07/12/2025
Lion's Mane - The Nerve & Gut Protector
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom with medicinal values, which is also known as Monkey Head Mushroom or Hedgehog Mushroom. In Chinese and Japanese, this mushroom is called “hóu tóu gū” and “yamabush*take,” respectively. The mushroom has a distinctive appearance, with what appears to be a large mass of long tendrils similar to a shaggy lion’s mane. This mushroom is mostly found in East Asian countries and has a long history of usage in traditional Chinese medicine.
In traditional medicine, lion’s mane mushroom is used for promoting digestive health, including improving stomach and liver function, liver protection, and helping with peptic and duodenal ulcers and chronic gastric inflammation. It is also used for alleviating mental apathy (neurasthenia) and as a restorative health tonic.
Nutrients & Bioactive Compounds in Lion's Mane
Lion's mane mushroom contains over 32 different bioactive substances. It is an excellent source of:
Hericenones (aromatic compounds isolated from the fruit body of Lion's Mane mushroom)
Erinacines (diterpene compounds isolated from the fruit body and mycelium of Lion's Mane mushroom)
Polysaccharides including Beta glucan
Adenosine
Oleonolic acid
Various amino acids
Essential minerals including Potassium, Zinc, Iron, Selenium
Benefits of DXN Lion's Mane
1) Neuroprotective benefits & Support cognitive health
In modern clinical use, lion’s mane mushroom is known as a dietary supplement based on positive human clinical studies for brain health, memory, and mood. Lion’s mane mushroom has been shown to increase neurotrophic activities by stimulating nerve or brain cell growth, which could possibly be responsible for the mushroom’s purported brain-strengthening and antidepressant effects.
The nerve growth factor (NGF) are chemicals in the body that are essential for the generation, maintenance, growth and repair of neurons, the building blocks of our brain and nervous system, These factors are necessary for neuroplasticity, the generation of new neural pathways in the brain following injury or illness. Studies found that the bioactive compounds in lion’s mane mushroom known as hericenones (aromatic molecules) and erinacines (diterpene compounds) can spur production of NGF in nerve cells, thus may be useful in the prevention or integrative treatment of neurological conditions including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
2) Strong antioxidant & Support management of depression
Lion's mane has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals formed in our cells to prevent oxidative damage. With the anti-inflammatory effect, it can promote healing. These properties likely to help protect against tissue damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.
Up to one-third of people living in developed countries experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. While there are many causes of anxiety and depression, chronic inflammation could be one of the major contributing factors. A study in 2010 found that the participants were less irritable and anxious after taking lion's mane. Therefore they suggested that lion's mane may help alleviate depression and anxiety.
3) Support digestive system & Protect against inflammation or ulcers in the digestive tract
Stomach ulcers are often caused by two major factors, which include overgrowth of H. pylori bacteria and damage of stomach mucus lining due to long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Lion's mane may protect against the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori bacteria and protecting the stomach mucus layer from damage. As Lion's mane is thought to restore the mucus membrane in the rest of the digestive tract, therefore it may also be protective against Crohn's disease, gastritis, duodenum issues and inflammatory bowel diseases.
In summary, Lion's Mane provides various purported health benefits, which include:
Protects brain function
Improves cognitive and mood
May help protect against neurological conditions eg. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism etc
May help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression
Potent antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory effects
Support immune system
Support digestive system and protect lining of the digestive tract
