Hericium

In spite of its monochrome colouring, Hericium erinaceus is by any requirements one of our most striking of woodland fungis. The fruitbodies appear on damaged or felled trees normally in old (primarily 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 uncommon in the UK, where it grows primarily on Beech and oak trees, and is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) types.

Distribution

A really uncommon sight in Britain, where it is found primarily in southern England and eastern Wales, Hericium erinaceus takes place also in many parts of Europe, being particularly widespread and plentiful in main and southern France. This types is also discovered in North America; I have actually seen woodlands in South Carolina decorated with Lion’s Manes like luxurious 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 fungus in 1780 he gave it the binomial scientific 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 relating to a hedgehog, and is a recommendation to the spiny fertile surfaces of fungis within this grouping. As so typically with the type species of a genus, the specific epithet erinaceus implies similar as the generic name: like a hedgehog. Think of an upturned, pallid hedgehog … It’s a pretty precise description, I ‘d say.

Recognition guide

Fruitbody

Hericium erinaceus (likewise referred to 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 very short, broad stipe. These are yearly fruitbodies but they can recur in the same place on a tree for several years. The whole fruitbody can be as big as to 30cm throughout, although 15 to 20cm is more common.

Spinal columns of Hericium erinaceus have pointed tips and variety from 1 to 5cm long.

Spores

Broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose, smooth or with an extremely somewhat roughed up surface, 5-6 x 4-5.5 µm; amyloid.

Spore print

White.

Odour/taste

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

Environment

Saprobic, almost constantly on beech and oak trees, stumps and fallen logs in Britain, but often on other hardwoods. Bearded Tooth fungus is also reported to fruit periodically 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 may also secure nerves from ending up being damaged. This might help prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s illness or Parkinson’s disease. Hericium erinaceus also seems to assist safeguard the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. This might assist enhance signs connected to long-term swelling of the stomach lining (persistent atrophic gastritis) or stomach ulcers. (2 ).

Utilizes checked in practice:

• Policy of stomach and intestinal tract issues, especially in gastrointestinal inflammation + Reishi, Shiitake, Coprinus
• Avoidance of cancer disorders, specifically cancer of the stomach, intestines, esophagus and skin – according to the tumour type
• Strengthening of the body immune system + any medical mushroom
• Complementary treatment for neural illness + Reishi, Cordyceps
• Alleviating depressive moods + Cordyceps
• Restlessness and sleep disorders + Reishi

Other motives for the use of Hericium:

Stomach issues, gastritis, relaxes mucous membranes, Helicobacter pylori, celiac illness + Reishi, neurasthenia, stress, impacts the NGF consider neurodegenerative diseases (dementia, Parkinson’s illness, Alzheimer’s illness, several sclerosis), improves functioning of the nerve system, neuropathy, improves concentration, improves bowel peristalsis (preferably a preparation from dried Hericium extract), multiresistant gold staphylococcus, tumour illness (of the stomach, esophagus, big intestinal tract, liver, uterine neck), tension, 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 traditional Chinese medicine:

• Strengthens the stomach and regulates its Qi
• Renews the spleen and promotes digestion
• Relaxes the spirit Shen and enhances brain activity
• Affects all organ systems (3 )

The Health Advantages of Lion’s Mane

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

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

In addition, lion’s mane is said to reinforce the immune system, stimulate digestion, and safeguard against cancer.

Up until now, research on the particular health results of lion’s mane is fairly limited. However, findings from animal-based research study, test-tube research studies, and little medical trials indicate that lion’s mane may provide certain health advantages, consisting of support for neuronal health. Here’s a take a look at some crucial research study findings.

Brain Function

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

In a more current study (published in Biomedical Research in 2011), scientists took a look at the impacts of lion’s hair on brain function in mice. Results revealed that lion’s mane helped protect against memory issues caused by the buildup of amyloid beta (a compound that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease). Studies have likewise shown 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 effect of natural supplements on cognitive function have actually revealed modest impacts, “direct proof is doing not have.” Claims made to the contrary are not supported by evidence.

