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In spite of its monochrome colouring, Hericium erinaceus is by any standards one of our most striking of woodland fungis. The fruitbodies appear on damaged or felled trees generally in old (primarily deciduous) woodland.
Unfortunately, Hericium erinaceus (in some guidebook it is listed as Hericium erinaceum) which is frequently described 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) species.
Circulation
A very rare sight in Britain, where it is discovered mainly in southern England and eastern Wales, Hericium erinaceus takes place likewise in lots of parts of Europe, being particularly extensive and plentiful in central and southern France. This types is likewise discovered in The United States and Canada; I have actually seen forests in South Carolina adorned with Lion’s Manes like lavish Christmas-tree designs (and yes, it was during the recently of December!).
Taxonomic history
When French botanist-mycologist Jean Baptiste Francois (Pierre) Bulliard described Bearded Tooth fungi in 1780 he gave it the binomial taxonomic name Hydnum erinaceus. It was Christiaan Hendrik Persoon who in 1797 moved this types to its present genus, whereupon its taxonomic name became Hericium erinaceus, which still stands today.
Etymology
Hericium, the generic name, implies relating to a hedgehog, and is a reference to the spiny fertile surfaces of fungis within this grouping. As so typically with the type types of a genus, the particular epithet erinaceus indicates similar as the generic name: like a hedgehog. Envision an upturned, pallid hedgehog … It’s a quite precise description, I ‘d say.
Recognition guide
Fruitbody
Hericium erinaceus (also referred to as the Pom-Pom mushroom) typically has a roundish fruitbody with spinal columns all emerging from the exact same point and cascading like a mop head. White or pale yellow-brown turning darker with age, the fruitbody is connected to the substrate by an extremely short, broad stipe. These are yearly fruitbodies however they can repeat in the same place on a tree for a number of 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 actually pointed ideas and range from 1 to 5cm long.
Spores
Broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose, smooth or with a very somewhat roughened surface, 5-6 x 4-5.5 µm; amyloid.
Spore print
White.
Odour/taste
Odour not distinctive; when prepared the taste is apparently scrumptious and, to some at least, rather like lobster prepared in butter.
Habitat
Saprobic, almost always on beech and oak trees, stumps and fallen logs in Britain, however sometimes on other woods. Bearded Tooth fungus is likewise reported to fruit periodically on stacks of sawdust.
Season
July to November in Britain and Ireland. (1 ).
How does it work?
Hericium erinaceus might enhance the development and function of nerves. It might also safeguard nerves from becoming harmed. This may assist avoid conditions such as Alzheimer’s illness or Parkinson’s disease. Hericium erinaceus likewise seems to help protect the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. This might assist enhance signs connected to long-term swelling of the stomach lining (chronic atrophic gastritis) or stomach ulcers. (2 ).
Utilizes tested in practice:
- Guideline of stomach and digestive problems, especially in intestinal inflammation + Reishi, Shiitake, Coprinus
- Avoidance of cancer disorders, especially cancer of the stomach, intestines, esophagus and skin – according to the tumour type
- Reinforcing of the immune system + any medicinal mushroom
- Complementary therapy for neural diseases + Reishi, Cordyceps
- Relieving depressive state of minds + Cordyceps
- Uneasyness and sleep conditions + Reishi
Other intentions for making use of Hericium:
Stomach problems, gastritis, relaxes mucous membranes, Helicobacter pylori, celiac disease + Reishi, neurasthenia, tension, affects the NGF factor in neurodegenerative diseases (dementia, Parkinson’s illness, Alzheimer’s illness, numerous sclerosis), enhances operating of the nerve system, neuropathy, enhances concentration, boosts bowel peristalsis (preferably a decoction from dried Hericium extract), multiresistant gold staphylococcus, tumour illness (of the stomach, esophagus, big intestinal tract, liver, uterine neck), tension, restlessness.
TCM qualities:
- Temperature– neutral
- Taste– sweet, dull
- Tropism– spleen, stomach, heart (according to other sources + liver, kidneys or all circuits)
Effects according to standard Chinese medicine:
- Enhances the stomach and manages its Qi
- Replenishes the spleen and promotes food digestion
- Calms the spirit Shen and strengthens brain activity
- Affects all organ systems (3 )
The Health Advantages of Lion’s Hair
Proponents declare that lion’s hair can aid with a range of illness, including:.
