Hericium

Regardless of its monochrome colouring, Hericium erinaceus is by any standards one of our most striking of woodland fungis. The fruitbodies appear on damaged or dropped trees normally in old (generally deciduous) woodland.

Sadly, Hericium erinaceus (in some field guides it is listed as Hericium erinaceum) which is frequently referred to as Bearded Tooth or Tree Hedgehog fungus, is unusual in the UK, where it grows mainly on Beech and oak trees, and is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species.

Circulation

An extremely unusual sight in Britain, where it is found generally in southern England and eastern Wales, Hericium erinaceus occurs likewise in lots of parts of Europe, being especially prevalent and plentiful in main and southern France. This species is also found in North America; I have seen forests in South Carolina adorned with Lion’s Manes like extravagant Christmas-tree decorations (and yes, it was during the last week of December!).

Taxonomic history

When French botanist-mycologist Jean Baptiste Francois (Pierre) Bulliard described Bearded Tooth fungi in 1780 he gave it the binomial taxonomic name Hydnum erinaceus. It was Christiaan Hendrik Persoon who in 1797 transferred this species to its present genus, whereupon its taxonomic name ended up being Hericium erinaceus, which still stands today.

Etymology

Hericium, the generic name, suggests pertaining to a hedgehog, and is a referral to the spiny fertile surfaces of fungi within this grouping. As so typically with the type types of a genus, the particular epithet erinaceus suggests much the same as the generic name: like a hedgehog. Imagine an upturned, pallid hedgehog … It’s a pretty accurate description, I ‘d say.

Recognition guide

Fruitbody

Hericium erinaceus (also referred to as the Pom-Pom mushroom) often has a roundish fruitbody with spinal columns all emerging from the exact same point and cascading like a mop head. White or pale yellow-brown turning darker with age, the fruitbody is attached to the substrate by an extremely brief, broad stipe. These are annual fruitbodies however they can recur in the same put on a tree for several years. The whole fruitbody can be as huge as to 30cm across, although 15 to 20cm is more common.

Spines of Hericium erinaceus have actually pointed pointers and range from 1 to 5cm long.

Spores

Broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose, smooth or with a very slightly roughed up surface area, 5-6 x 4-5.5 µm; amyloid.

Spore print

White.

Odour/taste

Smell not distinct; when cooked the taste is supposedly tasty and, to some at least, rather like lobster prepared in butter.

Habitat

Saprobic, almost constantly on beech and oak trees, stumps and fallen logs in Britain, however in some cases on other hardwoods. Bearded Tooth fungus is also reported to fruit periodically on piles of sawdust.

Season

July to November in Britain and Ireland. (1 ).

How does it work?

Hericium erinaceus may enhance the development and function of nerves. It might also protect nerves from ending up being harmed. This may help prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Hericium erinaceus likewise appears to assist safeguard the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. This may help enhance signs associated with long-lasting swelling of the stomach lining (persistent atrophic gastritis) or stomach ulcers. (2 ).

Utilizes evaluated in practice:

• Regulation of gastric and digestive tract problems, specifically in intestinal swelling + Reishi, Shiitake, Coprinus
• Avoidance of cancer conditions, particularly cancer of the stomach, intestinal tracts, esophagus and skin – according to the tumour type
• Reinforcing of the immune system + any medicinal mushroom
• Complementary treatment for neural illness + Reishi, Cordyceps
• Reducing depressive state of minds + Cordyceps
• Uneasyness and sleep conditions + Reishi

Other motives for making use of Hericium:

Stomach issues, gastritis, calms mucous membranes, Helicobacter pylori, celiac illness + Reishi, neurasthenia, tension, impacts the NGF consider neurodegenerative illness (dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, numerous sclerosis), improves operating of the nerve system, neuropathy, improves concentration, enhances bowel peristalsis (ideally a decoction from dried Hericium extract), multiresistant gold staphylococcus, tumour diseases (of the stomach, esophagus, big intestinal tract, liver, uterine neck), stress, uneasyness.

TCM characteristics:

• Temperature level– neutral
• Taste– sweet, dull
• Tropism– spleen, stomach, heart (according to other sources + liver, kidneys or all circuits)

Impacts according to conventional Chinese medication:

• Reinforces the stomach and manages its Qi
• Renews the spleen and promotes food digestion
• Relaxes the spirit Shen and enhances brain activity
• Impacts all organ systems (3 )

The Health Benefits of Lion’s Hair

Advocates claim that lion’s hair can help with a range of illness, consisting of:.

