Is Lion’s Mane controversial?
Lion’s mane is generally considered safe as a food, but less is known about the long-term effects of high-dose supplementation. Most human studies have used around 1 gram daily for up to 16 weeks, with only mild side effects emerging such as upset stomach, bloating or other digestive discomfort. Lion’s mane may also slow blood clotting and blood sugar levels. For this reason, it may interact with blood-clotting medications and diabetes treatments, Richard says. Don’t consume lion’s mane if you’re allergic or sensitive to mushrooms.It’s generally safe to use lion’s mane in food and tea but talk with your healthcare providers before taking lion’s mane supplements.Some people who consume large quantities of lion’s mane have reported side effects like skin rashes and bloating. Dizziness, headaches, and nausea are all uncommon but may appear in cases where allergies are an issue.Key Takeaways. Lion’s mane shows early promise for benefiting mood and memory, but there’s no strong evidence yet that it helps with ADHD symptoms. Some small studies found benefits like improved focus and memory, while others showed no effect—even at high doses.Help support brain health Non-human studies show that lion’s mane mushrooms have compounds that stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps grow brain cells and may enhance memory and focus.
Is lion’s mane bad for your heart?
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to be at the root of many modern diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Research shows that lion’s mane contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help reduce the negative effects of these diseases. Lion’s mane is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.Some people who consume large quantities of lion’s mane have reported side effects like skin rashes and bloating. Dizziness, headaches, and nausea are all uncommon but may appear in cases where allergies are an issue.Lion’s mane is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.Blood thinners: One of lion’s mane’s components slows blood-clotting. Taking lion’s mane with other blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin), aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), or herbs and supplements that affect clotting could increase the risk of bleeding.Although dietary use of lion’s mane is considered safe, a clinical study reported patients experiencing abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash.
Why is lion’s mane illegal?
Is lion’s mane illegal? No, taking lion’s mane isn’t illegal because it isn’t a drug and it doesn’t have psychedelic properties. Lion’s mane mushrooms grow in regions of North America, where you can go and harvest them. Mushroom coffee is generally safe for most people. However, individuals with mushroom allergies, autoimmune conditions, kidney issues, or those taking blood thinners or immunosuppressants should avoid or use it with caution.Individuals with certain health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or mushroom allergies, should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people on immunosuppressive medications should consult their health care provider before using mushroom supplements.Based on these findings, some claim that drinking coffee with medicinal mushrooms can offer similar benefits. Unfortunately, there is no solid evidence that links mushroom coffee to any benefits. Human studies on the effects of medicinal mushrooms are relatively limited, and the data are mixed.As you could guess, people who are allergic to mushrooms are not candidates for taking them in a supplement and/or medicinal manner. They are also a potential conflict for people who have blood sugar issues. Watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia, as lion’s mane can impact blood sugar levels, says Guan.
What is the downside of lion’s mane?
Bleeding conditions: Lion’s mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding conditions. Surgery: Lion’s mane mushroom might slow blood clotting and reduce blood glucose levels. Lion’s mane for ADHD is not supported by strong research, and it hasn’t been studied in children or people with the condition. While some small studies suggest it may help with focus and memory in adults, it’s not a proven or recommended treatment for ADHD.The bottom line. Lion’s mane mushroom and its extract may have various health benefits. Animal studies have suggested that lion’s mane may protect against dementia, reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help repair nerve damage.The anti-inflammatory effects of lion’s mane seen in diabetes studies may also be beneficial in preventing liver damage caused by heavy alcohol use (also known as alcoholic liver disease). This suggests that lion’s mane may protect against liver damage, including cirrhosis , in heavy alcohol users.Lion’s mane can’t make you ‘high’ because it’s not a psychedelic. That means you won’t experience hallucinations, like patterns or bright colours. However, it positively affects the brain, mainly by enhancing concentration and possibly reducing mild depressive symptoms.
Does lion mane mess with your hormones?
While it did not test hormone levels directly, the study seems to suggest Lion’s Mane may provide indirect hormonal support by helping to enhance mood during menopause, possibly via enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF) production and microbiome support. Lion’s mane increases your body’s serotonin reception, which helps regulate mood, sleep and digestion. As serotonin rises, stress hormones decrease, rebalancing your nervous system and reducing mild anxiety.Lion’s mane [may] help with stress by managing cortisol levels,” says Best. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone; it is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress.While it did not test hormone levels directly, the study seems to suggest Lion’s Mane may provide indirect hormonal support by helping to enhance mood during menopause, possibly via enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF) production and microbiome support.Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress In fact, a 2012 study examining the antioxidant abilities of 14 different mushroom species found that lion’s mane had the fourth highest antioxidant activity and recommended it be considered a good dietary source of antioxidants ( 49 ).Lion’s Mane mushroom does not contain psychoactive compounds and will not make you feel high or alter your perception of reality. The mushroom’s active ingredients, hericenones and erinacines, support brain health by promoting nerve growth factor production, potentially improving focus and memory over time.
Does lion mane damage the liver?
Lion’s mane is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury. Blood thinners: One of lion’s mane’s components slows blood-clotting. Taking lion’s mane with other blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin), aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), or herbs and supplements that affect clotting could increase the risk of bleeding.Who cannot take lion’s mane mushrooms? Anyone allergic to mushrooms should avoid lion’s mane. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those taking blood-thinning medications, should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before using lion’s mane supplements.