How Lions Mane Effects Your Brain
So How does Lions Mane work in improving memory, focus and mental clarity and for treating Alzheimer’s and dementia? I’m not sure this blog is going to have a readers digest version. You are going to have to read most of it to see how Lions Mane and/or Lions mane extracts benefit the brain.
Firstly this is a summary of what was found in this meta study done by Yanshree et al. and is connected to the previous blog I wrote on how lions may be the best treatment for Alzheimer’s. I hope that in this blog I will have broken down most of the scientific language into a more understandable form and for those nerdy mycophiles, or people that understand academic jargon you can always read the paper. Without further a due lets get into the nitty gritty.
What in Lions Mane is effecting my brain
There are many compounds in Lions mane that positively effect our brain and as far as I am aware the Reishi complex and Lions mane complex are the only two groups of mushrooms that have compounds that can pass the blood brain barrier(the brain shield, that protects our brains from many harmful chemicals). Here is a list of compounds shown to have neuroprotective/biologically active effects:
1. Hericenones and Erinacines
2. Polysaccharides (mainly beta-glucans)
3. Secondary metabolites: Hericerins, Resorcinol’s, Monoterpenes, Diterpenes, and Steroids
4. Cyanthin Diterpenoids and Sesterterpenes
5. Dilinoleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine
(P.S. there 8 different Hericenones and 15 different Erinacines)
Now erinacines A-I (there are 15 different erinacines, each on will end with a different letter i.e erinacine 1 will be erinacine A and erinacine 15 will be erinacine O) had shown to have neuroprotective properties through enhancing the release of neurotrophic factors and increase the expression of Insulin degradation enzymes – also known as IDE, proteins in your body that help break down insulin, insulin being a hormone that helps organs absorb blood sugar (erinacine A & S) – reducing amyloid beta aggregation & managing neurotrophic pain, pain that happens when the nerves themselves are damaged or not working right(erinacine E).
Majority of hericenones were correlated with improved cognitive function by activating NGF(nerve growth factor is like a natural growth hormone for your brain and nerves) synthesis in astrocytes(astrocytes are the ‘support team’ for neurons, helping hold them in place, feed them, mop up excess chemicals, help for the blood brain barrier, help repair brain injury and help coordinate activity of neurons). Erinacine B had been shown to prevent thrombosis(blood clot forms inside a blood vessel, like a vein or artery), increase cerebral blood flow, grant protection against cerebrovascular risk & vascular dementia (dementia caused by problems with blood flow to the brain. It happens when the blood vessels in the brain become damaged or blocked, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching brain cells).
Cerebrovascular risk is chance or likelihood of experiencing problems with the blood vessels in the brain, such as strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). This risk can be influenced by factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking. Managing these risk factors is important to reduce the chances of having cerebrovascular issues.
Anti amyloid plaque properties
Lions mane or Hericium erinaceus has been shown to have anti-amyloidgenic properties by reducing Amyloid beta synthesis and accumulation – Amyloid beta is a protein fragment that plays a key role in Alzheimer’s disease. It is derived from a larger protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP) through a process of cutting or cleavage. When amyloid beta fragments clump together, they form amyloid plaques, which accumulate between nerve cells in the brain. These plaques disrupt cell function and are associated with the memory loss and cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s disease – protecting neuronal cells against Amyloid beta cytotoxicity (quality of being toxic to cells).
OKAY, if this blog wasn’t already brain expanding enough get ready for the next few paragraphs where I am going to be explaining a few important Alzheimer’s/amyloid markers. So if you haven’t already, take an alcohol free loins mane extract and prepare your brain.
– CTF-β (C-terminal Fragment β): This is a piece of a larger protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP). When APP gets broken down, it creates CTF-β, which helps form amyloid beta (Aβ), a substance linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
– SDS-soluble Aβ1-40: This is a type of amyloid beta peptide that dissolves in a special detergent called SDS. It helps scientists see how much of this amyloid beta is floating around in the brain.