- Alzheimer’s illness
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- High cholesterol
- Inflammation
- Parkinson’s illness
- Ulcers
In addition, lion’s mane is said to reinforce the immune system, promote digestion, and safeguard versus cancer.
So far, research study on the particular health effects of lion’s hair is fairly limited. However, findings from animal-based research, test-tube studies, and small scientific trials show that lion’s hair may use certain health benefits, including assistance for neuronal health. Here’s a look at some essential research study findings.
Brain Function
Lion’s mane might benefit older grownups with moderate cognitive impairment, according to a little study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2009. For the study, scientists designated 30 older adults with moderate cognitive impairment to take either lion’s mane extract or a placebo every day for 16 weeks. In cognitive tests given at weeks eight, 12, and 16 of the study, members of the lion’s hair group showed significantly higher enhancements compared to members of the placebo group.
In a more recent study (published in Biomedical Research study in 2011), researchers took a look at the results of lion’s hair on brain function in mice. Outcomes exposed that lion’s hair assisted secure against memory issues caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta (a substance that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s illness). Studies have actually likewise revealed a possible neuro-protective impact versus ischemic stroke.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) warns that while some little preliminary studies on the impact of natural supplements on cognitive function have shown modest effects, “direct proof is doing not have.” Claims made to the contrary are not supported by proof.
Anxiety
Lion’s hair may assist minimize depression and anxiety, recommends a little research study released in Biomedical Research in 2010. For the study, 30 menopausal females consumed cookies including either lion’s mane or a placebo every day for four weeks. Examining research study findings, researchers observed that members of the lion’s hair group were less irritable and anxious and had less difficulty concentrating than members of the placebo group.
Cancer
Preliminary research study recommends that lion’s hair reveals guarantee in security versus cancer. For instance, in a 2011 research study published in Food & & Function, tests on human cells exposed that lion’s hair may help knock out leukemia cells.
In addition, a 2011 study released in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry discovered that lion’s mane extract helped reduce the size of malignant colon tumors in mice.9 The study’s findings recommend that lion’s mane may help battle colon cancer, in part by increasing activity in particular cells involved in the immune action. Another study found that the extract may help reduce the spread of colon cancer cells to the lungs. However, it’s too soon to tell whether lion’s hair can assist prevent or decrease cancer in people. (4 ).
May Have Anti-Diabetic Properties
Some research recommends that lion’s hair extracts may be advantageous for those who are attempting to manage diabetes. However again, studies in people are doing not have.
A research study published in 2013 found that lion’s mane extract not just decreased glucose levels however also 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 minimal proof that lion’s hair extract may help reduce pain symptoms related to diabetic neuropathy. This study was carried out in rats, so more proof is required, but scientists think that the reduction in pain sensitivity may be because of antioxidant activity in lion’s hair. (5 ).
Stress and anxiety relief
Another 2018 research study in mice found that lion’s hair mushroom promoted the production of new brain cells in the hippocampus after just 4 weeks of once-a-day treatment, which may lag its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.
Improved cognitive function
Lion’s mane is typically sold as nootropics– a cognitive-enhancing supplement.
One 2017 research study in mice found that daily supplementation of lion’s mane mushroom prevented the decline of 2 functions typically associated with Alzheimer’s: loss of spatial short-term memory and reduced recognition memory.
During the experiment, these very same mice started looking for new stimuli, which engages new neural paths and hold-ups the onset of cognitive impairment.
A 2020 survey also reported that individuals who supplemented 3 grams of lion’s hair 2 times a day (for a total of 6 grams) reported boosted memory.
Anti-oxidants
Antioxidants assist your body eliminate “free radicals,” or particles that can damage cells.
Research has actually shown that lion’s mane is rich in a number of antioxidants, specifically phenol, an antioxidant absorbed in the gut to lower inflammation.
In an older study in 2011, lion’s hair was positioned in the “fairly high” classification on their antioxidant index, in addition to reishi and split gill mushrooms.
