Hericium

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

Regrettably, Hericium erinaceus (in some guidebook it is noted as Hericium erinaceum) which is typically referred to as Bearded Tooth or Tree Hedgehog fungi, is uncommon in the UK, where it grows mainly on Beech and oak trees, and is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) types.

Circulation

A really rare sight in Britain, where it is found generally in southern England and eastern Wales, Hericium erinaceus happens also in many parts of Europe, being particularly extensive and abundant in main and southern France. This species is also discovered in The United States and Canada; I have seen woodlands in South Carolina decorated with Lion’s Manes like extravagant Christmas-tree decors (and yes, it was during the last week of December!).

Taxonomic history

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

Etymology

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

Identification guide

Fruitbody

Hericium erinaceus (also described as the Pom-Pom mushroom) frequently has a roundish fruitbody with spines all emerging from the same point and cascading down like a mop head. White or pale yellow-brown turning darker with age, the fruitbody is attached to the substrate by a really short, broad stipe. These are yearly fruitbodies but they can recur in the same place on a tree for numerous years. The entire fruitbody can be as big as to 30cm throughout, although 15 to 20cm is more normal.

Spinal columns of Hericium erinaceus have pointed pointers and range from 1 to 5cm long.

Spores

Broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose, smooth or with an extremely a little roughened surface, 5-6 x 4-5.5 µm; amyloid.

Spore print

White.

Odour/taste

Smell not unique; when prepared the taste is apparently scrumptious and, to some a minimum of, rather like lobster prepared in butter.

Habitat

Saprobic, almost always on beech and oak trees, stumps and fallen logs in Britain, however in some cases on other hardwoods. Bearded Tooth fungus is likewise reported to fruit occasionally on stacks of sawdust.

Season

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

How does it work?

Hericium erinaceus may improve the advancement and function of nerves. It might likewise secure nerves from becoming damaged. This may assist avoid conditions such as Alzheimer’s illness or Parkinson’s illness. Hericium erinaceus likewise appears to help secure the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. This may help improve signs associated with long-lasting swelling of the stomach lining (chronic atrophic gastritis) or stomach ulcers. (2 ).

Uses evaluated in practice:

• Policy of gastric and intestinal problems, particularly in intestinal inflammation + Reishi, Shiitake, Coprinus
• Avoidance of cancer conditions, specifically cancer of the stomach, intestines, esophagus and skin – according to the tumour type
• Enhancing of the body immune system + any medical mushroom
• Complementary treatment for neural illness + Reishi, Cordyceps
• Relieving depressive moods + Cordyceps
• Uneasyness and sleep disorders + Reishi

Other intentions for making use of Hericium:

Stomach issues, gastritis, soothes mucous membranes, Helicobacter pylori, celiac illness + Reishi, neurasthenia, stress, affects the NGF consider neurodegenerative illness (dementia, Parkinson’s illness, Alzheimer’s illness, multiple sclerosis), enhances functioning of the nerve system, neuropathy, enhances concentration, improves bowel peristalsis (ideally a preparation from dried Hericium extract), multiresistant gold staphylococcus, tumour diseases (of the stomach, esophagus, big intestine, 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)

Results according to conventional Chinese medication:

• Reinforces the stomach and controls its Qi
• Replenishes the spleen and promotes food digestion
• Calms the spirit Shen and enhances brain activity
• Affects all organ systems (3 )

The Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Proponents claim that lion’s mane can help with a variety of health problems, consisting of:.

• Alzheimer’s illness
• Stress and anxiety
• Anxiety
• High cholesterol
• Swelling
• Parkinson’s illness
• Ulcers

In addition, lion’s hair is stated to strengthen the immune system, promote food digestion, and secure against cancer.

Up until now, research study on the particular health effects of lion’s hair is relatively restricted. However, findings from animal-based research study, test-tube research studies, and small scientific trials indicate that lion’s hair may use particular health benefits, consisting of assistance for neuronal health. Here’s a look at some crucial study findings.

Brain Function

Lion’s mane might benefit older adults with moderate cognitive impairment, according to a little research study released in Phytotherapy Research study in 2009. For the research study, researchers designated 30 older grownups with mild cognitive disability to take either lion’s mane extract or a placebo every day for 16 weeks. In cognitive tests offered at weeks eight, 12, and 16 of the study, members of the lion’s mane group showed considerably greater improvements compared to members of the placebo group.