– SDS-insoluble Aβ levels: This refers to amyloid beta that doesn’t dissolve in SDS and forms clumps or plaques in the brain. High levels of these plaques are a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
– Aβ1-42: This is a specific form of amyloid beta with 42 amino acids. It’s more likely to clump together and form plaques compared to Aβ1-40. Studying Aβ1-42 helps scientists understand how these plaques develop and affect the brain in Alzheimer’s disease.
These terms help scientists figure out how amyloid beta contributes to brain diseases and are used as marker for seeing if treatment is working.
Now with that being said, if you didn’t read those bullets it is okay, basically Lions mane has been found to reduce the levels of all the above mentioned meaning a happier, healthier and cleaner brain. Lions mane also reduced/prevented the deposition of Amyloid beta peptides, breaking down both the amyloid beta (Aβ) and the part of the APP protein that is found inside the cell (AICD), preventing the formation and build up of amyloid beta protein and plaque through increase in IDE and less IDE showed increase in Aβ accumulation in the cerebral region.
Anti-oxidant function in the brain
There have been multiple studies suggesting that Lions mane has neuroprotective effects resulting from up-regulating antioxidant enzymes (e.g. glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and SOD) and reduced MDA levels, Malondialdehyde is a chemical that forms when the fats in cell membranes get damaged by free radicals, which are harmful molecules. Scientists measure MDA to see how much cell damage is happening, especially in the brain. Lion’s mane also helps protect cells from damage by activating Nrf2, which then turns on the production of protective proteins. This process helps reduce cell damage and keep cells healthy. Nrf2 (Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2)is a protein that plays a key role in protecting cells from damage. It helps activate the production of other proteins that protect against stress and damage.
In a preclinical study on SAMP8 mice (mice that are genetically modified to age faster than normal mice, making them useful for studying aging and age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease), found that 13 weeks of Lions Mane supplementation completely restored TBARS levels (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances) TBARS levels measure the amount of MDA and other substances produced when fats in the body are damaged by oxidation. This restoration is important, it basically means that it completely prevented the oxidative damage that was originally occurring, preventing the long term accumulation of lipid peroxidation (oxidative damage on fat cells in cell membranes) and ong-term accumulation of lipid peroxidation is a key contributor to the aging brain and cognitive deterioration. Onto of that, ethanol extracts from Lion’s Mane mushroom can help protect cells from dying by blocking certain proteins and enzymes that normally cause cell death, especially in conditions where cells are damaged by too much glutamate(a neurotransmitter that, in excess, can cause oxidative stress and damage cells). It does this by Inhibiting Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase-3 signaling pathways – Bax and Bcl-2 are proteins that regulate apoptosis. Bax promotes cell death, while Bcl-2 prevents it. Caspase-3 is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the execution phase of apoptosis. Inhibiting these pathways means stopping the signals that lead to cell death.
Anti-neuroinflammation
Recent research has shown that Lion’s Mane can be effective in reducing inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is the body’s way of responding to injury or infection, but when it happens too often or in the brain, it can be harmful. One important part of the immune system involved in this process is the NLRP3 inflammasome. This inflammasome is made up of proteins like NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1. These proteins work together to recognize problems and trigger inflammation.
Lion’s Mane mushroom helps reduce this inflammatory response by lowering the levels of these proteins. Specifically, it reduces the amount of NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1, which decreases the production of inflammatory molecules. Additionally, Lion’s Mane inhibits NF-κB, a protein that controls the activation of genes involved in inflammation and cell survival.
Furthermore, Lion’s Mane also impacts iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), an enzyme that produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage cells. By decreasing iNOS levels, Lion’s Mane helps to reduce both inflammation and oxidative stress, which protects brain cells from damage.