Depression

Lion’s mane may help relieve depression and anxiety, suggests a small study released in Biomedical Research in 2010. For the study, 30 menopausal females consumed cookies including either lion’s hair or a placebo every day for 4 weeks. Evaluating research study findings, researchers observed that members of the lion’s mane group were less irritable and distressed and had less problem focusing than members of the placebo group.

Cancer

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

In addition, a 2011 research study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that lion’s hair extract helped in reducing the size of cancerous colon growths in mice.9 The research study’s findings suggest that lion’s mane might help fight off colon cancer, in part by increasing activity in particular cells involved in the immune reaction. Another study discovered that the extract might help reduce the spread of colon cancer cells to the lungs. However, it’s too soon to inform whether lion’s hair can assist prevent or lower cancer in people. (4 ).

May Have Anti-Diabetic Properties

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

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

There is some limited proof that lion’s mane extract may help in reducing discomfort symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy. This study was carried out in rats, so more proof is needed, but scientists think that the reduction in pain level of sensitivity may be because of antioxidant activity in lion’s mane. (5 ).

Anxiety relief

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

Improved cognitive function

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

One 2017 research study in mice found that day-to-day supplements of lion’s hair mushroom avoided the decline of 2 functions typically connected with Alzheimer’s: loss of spatial short-term memory and decreased recognition memory.

Throughout the experiment, these exact same mice began seeking out new stimuli, which engages new neural pathways and hold-ups the beginning of cognitive disability.

A 2020 study also reported that individuals who supplemented 3 grams of lion’s mane 2 times a day (for an overall of 6 grams) reported boosted memory.

Antioxidants

Anti-oxidants assist your body eliminate “totally free radicals,” or particles that can harm cells.

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

In an older research study in 2011, lion’s hair was placed in the “reasonably high” classification on their antioxidant index, along with 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 resistance

With all the anti-oxidants, it’s no surprise that lion’s mane might help support your immune system. But researchers have actually found another route to much better resistance: the gut.

A 2017 research study in mice found that the protein in lion’s hair mushrooms might improve the body immune system by supporting the nest of healthy germs in the gut, much like prebiotics and probiotics. (6 ).

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma/Cancer Patients undergoing Paclitaxel treatment?

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is characterized and driven by specific genetic anomalies like NFIB and MYB leading to biochemical path changes in Focal Adhesion, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling, Notch Signaling and Cholesterol Metabolism. A cancer treatment like Paclitaxel resolves a specific pathway mechanism of action. The objective is to have a great overlap in between the treatment and cancer driving pathways for a customized method which is effective. In such a condition any food or dietary supplement which has a contrary impact to the treatment or reduces the overlap should be prevented. As an example, Lion’s Hair Mushroom must be prevented for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma along with treatment Paclitaxel. Lion’s Hair Mushroom affects pathways/processes like Focal Adhesion which either promote motorists of the illness and/or nullify the treatment effect. Some of the factors which should be thought about when picking nutrition are type of cancer, treatments and supplements being taken presently (if any), age, gender, BMI, lifestyle and any hereditary mutation information (if readily available).

Angiosarcoma Cancer Patients going through Vincristine Treatment?

Angiosarcoma is characterized and driven by particular genetic anomalies like TP53 and MAP3K9 causing biochemical path modifications 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 mechanisms. The goal is to have an excellent overlap in between the treatment and cancer driving paths for a tailored method. In such a condition any food or dietary supplement which has a compatible impact to the treatment or minimizes the overlap ought to be thought about. As an example, Lion’s Mane Mushroom must be considered for Angiosarcoma together with treatment Vincristine. Lion’s Hair Mushroom affects pathways/processes like Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Adherens junction which either block chauffeurs of the illness (Angiosarcoma) and/or improve the treatment impact.

For Healthy People with CDC73 Anomaly Associated Genetic Risk?

Different companies offer panels of genes to be tested for examining hereditary risk to different cancers. These panels cover genes connected with cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, and gastrointestinal system and others. Genetic testing of these genes might confirm a medical diagnosis and assistance guide treatment and management choices. Recognition of a disease-causing variant might also assist screening and diagnosis of at-risk family members. CDC73 is one of the genes generally available in panels for cancer risk testing.