In a more current study (published in Biomedical Research in 2011), scientists took a look at the results of lion’s mane on brain function in mice. Results exposed that lion’s hair assisted safeguard versus memory issues triggered by the buildup of amyloid beta (a compound that forms the brain plaques connected with Alzheimer’s illness). Research studies have likewise revealed a possible neuro-protective result against ischemic stroke.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) cautions that while some little preliminary studies on the impact of natural supplements on cognitive function have actually revealed modest results, “direct proof is doing not have.” Claims made to the contrary are not supported by proof.

Anxiety

Lion’s hair may help alleviate depression and stress and anxiety, recommends a little study published in Biomedical Research in 2010. For the study, 30 menopausal women taken in cookies consisting of either lion’s mane or a placebo every day for four weeks. Analyzing study findings, scientists observed that members of the lion’s hair group were less irritable and nervous and had less difficulty focusing than members of the placebo group.

Cancer

Preliminary research suggests that lion’s hair reveals pledge in security 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 research study released in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry discovered that lion’s mane extract helped in reducing the size of cancerous colon growths in mice.9 The research study’s findings recommend that lion’s mane may assist battle colon cancer, in part by increasing activity in specific cells associated with the immune reaction. Another research study discovered that the extract may help in reducing the spread of colon cancer cells to the lungs. Nevertheless, it’s prematurely to inform whether lion’s mane can help prevent or decrease cancer in people. (4 ).

May Have Anti-Diabetic Residences

Some research study recommends that lion’s hair extracts may be helpful for those who are attempting to manage diabetes. However again, studies in people are lacking.

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

There is some limited evidence that lion’s mane extract may help in reducing discomfort symptoms related to diabetic neuropathy. This study was done in rats, so more evidence is needed, however researchers think that the decrease in pain level of sensitivity may be because of antioxidant activity in lion’s hair. (5 ).

Anxiety relief

Another 2018 study in mice found that lion’s mane mushroom promoted the production of brand-new brain cells in the hippocampus after just 4 weeks of once-a-day treatment, which may be behind its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) results.

Enhanced cognitive function

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

One 2017 study in mice found that daily supplements of lion’s hair mushroom avoided the decrease of two functions commonly connected with Alzheimer’s: loss of spatial short-term memory and decreased acknowledgment memory.

During the experiment, these very same mice began looking for new stimuli, which engages new neural paths and delays the beginning of cognitive disability.

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

Anti-oxidants

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

Research has shown that lion’s mane is rich in a number of antioxidants, especially phenol, an antioxidant soaked up in the gut to lower swelling.

In an older research study in 2011, lion’s mane was positioned in the “fairly high” category on their antioxidant index, in addition to reishi and split gill mushrooms.

A 2021 study discovered that antioxidant activity remained stable in mushroom extracts for a minimum of a month, decreasing by half around the 4-month mark.

Enhanced immunity

With all the anti-oxidants, it’s no surprise that lion’s hair might assist support your body immune system. However researchers have discovered another route to much better immunity: the gut.

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

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma/Cancer Patients undergoing Paclitaxel treatment?

Adenoid Cystic Cancer is identified and driven by specific genetic mutations like NFIB and MYB causing biochemical path modifications in Focal Adhesion, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling, Notch Signaling and Cholesterol Metabolic Process. A cancer treatment like Paclitaxel overcomes a particular path mechanism of action. The objective is to have an excellent overlap in between the treatment and cancer driving pathways for a personalized method which is effective. In such a condition any food or dietary supplement which has a contrary result to the treatment or decreases the overlap ought to be prevented. As an example, Lion’s Hair Mushroom must be avoided for Adenoid Cystic Cancer along with treatment Paclitaxel. Lion’s Mane Mushroom impacts pathways/processes like Focal Adhesion which either promote drivers of the disease and/or nullify the treatment result. Some of the aspects which should be thought about when choosing nutrition are kind of cancer, treatments and supplements being taken currently (if any), age, gender, BMI, lifestyle and any hereditary anomaly information (if available).

Angiosarcoma Cancer Patients going through Vincristine Treatment?

Angiosarcoma is defined and driven by particular genetic mutations like TP53 and MAP3K9 resulting in biochemical path changes in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition, Adherens junction, NFKB Signaling, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling and MAPK Signaling. A cancer treatment like Vincristine resolves specific path systems. The goal is to have a good overlap between the treatment and cancer driving paths for a personalized method. In such a condition any food or nutritional supplement which has a compatible effect to the treatment or minimizes the overlap must be thought about. As an example, Lion’s Mane Mushroom need to be thought about for Angiosarcoma along with treatment Vincristine. Lion’s Mane Mushroom affects pathways/processes like Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Adherens junction which either block drivers of the illness (Angiosarcoma) and/or enhance the treatment result.

For Healthy Individuals with CDC73 Mutation Associated Genetic Danger?

