Lion’s mane mushroom, also known as bearded tooth fungus or monkey’s mane mushroom, is mainly found in the northern temperate zones of Western Europe, North America, Japan, Russia, and China.
By observing the neurotrophic effects of the mushroom extract on rat brain cells, the study by Australian and South Korean universities found that its active compounds can help promote neuronal projections, which allow neurons to extend and connect to other neurons.
The active compounds had a “significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory,” according to an article by professor Frederic Meunier of the Queensland Brain Institute, who led the experiments with the aid of super-resolution microscopy.
“Extracts from these so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells,” Meunier said.
In Chinese medicine, the lion’s mane mushroom is widely used as an herbal remedy for indigestion, neurasthenia, and weakness; it’s a delicious and nutritious food.
Dr. Martinez-Marmo, a research fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute and co-author of the paper, said the findings have significance for the treatment and prevention of degenerative cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
“Our idea was to identify bioactive compounds from natural sources that could reach the brain and regulate the growth of neurons, resulting in improved memory formation,” he said.
Research surrounding the effects of lion’s mane mushrooms on the brain has been making progress for the past several years.
Copy
