Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth (2024)
Researchers from The University of Queensland have discovered the active compound from an edible mushroom that boosts nerve growth and enhances memory.
Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute said the team had identified new active compounds from the mushroom, Hericium erinaceus.
Researchers have discovered lion's mane mushrooms improve brain cell growth and memory in pre-clinical trials.
"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," Professor Meunier said.
"Pre-clinical testing found the lion's mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory.
"Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells, and surprisingly we found that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons.
"Using super-resolution microscopy, we found the mushroom extract and its active components largely increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain."
Co-author, UQ's Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol said the discovery had applications that could treat and protect against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
"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," Dr Martinez-Marmol said.
Dr Dae Hee Lee from CNGBio Co, which has supported and collaborated on the research project, said the properties of lion's mane mushrooms had been used to treat ailments and maintain health in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity.
"This important research is unravelling the molecular mechanism of lion's mane mushroom compounds and their effects on brain function, particularly memory," Dr Lee said.
The study was published in the Journal of Neurochemistry.
UQ acknowledges the collaborative efforts of researchers from the Republic of Korea's Gachon University and Chungbuk National University.
Summary: Active compounds in the edible Lion's Mane mushroom can help promote neurogenesis
neurogenesis
Neurogenesis is the process by which nervous system cells, the neurons, are produced by neural stem cells (NSCs). This occurs in all species of animals except the porifera (sponges) and placozoans.
and enhance memory, a new study reports. Preclinical trials report the compound had a significant impact on neural growth and improved memory formation.
Researchers from The University of Queensland have discovered the active compound from an edible mushroom that boosts nerve growth and enhances memory. Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute said the team had identified new active compounds from the mushroom, Hericium erinaceus.
The ability of lion's mane mushroom to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer's-related damage may explain some of its beneficial effects on brain health.
The consumption of mushrooms had a positive association with cognitive performance, including executive function, word recall, and prospective memory. Moreover, the association remained statistically significant after accounting for fruit and vegetable intake.
For example, one 2020 study reported a significant improvement in brain health in people with mild Alzheimer's after 49 weeks of daily lion's mane consumption. Forty-nine weeks may seem like a lot, but the result of this particular study is priceless when taking into account the awful effects of this disease.
“Lion's mane is generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and a skin rash,” says Dr. Watson. If you experience side effects, discontinue lion's mane consumption until you've spoken with a health care provider.
Lion's mane mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern science suggests the mushrooms may have health benefits, including fighting dementia, treating nerve damage, managing diabetes, and preventing ulcers.
Some research suggests that lion's mane supplements may also cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash. How much lion's mane should I take daily? Universal guidelines haven't been set for lion's mane dosage. Taking up to 1 gram orally every day for up to 16 weeks may be safe and well-tolerated.
Research regarding the veracity of some health claims about mushroom supplements is limited and the mushroom dietary supplements aren't approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medicinal use.
In one animal study, lion's mane was found to help reduce blood sugars to normal levels while also providing a protective effect on the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. 27 Another found this mushroom to help relieve diabetic nerve pain in animal subjects.
Immune Support: Reishi, Chaga, sh*take, and Maitake mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants and immune-boosting properties, helping your body stay strong and resilient against illness. Memory Support: Lions Mane has been shown to support neuroplasticity, aiding in memory formation and recall.
Mushrooms are classed as a superfood as they are high in nutrients and have many health benefits. You could eat mushrooms every day if you wish, although only as part of a balanced diet with other foods. Although mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes, the nutrients they provide per 96g serving are very similar.
Numerous sources sell supplements of lion's mane mushroom, yamabush*take or hericium erinaceus (fruiting body or mycelium or both) either alone or in combination with other mushrooms, ginseng (MUNOPHIL), or even lion's mane that has been cultured on oats or other grain.
Both have great benefits for sleep, although it's vital that you take Lion's mane in the morning. So, it won't work as an evening herbal tea, whereas ashwagandha can be taken any time of the day for sleep quality. Ashwagandha is an excellent choice if you want to focus on anxiety and hair health.
A few people feel the benefit of lion's mane after a couple of days. But the majority of people notice real effects in 2-3 months, which is about the same for most supplements. Taking lion's mane for this amount of time gives your body chance to absorb and adapt to the mushroom for long-term effects.
This is why thebest time to take lion's mane mushroom is traditionally considered to be in the morning to early afternoon - to give the mushrooms a chance to work with brain function throughout the day, while you are awake.
Supplementation of H. erinaceus has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment (4) and slow cognitive decline and dementia. Its extract is highly recommended in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
If you experience severe anxiety, it's important to seek professional help. If you're looking for the best mushrooms for anxiety, we recommend Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps. Real Mushrooms is confident in the safety and efficacy of our products.
Key Points: Mushrooms are a superfood for brain health. Studies show they may be a powerful force behind nerve regeneration while improving learning, focus, and memory. Certain types of mushrooms (adaptogens and nootropics) can help increase neurotransmitters and calm the body during stressful seasons.
Compared to the control group those who took a daily dose of Lion's Mane mushroom had higher scores on cognitive function tests at various stages during the study, but when tested again 4 weeks after the intervention was stopped their cognitive scores had declined again.
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