Spotlight on Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Most of us in the functional medicine field are aware of the pop culture status of mushrooms. Various blends of mushroom “coffee” pop up in my Instagram feed all the time. Mudwatr—have it. Om—seen it. ClevrBlends—Chai is delicious but the Sleeptime is disgusting, IMHO. I recently decided that instead of a food-based blend, I would focus on taking Lion’s Mane at a daily therapeutic dose. This would be at least 100 mg a day. Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has gained attention for its potential cognitive benefits, including memory enhancement. In perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can affect memory and cognitive function (think: word recall or word finding or just feeling less sharp), Lion's Mane may offer some support.
Here are some potential benefits and relevant research:
Neuroprotective Effects: Lion's Mane contains compounds like hericenones and erinacines, which have been shown to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production in the brain. NGF plays a crucial role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. By supporting NGF production, Lion's Mane may help protect and regenerate brain cells, potentially enhancing memory and cognitive function. (Mori et al., 2009)
Memory Enhancement: Research suggests that Lion's Mane supplementation may improve cognitive function, including memory. In a study involving older adults with mild cognitive impairment, supplementation with Lion's Mane extract for 16 weeks significantly improved cognitive function compared to a placebo group. Participants showed improvements in various cognitive measures, including memory. (Mori et al., 2009)
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Perimenopause and menopause are associated with increased inflammation, which can negatively impact brain health and cognitive function. Lion's Mane has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in animal studies, which could potentially help mitigate inflammation-related cognitive decline. (Liu et al., 2015)
Hormonal Balance: While direct research on Lion's Mane and its effects on hormonal balance during perimenopause and menopause is limited, its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties may indirectly support overall hormonal health and balance.
References:
Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372.
Liu, J., Du, C., Wang, Y., Yu, Z., (2015). Anti-fatigue activities of polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 9(2), 483-487.
It's important to note that while these studies show promising results, more research, especially specific to perimenopause and menopause, is needed to fully understand Lion's Mane's effects in these populations. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is recommended, especially during significant life transitions like perimenopause and menopause. This is where functional medicine comes into play. Working in tandem with a functional medicine provider who is also proficient in menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) would be the best place to begin. It is a confluence of hormones and modifiable lifestyle factors that can be addressed in order to achieve best health & aging.
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