• Increases NGF levels in the brain – enhanced neuronal growth, regeneration and synaptic plasticity^[1]
• Improves myelination – enhanced neuronal communication and nerve regeneration^[2]
• Increases long-term synaptic potentiation – improved memory ^[3,4]
• Decreases glutamatergic transmission – decreased neuronal excitability and excitotoxicity^[3,4]
• Protects neurons from endoplasmic reticulum stress^[3,4]
• Relieves depression and anxiety ^[5]
• Anti-inflammatory effects^[6]

More Info:

• Articles: http://www.braintropic.com/nootropics/lions-mane-mushroom/
  • A randomized, controlled study in Japan showed that 50 to 80-year-old men and women given 3000mg of dried lion’s mane powder daily had significantly improved cognitive function over those given a placebo. The improvements were lost within four weeks of terminating the supplementation, however.
  • Also conducted in Japan, a randomized, controlled study with menopausal women demonstrated better sleep quality, as well as improved mood in women given cookies containing lion’s mane powder over those given a placebo.
    • one lab study demonstrated that lion’s mane promoted the production of myelin (the protective coating) on nerve cells in animal tissue cultures.
    • A research study in Japan concluded that lion’s mane had a protective effect against learning and memory deficits in mice.
    • A study conducted in Taiwan demonstrated that lion’s mane mycelial extracts containing erinacines had a healing effect on rats with brain injuries.
    • Extracts made with lion’s mane fruiting bodies were given to rats with peripheral nerve injuries. The mushroom extracts supported earlier and more complete regeneration of nerve tissue as compared with the rats who did not receive it.
    • Studies have been conducted with human subjects, but researchers have concluded that compounds in lion’s mane support healthy cognitive function and mood.
    • Research continues into the mechanisms by which the bioactive compounds in lion’s mane support healthy brain and nervous system function, which holds promise for future applications.