With a unique flavor alternately described as lobster or shrimp, the gourmet mushroom Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) with its out-of-this-world showy display of cascading 'teeth' also possesses singular medicinal properties - stimulating myelin and nerve regeneration [150, 151] - which upon further study may prove beneficial in a whole series of neurological conditions. Paul Stamets suggests the possible usefulness of Hericium erinaceus extract in conditions such as Alzheimer's, muscular dystrophy, M.S. and dementia. [134]
Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) is known to grow in Europe, North America, Japan and China. It can be found on many broad leaf trees, from oaks, maples and sycamores to beeches and walnuts.
"Erinacines" is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. [152, 153, 154]
In Japan, there are two patents on extracts of Hericium erinaceus. The first was filed in the 1990's for a process of extraction that yields what has been named "Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor." [150, 151] The second from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus. It is likewise used to stimulate nerve regeneration. [155]
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Hericium erinaceus has historically been prescribed not only for neurological conditions but also for ailments of the digestive tract, in particular for cancers of the digestive organs, such stomach cancer and liver cancer.
Two modern studies have confirmed this ancient wisdom. One done in 1985 showed positive results for treating atrophic gastritis. Another conducted a decade later, in 1995, showed some ameliorating effect on hepatoma, with a marked life extension of treated patients. [156]
Finally, a few additional areas where modern research has reported benefits from the use of Hericium erinaceus extract include: Anti-tumoral [159]; stomach cancer [134]; inflammation [134]; immune support [157]; antimicrobial against Aspergillus and Candida. [158]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) is known to grow in Europe, North America, Japan and China. It can be found on many broad leaf trees, from oaks, maples and sycamores to beeches and walnuts.
"Erinacines" is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. [152, 153, 154]
In Japan, there are two patents on extracts of Hericium erinaceus. The first was filed in the 1990's for a process of extraction that yields what has been named "Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor." [150, 151] The second from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus. It is likewise used to stimulate nerve regeneration. [155]
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Hericium erinaceus has historically been prescribed not only for neurological conditions but also for ailments of the digestive tract, in particular for cancers of the digestive organs, such stomach cancer and liver cancer.
Two modern studies have confirmed this ancient wisdom. One done in 1985 showed positive results for treating atrophic gastritis. Another conducted a decade later, in 1995, showed some ameliorating effect on hepatoma, with a marked life extension of treated patients. [156]
Finally, a few additional areas where modern research has reported benefits from the use of Hericium erinaceus extract include: Anti-tumoral [159]; stomach cancer [134]; inflammation [134]; immune support [157]; antimicrobial against Aspergillus and Candida. [158]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with herbal medicine since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, including Hericium erinaceus extract (Stamets'), in partnership with the NC business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. To view research references for this article, go to the Lion's Mane Supplement page and click on any number indicating a reference.
No comments:
Post a Comment