, as well as for treating stomach ulcers. 7

So there you have it. Lion’s Mane is insane in the membrane!

How can Lion's Mane extracts and mushroom powders be used?

All three products can be used in any baking recipe, or as part of a delicious mushroom coffee.

If you would like to know some awesome ways to introduce Life Cykel’s Lion’s Mane products into your daily life, please visit our delicious, mouth-watering, recipe blog.

Before you do that, you’ll probably want to find somewhere comfortable to sit, with maybe even some food and a glass of water, because you might be staring at that blog section for a while. There are some yummy ideas in there.

Life Cykel Lion’s Mane mushrooms are grown and harvested locally in Byron Bay, NSW. Add Lion’s Mane liquid double extract directly to your coffee, smoothie, tea or water in the morning for best results.

Dave Asprey from Bulletproof Radio said in a recent episode with Life Cykel Co-founder Julian Mitchell, that nothing has increased his REM sleep or deep sleep the way that Life Cykel Lion's Mane Liquid Double Extract has.

Delicious Lion's Mane mushroom latte recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 serving Life Cykel Lion's Mane Liquid Double Extract
• 1 tsp Life Cykel Lion's Mane maca powder
• 6 oz coconut milk (Or milk of choice)
• 1 tsp Life Cykel Cacao Reishi powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp of Life Cykel Mushroom Honey

How to make: 

1. Heat milk up on the stove for three to four minutes (Just heat, don't boil)

2. Add powders and mushroom extract to the hot milk and stir thoroughly until everything has dissolved. 

3. Add mushroom honey and stir until melted.

4. When the drink is ready, pour it into the blender and blend on high for 20 seconds to create foam.

5. Pour and enjoy!

Feeling exhausted? Add coffee powder to this drink for an extra boost!

1. Ma, B.-J., Shen, J.-W., Yu, H.-Y., Ruan, Y., Wu, T.-T., & Zhao, X. (2010). Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. Mycology, 1(2), 92–98. doi:10.1080/21501201003735556

2. Mori et al.,Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2008. Department of Cellular Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University.

3. Lai, P., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K., David, R., Kuppusamy, U., Abdullah, N. and Malek, S. (2013). Neurotrophic Properties of the Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6), pp.539-554.

4. Zhang, J., An, S., Hu, W., Teng, M., Wang, X., Qu, Y., ... Wang, D. (2016). The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s

5. Chaiyasut, C., & Sivamaruthi, B. S. (2017). Anti-hyperglycemic property of Hericium erinaceus – A mini review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 7(11), 1036–1040. doi:10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.09.024

6. 10 Wong, J.-Y., Abdulla, M. A., Raman, J., Phan, C.-W., Kuppusamy, U. R., Golbabapour, S., & Sabaratnam, V. (2013). Gastroprotective Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus(Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract against Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–9. doi:10.1155/2013/492976

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the Therapeutic Goods of Australia. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.