CDC73 mutation causes biochemical paths WNT Beta-catenin Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling and Angiogenesis to get impacted. These paths are direct or indirect motorists of cancer molecular endpoints. Lion’s Mane Mushroom must be prevented when the genetic panel recognizes anomaly of CDC73 for Neuroendocrine Cancer. Lion’s Hair Mushroom impacts paths like WNT Betacatenin Signaling and Stem Cell Signaling and produces unfavorable results with CDC73 and related conditions.

For Healthy People with TP53 Anomaly Associated Genetic Danger?

TP53 is among the genes offered in panels for cancer danger testing. TP53 mutation triggers biochemical pathways P53 Signaling, MAPK Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling, Estrogen Signaling and Autophagy to get affected. These paths are direct or indirect motorists of cancer molecular endpoints. Think about taking Lion’s Hair Mushroom supplements when the hereditary panel recognizes 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 impact in those with TP53 mutation and associated conditions.

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

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

Lion’s mane mushrooms get their relentless name from their appearance, however they have a mild, kind of sweet flavor that some have actually likened to crab or even marzipan. I can find both almonds and a minor air of seafood at the front, but those subtle tastes quickly pave the way to mild, earthy mushroomy-ness. They’re great on their own, and they’re spongey little bodies soak up whatever tasty fat you cook them in. They’re enjoyable to look at, fun to prep– you can rip ’em apart like soft bread– and fun to eat. But, like all mushrooms, they need a little customized care.

How to select ’em

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

You can also discover them at elegant supermarket 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 must be dry and devoid of bruises (dirt is okay). They shouldn’t have much of an odor, so avoid specimens that smell like anything aside from mushrooms.

How to keep ’em

Lion’s hair mushrooms will last up to a week if appropriately kept and taken care of, and they actually aren’t that finicky. Simply keep them far from water– do not wash them until you are ready to eat them, if at all– and save them in your fridge away from the direct circulation of cold air. (The crisper drawer will do simply great.) If you bought your fluff balls from a farm, they may can be found in a ventilated bag of some kind, and you need to keep them in there, however a paper bag likewise works, provided you do not fill the bag more than halfway (let those infants breath).

When you’re ready to eat them, just reject any dirt with a mushroom brush (or a pastry brush) and cut off the little woody “foot.” If you simply need to wash them, wash them very rapidly under cold running water, and squeeze them carefully to remove 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 hair mushrooms are extremely soft and naturally quite damp, 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. Essentially, cook them like you would any other mushroom (with butter), and consume them like you would any other mushroom (joyfully). (7 ).

Sources and dosing

Lion’s hair mushroom is available as a supplement. In vitamin stores they can be found in various ranges (e.g. Fermented Lion’s mane, powdered Lion’s hair mycelium, etc). Dosing is not fully known. One research study utilized 1g three times daily of powdered Lion’s mane fruiting bodies (Mori et al, 2009). Another pre-owned 3.2 g of powdered Lion’s mane fruiting bodies each day (Saitsu et al, 2019). Preclinical studies utilized various extracts of Lion’s mane. (8 ).

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lion’s hair mushroom is potentially safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Negative effects are moderate and might consist of stomach discomfort.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t adequate reliable information to know if lion’s mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be. (9 ).

In Conclusion

The two essential things to keep in mind are that cancer treatments and nutrition are never the exact same for everybody. Nutrition, that includes food and dietary supplements like Lion’s Hair Mushroom, is an effective tool which can be managed by you, while facing cancer.

What food you consume and which supplements you take is a decision you make. Your decision must include factor to consider of the cancer gene mutations, which cancer, continuous treatments and supplements, any allergic reactions, way of life information, weight, height and habits.

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

Start NOW with your nutrition planning by responding to questions on the name of cancer, hereditary mutations, ongoing treatments and supplements, any allergic reactions, practices, way of life, age group and gender. (10 ).

References

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