A 2021 research study discovered that antioxidant activity remained stable in mushroom extracts for at least a month, decreasing by half around the 4-month mark.
Increased resistance
With all the antioxidants, it’s not a surprise that lion’s hair might help support your immune system. But researchers have found another path to better immunity: the gut.
A 2017 study in mice discovered that the protein in lion’s hair mushrooms might improve the body immune system by supporting the nest of healthy bacteria in the gut, much like prebiotics and probiotics. (6 ).
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma/Cancer Clients undergoing Paclitaxel treatment?
Adenoid Cystic Cancer is defined and driven by particular genetic anomalies like NFIB and MYB resulting in biochemical path changes in Focal Adhesion, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling, Notch Signaling and Cholesterol Metabolism. A cancer treatment like Paclitaxel resolves a specific path system of action. The goal is to have a great overlap between the treatment and cancer driving pathways for a personalized technique which is effective. In such a condition any food or dietary supplement which has a contrary effect to the treatment or lowers the overlap must be prevented. As an example, Lion’s Hair Mushroom ought to be avoided for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma together with treatment Paclitaxel. Lion’s Hair Mushroom affects pathways/processes like Focal Adhesion which either promote drivers of the illness and/or nullify the treatment impact. A few of the elements which should be considered when selecting nutrition are kind of cancer, treatments and supplements being taken currently (if any), age, gender, BMI, lifestyle and any hereditary anomaly info (if offered).
Angiosarcoma Cancer Patients undergoing Vincristine Treatment?
Angiosarcoma is characterized and driven by specific genetic anomalies like TP53 and MAP3K9 resulting in biochemical pathway modifications in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Shift, Adherens junction, NFKB Signaling, PI3K-AKT-MTOR Signaling and MAPK Signaling. A cancer treatment like Vincristine works through particular pathway mechanisms. The goal is to have a good overlap in between the treatment and cancer driving paths for a personalized approach. In such a condition any food or nutritional supplement which has a compatible effect to the treatment or decreases the overlap should 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 impacts pathways/processes like Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Adherens junction which either obstruct motorists of the illness (Angiosarcoma) and/or improve the treatment impact.
For Healthy Individuals with CDC73 Mutation Associated Genetic Danger?
Various business use panels of genes to be evaluated for examining hereditary danger to different cancers. These panels cover genes associated with cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, and gastrointestinal system and others. Hereditary testing of these genes might verify a diagnosis and aid guide treatment and management choices. Recognition of a disease-causing version may also assist testing and medical diagnosis of at-risk family members. CDC73 is among the genes normally readily available in panels for cancer danger screening.
CDC73 anomaly causes biochemical pathways WNT Beta-catenin Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling and Angiogenesis to get affected. These paths are direct or indirect chauffeurs of cancer molecular endpoints. Lion’s Mane Mushroom must be prevented when the hereditary panel identifies anomaly of CDC73 for Neuroendocrine Cancer. Lion’s Mane Mushroom impacts pathways like WNT Betacatenin Signaling and Stem Cell Signaling and develops adverse impacts with CDC73 and related conditions.
For Healthy Individuals with TP53 Mutation Associated Genetic Threat?
TP53 is among the genes readily available in panels for cancer threat screening. TP53 mutation triggers biochemical pathways P53 Signaling, MAPK Signaling, Stem Cell Signaling, Estrogen Signaling and Autophagy to get affected. These pathways are direct or indirect motorists of cancer molecular endpoints. Think about taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom supplements when the genetic panel identifies mutation in TP53 for Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer. Lion’s Hair Mushroom effects paths like P53 Signaling and MAPK Signaling and creates a supportive result in those with TP53 mutation and associated conditions.
How to Choose, Shop, and Consume Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
If you have actually frequented a farmers’ market just recently (or live near a bougie supermarket), you might have seen them. They appear like pale little tribbles– fluffy and soft and type of adorable– but they are mushrooms, and they have a sinister 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 likened to crab or even marzipan. I can discover both almonds and a small air of seafood at the front, however those subtle flavors rapidly give way to mild, earthy mushroomy-ness. They’re great by themselves, and they’re spongey little bodies take in whatever tasty fat you prepare them in. They’re enjoyable to take a look at, fun to prep– you can rip ’em apart like soft bread– and enjoyable to consume. However, like all mushrooms, they need a little specialized care.
