Lion's Mane

What is Lion's Mane?

Pruikzwam, the Dutch name of the better-known Lion's Mane, is a commonly used mushroom in supplements. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.

Hericium erinaceus

The fruiting body of the Lion's Mane mushroom has a very distinctive appearance, to which the name refers (wigzwam in Dutch, pom pom blanc in French and Hericium erinaceus in Latin).

It is not only a striking appearance, but also has the highest biologically active value compared to other edible mushrooms.

Lion's Mane has a long tradition of use, particularly in China and Japan. The wig mushroom is quite rare in the Netherlands and forbidden to pick.

Buy Lion's Mane: capsules, powder, drops

Lion's Mane is available as a single extract in the form of powder and in capsules, and also as a component of the special mushroom mixes.

These mixes are generally in powder form, but liquid products (tincture) available that can be dosed in drops.

Experiences with Lion's Mane

Currently, Lion's Mane is our best-selling single mushroom supplement and customers rate its use as positive.

NGF

It is worth mentioning that there is scientific research on the influence of Lion's Mane extract on NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor).

NGF is a neurotrophin, which ensures that cells can continue to work properly work. It also plays a role in the formation of myelin around nerve cells in the brain.

Nerve growth factor cannot cross the blood brain barrier. It is therefore no point in directly increasing NGF. However, the active ingredients in Lion's Mane do affect the body's own production of NGF.

Nerve gbs-growth factor?

The 'nerve gbs-growth factor' often mentioned by other vitamin web shops does not exist. NGF stands for 'nerve growth factor' as you have already read. Nerve gbs-growth factor, on the other hand, is a completely incorrect designation.

Many web stores simply copy text from others, so that if one makes a mistake, many others adopt that same mistake without question.

Unfortunately, many vitamin stores do not write their own texts or do do not fact-check that blindly copied information.

Operation

The action of Lion's Mane relies on the specific active ingredients of this particular mushroom.

Beta-Glucans

Lion's Mane mushroom contains so-called HEP3 beta-glucans, one of the most interesting beta-glucans. These are polysaccharides, or complex fibers with various health effects, found in high concentration in mushrooms.

Furthermore, Lion's Mane is rich in phytosterols and essential minerals and trace minerals such as zinc, iron, selenium, etc. It also contains niacin, biotin, vitamin D and a complex of amino acids.

Adaptogenic

Lion's Mane is sometimes classified among the adaptogenic mushrooms. Adaptogens are usually herbs (or mushrooms) that can balance the physical and mental stress response of the body back into balance. They have a regulatory effect.

Side effects

Lion's Mane capsules are safe to use as a dietary supplement. Of course, it is possible that high doses in people with sensitive intestines may may cause a reaction. Therefore, always follow the dosage as stated mentioned on the label.

Lions Mane supplements can be used for extended periods of time at a time, but occasionally insert a break of a few weeks in use.

We also recommend that people taking medications always consult their physician consult their doctor when starting to use supplements.

People who buy Lion's Mane also look at:

• Brain supplements
• Supplements for the heart
• Supplements for stress
• Antioxidant supplements
• Immune system supplements

Written by: Marcella van der Wel and Wouter Olthof
Reviewed by: Liesbeth Thoen

Updated: December 23, 2023