Lion’s Mane

Latin Name: Hericium erinaceus, syn. Hericium erinaceum, Hydnum erinaceus
Common Name: Lion’s mane, bear’s head, monkey’s head, comb tooth, bearded tooth mushroom, satyr’s beard, bearded hedgehog mushroom, pom-pom mushroom, bearded tooth fungus.
Family: Hericiaceae
Chinese Medicine Name: Hóu tóu gū
Ayurvedic Name: n/a
Parts Used: Fruiting bodies, mycelium
Native To: North America, Europe, China, and Japan.
Geographic Distribution: China, Japan, Europe, North America, Australia.

Botanical Description

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion’s mane, is a unique, toothed fungi that grows on dying wood, primarily found in forests. Its appearance is striking, with long, hanging spines forming round mushroom bodies that resemble a lion’s mane or pom-pom. These spines, which are initially small and dense, grow up to 1 cm long and mature to form a globe-like structure ranging from 3 to 12 inches in width and height. Unlike its relatives, such as Hericium ramosum or H. coralloides, which have more irregular and branched fruiting bodies, lion’s mane forms a more uniform, dense structure. It typically thrives on hardwoods like oak, walnut, beech, maple, and sycamore, although it has also been observed growing on ash, hornbeam, and poplar trees. The spore print of Hericium erinaceus is white, marking it as a distinct species.

Key Constituents

Lion’s mane contains several bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (beta-glucans and d-glucans), erinacines, hericerins, hericenones, resorcinols, and steroids. Other components include monoterpenes, diterpenes, volatile aromatics, ergosterol (provitamin D2), and protein. These constituents contribute to its potential health benefits, with some studies pointing to its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The presence of erinacines and hericenones, compounds that promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production, is particularly significant, as NGF plays a crucial role in the maintenance and growth of neurons.

Sustainability Issues

While lion’s mane is gaining popularity due to its health benefits, it is not commonly found in large quantities in the wild, making it a rare species in some areas. For example, in England, it is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This makes it important to harvest responsibly by limiting the collection of wild specimens and allowing some to mature for future reproduction. As this mushroom can be cultivated, purchasing it from growers or cultivating it at home is recommended to reduce the pressure on wild populations.

Harvesting Guidelines

Lion’s mane typically matures in the late summer or early fall, with wet weather and chilly temperatures being ideal for fruiting. The fruiting bodies are harvested while they are still firm and white, which are the best for culinary and medicinal uses. Fully mature fruiting bodies, which have turned beige and softer, are still useful but may not be as durable for storage or transport. It is advisable to harvest only one fruiting body at a time if multiple are present, to ensure that the mushroom continues to reproduce and grow. When harvesting, a simple knife can be used to remove the mushroom from the host tree. Like most mushrooms, lion’s mane is perishable, so it should be stored in the refrigerator or dried for long-term use.

Uses

Lion’s mane has a rich cultural history, especially in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Known as hóu tóu gū in Chinese and yamabushitake in Japanese, it has been used for centuries as a medicinal food. The name yamabushitake translates to “those who sleep in the mountains,” referring to the hermit monks who wear garments resembling the mushroom’s appearance. In the culinary world, lion’s mane is compared to seafood, particularly crab, due to its light and delicate texture. It is often used in mock crab dishes or as a gourmet addition to soups, risottos, and stir-fries.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lion’s mane is considered a tonic for the digestive system. It is believed to strengthen the stomach, regulate Qi, tonify the spleen, and promote digestion. It has also been used to calm the spirit (shen) and strengthen the brain. In addition to its gastrointestinal benefits, lion’s mane is used to treat ulcers, promote wound healing, and support overall longevity. Some Native American tribes have used it as a styptic to stop minor bleeding, further underscoring its traditional medicinal value.

Modern Research and Therapeutic Benefits

Recent studies have investigated lion’s mane for its potential in supporting brain health, particularly in the areas of cognitive function and neurodegenerative diseases. Lion’s mane has been shown to enhance the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein critical for the maintenance, survival, and growth of neurons. This has led to research exploring its use in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia. Clinical trials have shown that lion’s mane can help improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A study conducted in Japan found that participants who took lion’s mane for 16 weeks experienced significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group (Mori et al., 2009).

Lion’s mane has also demonstrated potential benefits for mental health, particularly in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 30 females found that those consuming lion’s mane powder experienced improvements in mood, concentration, and overall well-being. The results suggest that lion’s mane may play a role in reducing the psychological symptoms associated with aging and stress.

Furthermore, lion’s mane has been studied for its anticancer potential. Research has identified polysaccharides in lion’s mane that may help stimulate the immune system and inhibit cancer cell growth, particularly in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. A study by Dr. Mizuno in Japan showed that lion’s mane polysaccharides had potent anti-tumor effects and helped extend the survival of cancer patients (Mizuno, 1995). While more clinical studies are needed, the preliminary results are promising.

 

Lion’s mane is a powerful, multifunctional mushroom that offers numerous health benefits, particularly for cognitive function, digestive health, and immune support. Its unique ability to stimulate nerve growth factor production makes it a promising candidate for addressing neurodegenerative diseases, while its traditional use as a digestive tonic continues to be supported by modern research. Whether consumed in culinary dishes, taken as a supplement, or used in medicinal preparations, lion’s mane represents a valuable addition to both the kitchen and the medicine cabinet. With ongoing research and increasing awareness of its benefits, lion’s mane is poised to become an essential herb for supporting brain health and overall vitality.