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Anxiety
• Depression
• High cholesterol
• Swelling
• Parkinson’s illness
• Ulcers

In addition, lion’s hair is said to enhance the body immune system, promote food digestion, and safeguard against cancer.

Up until now, research on the particular health effects of lion’s hair is fairly limited. However, findings from animal-based research, test-tube studies, and little medical trials show that lion’s mane might offer specific health benefits, including support for neuronal health. Here’s a take a look at some key research study findings.

Brain Function

Lion’s mane may benefit older adults with moderate cognitive problems, according to a small research study released in Phytotherapy Research study in 2009. For the research study, scientists designated 30 older adults with moderate cognitive impairment to take either lion’s hair extract or a placebo every day for 16 weeks. In cognitive tests given at weeks eight, 12, and 16 of the study, members of the lion’s mane group showed substantially greater enhancements compared to members of the placebo group.

In a more current research study (published in Biomedical Research study in 2011), researchers analyzed the results of lion’s hair on brain function in mice. Outcomes exposed that lion’s hair assisted safeguard versus memory problems brought on by the accumulation of amyloid beta (a substance that forms the brain plaques related to Alzheimer’s disease). Research studies have likewise shown a possible neuro-protective impact against ischemic stroke.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) warns that while some little preliminary studies on the effect of natural supplements on cognitive function have shown modest impacts, “direct evidence is lacking.” Claims made to the contrary are not supported by evidence.

Anxiety

Lion’s hair might help relieve anxiety and stress and anxiety, recommends a little study published in Biomedical Research study in 2010. For the research study, 30 menopausal ladies taken in cookies containing either lion’s mane or a placebo every day for 4 weeks. Analyzing study findings, scientists observed that members of the lion’s hair group were less irritable and anxious and had less trouble focusing than members of the placebo group.

Cancer

Initial research suggests that lion’s hair shows pledge in defense versus cancer. For example, in a 2011 research study published in Food & & Function, tests on human cells exposed that lion’s mane might assist knock out leukemia cells.

In addition, a 2011 study released in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry discovered that lion’s hair extract helped reduce the size of malignant colon growths in mice.9 The research study’s findings suggest that lion’s hair may assist combat colon cancer, in part by increasing activity in particular cells involved in the immune reaction. Another study discovered that the extract may help in reducing the spread of colon cancer cells to the lungs. Nevertheless, it’s too soon to tell whether lion’s mane can assist avoid or reduce cancer in humans. (4 ).

May Have Anti-Diabetic Characteristics

Some research study suggests that lion’s hair extracts might be beneficial for those who are attempting to manage diabetes. But once again, research studies in humans are lacking.

A research study released in 2013 found that lion’s hair extract not just lowered glucose levels however likewise increased insulin levels in diabetic rats when they were administered the extract for 28 days. The rats also showed increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lowered total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides.

There is some limited proof that lion’s mane extract may help reduce pain signs related to diabetic neuropathy. This research study was performed in rats, so more evidence is needed, however scientists think that the reduction in pain level of sensitivity may be due to antioxidant activity in lion’s hair. (5 ).

Stress and anxiety relief

Another 2018 study in mice discovered that lion’s mane mushroom promoted the production of new brain cells in the hippocampus after simply 4 weeks of once-a-day treatment, which may lag its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.

Enhanced cognitive function

Lion’s hair is frequently offered as nootropics– a cognitive-enhancing supplement.

One 2017 study in mice discovered that day-to-day supplements of lion’s mane mushroom prevented the decrease of two functions frequently associated with Alzheimer’s: loss of spatial short-term memory and decreased recognition memory.

During the experiment, these exact same mice started seeking out brand-new stimuli, which engages brand-new neural pathways and hold-ups the start of cognitive problems.

A 2020 study likewise reported that participants who supplemented 3 grams of lion’s mane 2 times a day (for a total of 6 grams) reported improved memory.

Antioxidants

Anti-oxidants help your body eliminate “complimentary radicals,” or particles that can damage cells.

Research study has revealed that lion’s hair is rich in several anti-oxidants, specifically phenol, an antioxidant absorbed in the gut to decrease inflammation.

