You’ve probably heard of the Lion’s mane mushroom, right?
Well, for a long time, people have been using it for its medicinal properties, but scientists wanted to know for sure if it actually helped improve cognitive function.
So, they conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to see if taking supplements made from the mushroom for 12 weeks had any impact.
They used three tests to measure the results: the Mini Mental State Examination, the Benton visual retention test, and the Standard verbal paired-associate learning test.
And the results showed that the people who took the mushroom did significantly better on the tests and it even helped protect their brains! Scientists think that the unique chemicals found in the mushroom, like hericenones, might be responsible for its positive effects on brain function.
Lion’s mane could be helpful in treating Parkinson
There is another study about the benefits of Lion’s mane mushroom.
People in Asian countries have used this mushroom for food and medicine for a long time, and it’s believed to have positive effects on brain health, the immune system, mood, concentration, and inflammation.
The study investigated the effects of Lion’s mane on two conditions: neurotoxicity in cells and Parkinson’s disease in mice. The results showed that Lion’s mane increased cell viability, had antioxidant effects, and protected dopamine-producing neurons in the brain from damage. The study suggests that Lion’s mane could be helpful in treating Parkinson’s disease
The study: Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
Published: August 2019
For centuries, the medicinal properties of the Hericium erinaceus mushroom have been recognized, but until now, its impact on human health has remained unclear.
In a landmark study, we conducted a rigorous examination of the effects of consuming supplements derived from the fruiting body of H. erinaceus on cognitive function over the course of 12 weeks. Our subjects underwent three tests: the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Benton visual retention test, and the Standard verbal paired-associate learning test (S-PA).
Results from the MMSE alone indicated a significant improvement in cognitive function as a result of H. erinaceus consumption, even serving as a preventive measure against cognitive decline.
The unique chemical compounds found in the mushroom, including hericenones, may be responsible for its beneficial effects on brain neural networks and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that consuming H. erinaceus is a safe and effective method for preventing dementia.
Link to the study
