Lion's Mane - what kind of fungus is it?
Lion's Mane, also called hedgehog soplolly (Hericium erinaceus), is an edible mushroom that is distinguished by its unusual, fluffy appearance resembling a lion's mane. It is mainly native to Asia, where it has been valued in traditional medicine for centuries for its remarkable properties. In recent years, its popularity has also been growing in Western countries - it is used both in cooking and in dietary supplements.
The hallmark of Lion's Mane is its wealth of bioactive ingredients, including polysaccharides and hericenones. These are what make coneflower may benefit the functioning of the nervous system. Scientific studies conducted on this species have shown that the compounds in Lion's Mane can support cognition and concentration, as well as support the brain's natural regenerative mechanisms.
In cooking, Lion's Mane is valued for its delicate, slightly sweet taste and unique texture. It can be added to dishes in fresh or dried form, or as an extract in dietary supplements. Thanks to its increasing availability on the market, more and more people are turning to this remarkable mushroom to enrich their diets with natural nutrients and take care of their health in a holistic way.
Lion's Mane - action
Lion's Mane, also known as soplin Hedgehog, is valued mainly for its potential properties that support the functioning of the nervous system. The bioactive compounds it contains - primarily hericenons and erinacin - can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which promotes the regenerative processes of brain cells. As a result, Lion's Mane is sometimes associated with improved concentration, memory and sharpened cognitive function.
In addition, due to its polysaccharide content, coneflower can also support the body's immune response. It is believed to benefit the balance of intestinal microflora and the condition of the digestive tract. In traditional Asian medicine, it is used to support the digestive system, especially in situations involving mucosal hypersensitivity.
Modern research on Lion's Mane continues to expand, with results suggesting that regular consumption of this mushroom can benefit both mental and physical health. For this reason, more and more people are choosing to incorporate Lion's Mane into their daily diets - whether in the form of the mushroom fresh, dried, or in the form of dietary supplements.
Lion's Mane - key health benefits:
Lion's Mane - Support for the nervous system and cognitive function
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known in Poland as coneflower, has long been of interest to specialists in natural therapies. It is particularly valued for its potential properties to support the nervous system and cognitive function. One landmark clinical study found that regular consumption of Lion's Mane can significantly improve cognitive test scores in people with mild cognitive impairment (Mori et al., 2009, Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367-372). The authors of this paper emphasize that bioactive compounds contained in coneflower, including erinacins and hericenones, are key to such effects.
These unique active substances can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which promotes neuronal regeneration and can lead to improved cognitive functions such as memory and concentration (Roupas et al., 2012, Journal of Functional Foods, 4, 687-709). The researchers suggest that this may give Lion's Mane a role in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases. While further large-scale studies are needed, the results so far point to the promising potential of this mushroom in the context of brain support.
It is also worth noting that coneflower contains polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which benefit the immune system and can further support the overall health of the body (Wong et al., 2019, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 121, 958-964). The combination of immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties is making Lion's Mane increasingly popular not only among proponents of natural medicine, but also in the scientific community looking for effective, natural methods to support brain health.
Lion's Mane - Effects on the immune system
Lion's Mane (coneflower, Hericium erinaceus) has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, not least for its potential immunomodulatory effects. One study (Li et al., 2016, Carbohydrate Polymers, 143, 193-201) showed that polysaccharides extracted from Lion's Mane fruiting bodies can support the activity of immune cells by modulating the production of cytokines, key to a normal immune response. The authors suggest that it is these bioactive polysaccharides that constitute one of the most important fractions responsible for the immunostimulatory properties of Lion's Mane.
An important component of mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, is also beta-glucans - polysaccharides that can benefit immune function. According to research (Wong et al., 2019, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 121, 958-964) beta-glucans can stimulate the function of phagocytic cells and lymphocytes, enhancing the body's ability to protect itself against pathogens. This makes mushrooms rich in these compounds, such as Lion's Mane, an attractive part of dietary supplementation aimed at immune support.
What's more, some scientific papers indicate that regular consumption of Lion's Mane extracts can benefit the overall immune system (Zhang et al., 2021, Phytomedicine, 85, 153521). Researchers emphasize that Lion's Mane, thanks to the synergy of its many bioactive compounds, can support not only cellular and humoral immunity, but also the overall health of the body. As a result, Lion's Mane is gaining increasing recognition not only as an ingredient in Asian cuisine, but also as a potential natural health promoter.
Lion's Mane - Effects on the digestive system and well-being
Lion's Mane (coneflower, Hericium erinaceus) has been recognized for centuries in traditional Asian medicine as a fungus that promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system. One study in an animal model found that the polysaccharides in Lion's Mane can alleviate damage to the gastric mucosa and promote its regeneration (Chang et al., 2018, International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 20(3), 209-218). As a result, coneflower is sometimes seen as a natural remedy to support the gastrointestinal tract and protect the stomach from adverse factors.
What's more, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that Lion's Mane may also have a positive effect on mood and reduce symptoms associated with lowered mood and increased stress levels. One clinical study conducted (Nagano et al., 2010, Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231-237) showed that four-week supplementation with Hericium erinaceus extract significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in test subjects, which may indicate the beneficial effects of coneflower on mental health.
The mechanism of this action may be multifaceted. On the one hand, Lion's Mane provides valuable polysaccharides that support the condition of the intestinal mucosa and may affect the balance of the microflora, in turn, a healthy intestinal microflora often translates into better mood and higher resistance to stress. On the other hand, bioactive compounds (including erinacins and hericenones) can indirectly affect the nervous system, supporting both digestive functions and mood regulation. All this makes Lion's Mane of growing interest not only among supporters of natural methods of taking care of health, but also in the scientific community.
Lion's Mane - Properties of Sophora Hedgehog in a Nutshell
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom renowned for its remarkable health-promoting qualities, especially important for supporting the brain and the entire nervous system. Thanks to the presence of such compounds as erinacins and hericenones, it can support neuronal regeneration, protect against neurodegenerative diseases, as well as exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regular consumption of this mushroom can benefit both physical and mental health - improving cognitive function, mood, while boosting immunity.
If you're concerned about supporting your body with natural ingredients, it may be a good idea to introduce products with plant and mushroom origins into your diet. Ashwagandha promotes the maintenance of harmony in the body and aids in coping with stress, while the Cordyceps is known for its beneficial effects on endurance and exercise capacity. In turn Reishi i Coriolus are known for their positive effects on the immune system, which is why many people are increasingly choosing them as important elements of daily health-promoting prevention.
Natural brand supplements Encann, such as Encann Ashwagandha, Encann Cordyceps, Encann Reishi and Encann Coriolus, combine traditional, proven formulas with modern production methods. This guarantees the highest quality formulations based on carefully selected ingredients. Each of them contains active substances that have been used for hundreds of years in various parts of the world, gaining increasing recognition also in Poland. If you are looking for a way to strengthen immunity and vitality, it is worth paying attention not only to the previously mentioned mushrooms and plants, but also to other medicinal mushroom species. Their regular intake can be an important part of a holistic approach to health, and properly selected Encann products will allow you to enjoy the synergistic effects of natural ingredients.
Source: PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/); Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/); National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI); ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/)
The claims made refer to studies on the adaptogens Hericium Erinaceus, Ganoderma Lucidum, Cordyceps Militaris, Ashwagandha and Coriolus Versicolor not on Encann® brand products. These are not claims regarding the medicinal properties of the product offered. In accordance with the wording of EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REGULATION 1924/2006, verifiable scientific evidence regarding studies on the use of the fungus Sophora Hedgehog- one of the ingredients of the offered product- is presented on this page.