In an older research study in 2011, lion’s hair was placed in the “reasonably high” classification on their antioxidant index, in addition to reishi and split gill mushrooms.

A 2021 research study discovered that antioxidant activity remained steady in mushroom extracts for at least a month, decreasing by half around the 4-month mark.

Increased resistance

With all the antioxidants, it’s not a surprise that lion’s hair might help support your body immune system. But scientists have found another route to better resistance: the gut.

A 2017 study in mice discovered that the protein in lion’s hair mushrooms could improve the immune system by supporting the nest of healthy germs in the gut, similar to prebiotics and probiotics. (6 ).

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma/Cancer Patients going through Paclitaxel treatment?

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is identified and driven by particular genetic anomalies like NFIB and MYB resulting in biochemical pathway modifications in Focal Adhesion, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling, Notch Signaling and Cholesterol Metabolism. A cancer treatment like Paclitaxel works through a particular path system of action. The objective is to have a great overlap in between the treatment and cancer driving paths for a customized technique which works. In such a condition any food or dietary supplement which has a contrary result to the treatment or lowers the overlap need to be prevented. As an example, Lion’s Hair Mushroom ought to be prevented for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma together with treatment Paclitaxel. Lion’s Mane Mushroom affects pathways/processes like Focal Adhesion which either promote motorists of the illness and/or nullify the treatment effect. A few of the elements which should be thought about when choosing nutrition are kind of cancer, treatments and supplements being taken currently (if any), age, gender, BMI, way of life and any genetic mutation information (if offered).

Angiosarcoma Cancer Patients undergoing Vincristine Treatment?

Angiosarcoma is characterized and driven by specific hereditary anomalies like TP53 and MAP3K9 causing biochemical pathway changes in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Shift, Adherens junction, NFKB Signaling, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling and MAPK Signaling. A cancer treatment like Vincristine works through specific path systems. The objective is to have a great overlap in between the treatment and cancer driving paths for a customized approach. In such a condition any food or nutritional supplement which has a compatible impact to the treatment or decreases the overlap must be thought about. As an example, Lion’s Hair Mushroom must be thought about for Angiosarcoma together with treatment Vincristine. Lion’s Hair Mushroom affects pathways/processes like Epithelial to Mesenchymal Shift and Adherens junction which either block chauffeurs of the disease (Angiosarcoma) and/or enhance the treatment effect.

For Healthy Individuals with CDC73 Mutation Associated Genetic Risk?

Different business offer panels of genes to be checked for assessing genetic danger to different cancers. These panels cover genes associated with cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, and intestinal system and others. Hereditary screening of these genes might verify a medical diagnosis and aid guide treatment and management choices. Identification of a disease-causing variation may also assist testing and medical diagnosis of at-risk relatives. CDC73 is one of the genes usually readily available in panels for cancer risk screening.

CDC73 anomaly causes biochemical paths WNT Beta-catenin Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling and Angiogenesis to get impacted. These pathways are direct or indirect drivers of cancer molecular endpoints. Lion’s Mane Mushroom ought to be avoided when the genetic panel determines mutation of CDC73 for Neuroendocrine Cancer. Lion’s Hair Mushroom effects pathways like WNT Betacatenin Signaling and Stem Cell Signaling and creates unfavorable results with CDC73 and associated conditions.

For Healthy People with TP53 Mutation Associated Genetic Danger?

TP53 is one of the genes available in panels for cancer danger testing. TP53 anomaly causes biochemical paths P53 Signaling, MAPK Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling, Estrogen Signaling and Autophagy to get affected. These paths are direct or indirect drivers of cancer molecular endpoints. Think about taking Lion’s Hair Mushroom supplements when the genetic panel recognizes mutation in TP53 for Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer. Lion’s Hair Mushroom effects pathways like P53 Signaling and MAPK Signaling and creates an encouraging result in those with TP53 anomaly and related conditions.

How to Select, Shop, and Eat Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

If you have frequented a farmers’ market just recently (or live near a bougie grocery store), you might have seen them. They appear like pale little tribbles– fluffy and soft and kind of charming– but they are mushrooms, and they have a sinister side (they murder trees).

Lion’s mane mushrooms get their ferocious name from their appearance, however they have a mild, sort of sweet taste that some have compared to crab or even marzipan. I can detect both almonds and a minor air of seafood at the front, but those subtle tastes quickly pave the way to moderate, earthy mushroomy-ness. They’re excellent on their own, and they’re spongey little bodies take in whatever delicious fat you cook them in. They’re fun to take a look at, enjoyable to prep– you can rip ’em apart like soft bread– and fun to eat. But, like all mushrooms, they need a little specialized care.