How to select ’em
Lion’s mane mushrooms are parasites that assault and kill living trees so that they may feast upon their dead bodies. Foraging for them is therefore an act of service. In addition to upright trees, the fluffy menaces can be discovered on stumps, fallen branches, or dead, fallen trees (their preferred food). Keep an eye out if you reside in an area that has a lot of birch, maple, or oak– especially if that birch, maple, or oak has tipped over.
You can likewise discover them at elegant grocery stores for elegant people (or at farmer’s markets). They must look fluffy, and either white or pale yellow (they will darken as they age), and should be dry and devoid of bruises (dirt is fine). They shouldn’t have much of an odor, so avoid specimens that smell like anything aside from mushrooms.
How to save ’em
Lion’s hair mushrooms will last approximately a week if correctly stored and taken care of, and they actually aren’t that finicky. Just keep them far from water– do not clean them until you are ready to eat them, if at all– and save them in your fridge away from the direct flow of cold air. (The crisper drawer will do simply fine.) If you purchased your fluff balls from a farm, they may be available in an aerated bag of some kind, and you must 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 eat them, just brush off any dirt with a mushroom brush (or a pastry brush) and cut off the little woody “foot.” If you just must wash them, rinse them very rapidly under cold running water, and squeeze them carefully to eliminate the excess. Tear them apart and let them dry on paper towels or a clean hand towel prior to cooking.
How to eat ’em
Lion’s hair mushrooms are very soft and naturally quite wet, with an enjoyable, bouncy texture that’s nearly meaty. Big mushrooms can be sliced into slabs before pan frying in butter, or you can tear them into bite-sized morsels, toss them with oil, and roast till they are golden brown. Generally, prepare them like you would any other mushroom (with butter), and consume them like you would any other mushroom (happily). (7 ).
Sources and dosing
Lion’s mane mushroom is readily available as a supplement. In vitamin stores they are available in different varieties (e.g. Fermented Lion’s hair, powdered Lion’s mane mycelium, etc). Dosing is not completely known. One study used 1g 3 times daily of powdered Lion’s mane fruiting bodies (Mori et al, 2009). Another used 3.2 g of powdered Lion’s hair fruiting bodies per day (Saitsu et al, 2019). Preclinical studies utilized numerous extracts of Lion’s hair. (8 ).
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Lion’s hair mushroom is perhaps 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 reliable information to understand if lion’s mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be. (9 ).
In Conclusion
The two crucial things to bear in mind are that cancer treatments and nutrition are never the exact same for everyone. Nutrition, that includes food and dietary supplements like Lion’s Mane Mushroom, is a reliable tool which can be managed by you, while facing cancer.
What food you eat and which supplements you take is a decision you make. Your choice ought to include factor to consider of the cancer gene mutations, which cancer, ongoing treatments and supplements, any allergic reactions, way of life info, weight, height and routines.
The nutrition planning for cancer from addon is not based on web searches. It automates the choice making for you based upon molecular science executed by our scientists and software application engineers. Regardless of whether you care to comprehend the underlying biochemical molecular pathways or not – for nutrition planning for cancer that understanding is needed.
Start NOW with your nutrition preparation by addressing questions on the name of cancer, hereditary anomalies, ongoing treatments and supplements, any allergic reactions, routines, lifestyle, age and gender. (10 ).
Recommendations
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- Https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/hericium-erinaceus.php
- Https://www.rxlist.com/hericium_erinaceus/supplements.htm
- Https://www.mycomedica.eu/hericium.html
- Https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-lions-mane-89474
- Https://www.verywellfit.com/lion-s-mane-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits-5185393
- Https://psychcentral.com/health/lions-mane-mushroom-benefits#health-benefits
- Https://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-store-and-eat-lions-mane-mushrooms-1845358782
- Https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Lion’s-Mane-UPDATE.pdf
- Https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1536/lions-mane-mushroom