
Lion’s Mane is one of the edible mushrooms widely distributed in Japan and China. Its name comes from its beautiful white icicle-like spines. One variety of the mushroom is marketed as a remedy for gastric and duodenal ulcers and chronic gastritis. In traditional Chinese medicine, Lion’s Mane is used to promote strength, vigor and good digestion and for prevention of gastrointestinal cancer. Its beta glucan composition is very similar to some of the most potent anti-cancer mushrooms such as Agaricus blazei. Also, a hot-water extract made from Lion’s Mane is considered a health tonic and sports beverage. In clinical trials with aged disabled patients, Lion’s Mane treatment healed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ((MRSA) infections. (MRSA is a pathogen prevalent in hospital settings.) Scientific studies performed in Asia confirm traditional use of Lion’s Mane as a cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system tonic. In particular, Japanese studies show that Lion’s Mane is able to regenerate neurons by stimulating production of Nerve Growth Factor.