Different business offer panels of genes to be checked for assessing genetic threat to various cancers. These panels cover genes connected with cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, and intestinal system and others. Genetic screening of these genes may verify a medical diagnosis and help guide treatment and management decisions. Recognition of a disease-causing version may also direct screening and medical diagnosis of at-risk relatives. CDC73 is one of the genes typically offered in panels for cancer risk testing.

CDC73 mutation triggers biochemical paths WNT Beta-catenin Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling and Angiogenesis to get affected. These pathways are direct or indirect chauffeurs of cancer molecular endpoints. Lion’s Hair Mushroom ought to be avoided when the hereditary panel identifies anomaly of CDC73 for Neuroendocrine Cancer. Lion’s Hair Mushroom impacts paths like WNT Betacatenin Signaling and Stem Cell Signaling and develops negative results with CDC73 and associated conditions.

For Healthy People with TP53 Mutation Associated Genetic Risk?

TP53 is one of the genes readily available in panels for cancer risk testing. TP53 mutation causes biochemical pathways P53 Signaling, MAPK Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling, Estrogen Signaling and Autophagy to get affected. These pathways are direct or indirect chauffeurs of cancer molecular endpoints. Consider taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom supplements when the genetic panel identifies anomaly in TP53 for Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer. Lion’s Hair Mushroom impacts paths like P53 Signaling and MAPK Signaling and creates a helpful effect in those with TP53 mutation and related conditions.

How to Choose, Shop, and Consume Lion’s Hair Mushrooms

If you have often visited a farmers’ market just recently (or live near a bougie grocery store), you may have seen them. They appear like pale little tribbles– fluffy and soft and kind of adorable– however they are mushrooms, and they have an ominous side (they murder trees).

Lion’s hair mushrooms get their ferocious name from their appearance, however they have a moderate, kind of sweet flavor that some have compared to crab and even marzipan. I can identify both almonds and a slight air of seafood at the front, however those subtle tastes rapidly give way to moderate, earthy mushroomy-ness. They’re great by themselves, and they’re spongey little bodies soak up whatever flavorful fat you prepare them in. They’re fun to look at, enjoyable to prep– you can rip ’em apart like soft bread– and fun to consume. But, like all mushrooms, they need a little specific care.

How to choose ’em

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

You can also find them at fancy grocery stores for elegant individuals (or at farmer’s markets). They ought to look fluffy, and either white or pale yellow (they will darken as they age), and need to be dry and free from swellings (dirt is fine). They should not have much of a smell, so prevent specimens that smell like anything besides mushrooms.

How to keep ’em

Lion’s hair mushrooms will last as much as a week if correctly stored and looked after, and they truly aren’t that picky. Simply keep them far from water– do not clean them until you are ready to consume them, if at all– and save them in your refrigerator far from the direct circulation of cold air. (The crisper drawer will do just great.) If you purchased your fluff balls from a farm, they may be available in an aerated bag of some kind, and you need to keep them in there, but a paper bag also works, provided you don’t fill the bag more than halfway (let those infants breath).

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

How to consume ’em

Lion’s mane mushrooms are very soft and naturally quite moist, with a fun, bouncy texture that’s nearly meaty. Big mushrooms can be sliced into planks before pan frying in butter, or you can tear them into bite-sized morsels, toss them with oil, and roast up until they are golden brown. Essentially, 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 offered as a supplement. In vitamin stores they are available in various varieties (e.g. Fermented Lion’s hair, powdered Lion’s mane mycelium, etc). Dosing is not fully understood. One study utilized 1g three times each day of powdered Lion’s mane fruiting bodies (Mori et al, 2009). Another pre-owned 3.2 g of powdered Lion’s hair fruiting bodies per day (Saitsu et al, 2019). Preclinical studies used various extracts of Lion’s mane. (8 ).

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lion’s hair mushroom is potentially safe when utilized in a dosage of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Negative effects are moderate and may consist of stomach pain.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough trustworthy details to know if lion’s mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the negative effects might be. (9 ).

In Conclusion

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

What food you eat and which supplements you take is a choice you make. Your choice should consist of factor to consider of the cancer gene anomalies, which cancer, continuous treatments and supplements, any allergies, lifestyle information, weight, height and habits.

The nutrition planning for cancer from addon is not based on web searches. It automates the decision making for you based upon molecular science implemented by our researchers and software application engineers. Regardless of whether you care to comprehend the underlying biochemical molecular paths or not – for nutrition planning for cancer that understanding is needed.

Start NOW with your nutrition preparation by responding to questions on the name of cancer, hereditary anomalies, ongoing treatments and supplements, any allergies, habits, way of life, age 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