How to pick ’em

Lion’s hair mushrooms are parasites that assault and eliminate living trees so that they may feast upon their dead bodies. Foraging for them is therefore an act of service. In addition to upright trees, the fluffy threats can be found on stumps, fallen branches, or dead, fallen trees (their favorite food). Watch out if you reside in an area that has a lot of birch, maple, or oak– specifically if that birch, maple, or oak has actually fallen over.

You can also find them at elegant supermarket for fancy individuals (or at farmer’s markets). They need to look fluffy, and either white or pale yellow (they will darken as they age), and must be dry and free from bruises (dirt is alright). They shouldn’t have much of an odor, so avoid specimens that smell like anything besides mushrooms.

How to save ’em

Lion’s mane mushrooms will last as much as a week if properly saved and taken care of, and they actually aren’t that finicky. Simply keep them far from water– do not clean them up until you are ready to consume them, if at all– and save them in your fridge far from the direct flow of cold air. (The crisper drawer will do just great.) If you bought your fluff balls from a farm, they may be available in a ventilated bag of some kind, and you ought to keep them in there, however a paper bag also works, provided you do not fill the bag more than midway (let those children breath).

When you’re ready to eat them, just brush off any dirt with a mushroom brush (or a pastry brush) and cut off the little woody “foot.” If you simply should wash them, rinse them extremely quickly under cold running water, and squeeze them gently to get rid of the excess. Tear them apart and let them dry on paper towels or a clean hand towel prior to cooking.

How to consume ’em

Lion’s mane mushrooms are very soft and naturally quite moist, with a fun, bouncy texture that’s almost meaty. Large mushrooms can be sliced into planks prior to pan frying in butter, or you can tear them into bite-sized morsels, toss them with oil, and roast till they are golden brown. Basically, cook them like you would any other mushroom (with butter), and eat them like you would any other mushroom (happily). (7 ).

Sources and dosing

Lion’s hair mushroom is readily available as a supplement. In vitamin shops they are available in various varieties (e.g. Fermented Lion’s mane, powdered Lion’s hair mycelium, etc). Dosing is not fully known. One study used 1g 3 times daily of powdered Lion’s hair fruiting bodies (Mori et al, 2009). Another pre-owned 3.2 g of powdered Lion’s hair fruiting bodies daily (Saitsu et al, 2019). Preclinical research studies utilized numerous extracts of Lion’s hair. (8 ).

Adverse effects

When taken by mouth: Lion’s mane mushroom is perhaps safe when used in a dosage of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Negative effects are mild and may consist of stomach pain.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t sufficient reputable details to understand if lion’s mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be. (9 ).

In Conclusion

The two most important things to keep in mind are that cancer treatments and nutrition are never the very same for everyone. Nutrition, that includes food and dietary supplements like Lion’s Mane Mushroom, is an effective tool which can be managed by you, while dealing with cancer.

What food you consume and which supplements you take is a decision you make. Your decision ought to consist of factor to consider of the cancer gene mutations, which cancer, continuous treatments and supplements, any allergies, way of life details, weight, height and routines.

The nutrition preparation for cancer from addon is not based upon web searches. It automates the decision making for you based on molecular science executed by our scientists and software application engineers. Irrespective of whether you care to understand the underlying biochemical molecular paths or not – for nutrition planning for cancer that understanding is required.

Get started NOW with your nutrition planning by answering concerns on the name of cancer, hereditary mutations, continuous treatments and supplements, any allergies, routines, lifestyle, age group and gender. (10 ).

Recommendations

1. 1. Https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/hericium-erinaceus.php
   2. Https://www.rxlist.com/hericium_erinaceus/supplements.htm
   3. Https://www.mycomedica.eu/hericium.html
   4. Https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-lions-mane-89474
   5. Https://www.verywellfit.com/lion-s-mane-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits-5185393
   6. Https://psychcentral.com/health/lions-mane-mushroom-benefits#health-benefits
   7. Https://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-store-and-eat-lions-mane-mushrooms-1845358782
   8. Https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Lion’s-Mane-UPDATE.pdf
   9. Https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1536/lions-mane-mushroom