This is a bit of a deeper dive into the various compounds that make Lion’s Mane such a great functional mushroom. Feel free to comment if you have more to add to the topic.
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus) is a type of edible fungus that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various health benefits. It has gained popularity in recent years as a nootropic supplement due to its potential cognitive benefits.
There is some evidence to suggest that Lion’s Mane can help improve memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. This is thought to be due to its unique composition of bioactive compounds, including hericenones and erinacines, which have been shown to promote the growth and repair of nerve cells in the brain.
The Hericenones A and B
In the world of medicinal mycology, Hericium erinaceus, or the Lion’s Mane mushroom, has recently come to prominence for its potential health benefits. A group of compounds called hericenones, extracted from this mushroom, have been shown to have powerful effects on the nervous system. Among these hericenones are H and I, which have been found to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that promotes the growth and survival of neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
But recent research has also uncovered two new members of the hericenone family: A and B. These two compounds have been found to have a similar ability to promote NGF production, as well as to protect neuronal cells from damage caused by toxic amyloid beta peptides, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The mechanism by which these hericenones work is fascinating.
NGF production is known to be regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways in the brain, and it appears that hericenones A and B target one of these pathways, known as the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, to stimulate NGF production.
This pathway is involved in many important functions in the brain, including memory and learning, and it is thought that the effects of hericenones A and B on this pathway may underlie their beneficial effects on cognitive function.
Another key player in the brain’s response to injury and disease is the cytokine system. Cytokines are signaling molecules that are produced by cells of the immune system and are involved in a wide range of functions, including inflammation, cell growth and differentiation, and response to infection. In the nervous system, cytokines play an important role in the response to injury, as well as in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for learning and memory.
The effects of hericenones on the cytokine system are less well understood than their effects on NGF production, but there is some evidence that they may have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, hericenone B was found to decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines in cultured microglial cells, which are immune cells that are found in the brain and play a key role in the response to injury and disease. This suggests that hericenones may have potential as a treatment for neuroinflammatory conditions, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Overall, the discovery of hericenones A and B adds to our growing understanding of the potential health benefits of the Lion’s Mane mushroom, and highlights the complex and fascinating interplay between the immune system, the nervous system, and the natural compounds that can influence their function.
Hericenones C, D, F and G
One of the most intriguing hericenones is hericenone C, which has been found to exhibit potent neuroprotective effects. Another member of the family, hericenone D, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Hericenone F has demonstrated activity against cancer cells, while hericenone G has been found to have an immunomodulatory effect, regulating the body’s immune response.
Hericenones H, I, and J are three fascinating compounds found in the Hericium erinaceus mushroom. Like their siblings, these hericenones are low-weight aromatic compounds that have captured the attention of researchers due to their promising medicinal properties.
Hericenones H, I and J
Hericenone H, also known as 7,10-dihydroxy-8(E)-octadecen-6-one, is a polyunsaturated fatty ketone that has been found to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Studies have shown that hericenone H can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and contribute to the regeneration of damaged neurons.
Hericenone I, or 7,8-dihydroxy-8(E)-octen-6-one, has also been found to possess neuroprotective properties, as well as the ability to promote nerve growth. In addition, hericenone I has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activity, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Finally, hericenone J, also known as 7-hydroxy-6-oxoheptan-2-one, has been found to exhibit strong antioxidant properties. In a study published in the journal Food Chemistry, hericenone J was found to scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. This suggests that hericenone J may have potential as a natural antioxidant supplement.
As with any supplement, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting to take our Lion’s Mane mushroom liquid dros to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for you, especially if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking any medications.
Thanks for reading,
Bee Ebene