Lion's Mane Tincture

Label: Beneficial Botanicals Botanical Name: Hericium erinaceus Other Names: Bearded Tooth, Satyr's Beard, Pom Pom Mushroom Parts Used: fruiting bodies (does not contain mycelium for sustainability purposes) Organic: Yes Tincture Ratio: 1:1 Origin: USA

Known Uses:
Stimulate the nerve growth factor (NGF) in the central and peripheral nervous system
Repair neurological degradation from senility
Improve cognitive function and memory
Improve reflexes
Alleviate head pressure and tightness associated with Lyme Disease

[tab name="Overview"]
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), not to be confused with other species of Hericium, is an edible and medicinal mushroom in the tooth fungus group. This mushroom has been used traditionally in China and Japan for hundreds of years, once reserved only for the palates of the royal families. Currently, you may find this mushroom in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, used to replace pork or lamb.

Constituents: Some of the compounds found in Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that are rendered in the fresh tincture include hericenones A-H, cyclic dipeptides, indole alkaloids, pyrimidines, flavones, anthraquinones, amino acid derivatives, and phenolic compounds.

Research:
A study on rats in 2005 showed that some compounds in the mushroom, like threitol, D-arabinitol, and palmitic acid may have antioxidant effects, may regulate blood lipid levels and reduce blood glucose levels.

Scientists have investigated this mushroom for possible anti-dementia compounds. Primary research has demonstrated that it stimulated animal nerve cells, stimulated nerve growth factor in an in vitro experiment with human astrocytoma cells and stimulated myelination in another study. A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial showed improved cognitive ability.

Recently a group of Japanese researchers have patented an extraction process which isolates a NGSF (Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor). They found a compound in Hericium erinaceus which causes brain neurons to regrow, a feat of great significance in potentially helping senility, repairing neurological degradation, increasing intelligence and improving reflexes. Studies also confirm many of its traditional uses, supporting the digestive system, and acting as a tonic for the nervous system.

In 2015 a study was published by Chinese researchers that reported Hericium erinaceus can offer pain relief in diabetic neuropathic pain, as studied in diabetic laboratory rats.

[tab name="Use / Dosage"]
Lion's Mane tincture is used to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) in the central and peripheral nervous system, repair neurological degradation from senility, improve cognitive function and memory loss, and improve reflexes.

Lion's Mane is used for treating spirochaete bacteria in the brain caused by Lyme Disease because it can pass through the blood brain barrier, thus releasing spirochaetes into the blood stream to eradicate the bacteria. This calls up a bulk of work for the immune system, therefore it is recommended that a regiment for immune system support be implemented as part of an overall treatment plan.

Known Dosage (for Adults)
Stimulate Nerve Cell Growth : 1 teaspoon twice a day in a small amount of water.
Lyme Disease : Stephen Buhner recommends 1/2 tsp. 3 x daily taken in a small amount of water.

[tab name="Precautions"]
Generally considered safe, however if you are allergic to mushrooms or derivatives of fungi, do not take this tincture. If you are using Lion's Mane for the treatment of Lyme Disease, you might experience what is known as the Herx Reaction which can cause a notable amount of discomfort from the spirochaete bacteria release into the bloodstream.

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, MD, Lion's Mane mushroom is a nontoxic medicinal (and culinary) and completely safe for women who are breastfeeding.

[tab name="References"]
Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54.

High molecular weight of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus against amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity. Cheng JH, Tsai CL, Lien YY, Lee MS4, Sheu SC. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jun 7;16:170. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1154-5.

Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K. Azumi, Y and Tuchida T. 2009. Phytother Res. 23:367-372.

Hericenone C, D and E, stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis from the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Kawagishi, H., Ando, M., Sakamoto, H., Yoshida S., Ojima, F., Ishiguro, Y., Ukai, N., Fukukawa, S. 1991. Tetrahedron Lett 32, 4561-4564.

Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. Ma, Bing-Ji , Jin-Wen Shen, Hai-You Yu, Yuan Ruan, Ting-Ting Wu & Xu Zhao, 2010. Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology. 1(2): 92-98
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This information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of this extract is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this tincture.