Neurotrophic mechanisms
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been shown to stimulate the release of special proteins called neurotrophic factors, which are crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, the cells that make up our brain and nervous system. Two of the most important neurotrophic factors are NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). These factors help brain cells grow and stay healthy, playing a vital role in brain function and development.
Research has demonstrated that Lion’s Mane can increase the levels of NGF in the brain. It does this by boosting the production of NGF mRNA in astrocytes, which are a type of brain cell that supports neurons. mRNA is a kind of genetic blueprint that instructs cells to make specific proteins, in this case, NGF. By increasing NGF levels, Lion’s Mane supports the growth of new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis, and enhances the formation of new connections between neurons, known as neuroplasticity. These effects are particularly important in areas like the hippocampus, which is involved in memory; the pituitary gland, which regulates hormones; and the cerebral cortex, responsible for many complex brain functions.
The binding of NGF to specific receptors on neurons, called TrkA receptors, triggers a series of events within the cells. This activation leads to the stimulation of a signaling pathway involving proteins such as ERK (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase) and CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein). These proteins help transmit signals that promote cell growth, maintenance, and memory development. TrkA receptors are crucial because they initiate these important growth and survival signals, while ERK and CREB proteins further these signals inside the cell, helping to regulate the genes involved in neuron growth and function.
Additionally, NGF plays a role in maintaining mitochondrial health, which is essential for energy production in cells. Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, produce the energy needed for cell functions. NGF supports mitochondrial remodeling, which involves proteins like Drp1 and transcription factors such as Sirt3 and PPARγ. These proteins help control the energy-producing capacity of neurons, ensuring that they have the energy required to function properly.
Studies have shown that treatment with Lion’s Mane can have long-lasting positive effects on the brain. It increases the number of certain types of brain cells in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. This increase is associated with improved neurogenesis and brain function. Researchers use markers like Ki67, PCNA, and BrdU to identify new cell growth in these studies, demonstrating the potential of Lion’s Mane to support brain health.
In summary, Lion’s Mane mushroom promotes brain health by increasing levels of NGF, supporting the growth of new neurons, enhancing neuroplasticity, and maintaining mitochondrial health. These effects make it a promising natural supplement for improving brain function and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. The ability of Lion’s Mane to increase NGF levels and its impacts on specific receptors and signaling pathways underscores its potential as a powerful agent in supporting overall brain health.
How Lion’s Mane Affects Neurotransmission
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been studied for its effects on neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. These studies, conducted on animal models, have shown that Lion’s Mane can modulate the levels and activity of various neurotransmitters, leading to improved brain function and memory.
One way Lion’s Mane works is by enhancing cholinergic function, which relates to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Acetylcholine is crucial for memory and learning. In animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, treatment with Lion’s Mane improved cholinergic function by increasing the levels of acetylcholine and the enzyme choline acetyltransferase, which helps produce ACh. Boosting acetylcholine levels can help improve cognitive functions, making this enhancement particularly significant for brain health.
Another important effect of Lion’s Mane is its ability to enhance glutamate neurotransmission. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, playing a key role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. A study found that dietary supplementation with Lion’s Mane increased the release of glutamate in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for these functions. Specifically, the increased release of glutamate was observed at the mossy fiber-CA3 synapses, which are connections between neurons that play a role in transmitting excitatory signals.
The overall results of these studies indicate that treatments with Lion’s Mane can improve memory. This improvement is accompanied by enhanced neurogenesis, which is the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, and the modulation of several pathways that contribute to brain health. These pathways include the anti-amyloidogenic pathway, which reduces the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease; the anti-oxidative pathway, which reduces oxidative stress that can damage brain cells; and the anti-neuroinflammatory pathway, which reduces inflammation in the brain, potentially preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
I hope I made this understandable to most, if not, leave a comment on what you are confused on and we will either create a video on our social media explaining these concepts or answer your questions directly!
Mushlove and remember, knowledge is freedom and freedom is power! So stay curious, ask questions and llivefully 🙂