Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine.
Lion's mane mushroom might improve nerve development and function. It might also protect nerves from becoming damaged. It also seems to help protect the lining in the stomach.
People use lion's mane mushroom for Alzheimer disease, dementia, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using lion's mane mushroom for COVID-19.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using lion's mane mushroom for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using lion's mane mushroom.
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. This might cause extra bleeding, and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using lion's mane mushroom at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Lion's mane mushroom might lower blood sugar levels. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Lion's mane mushroom can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Lion's mane mushroom might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lion's mane mushroom might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Bearded Tooth, Crinière de Lion, Hedgehog Fungus, Hydne Hérisson, Lion's Mane, Monkey Head, Monkey's Head, Pom Pom, Pompom, Satyr's Beard, Tree Hedgehog, Yamabushitake.
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