"Intelligent mushroom" - Lion's mane
- Małgorzata Łopata
- May 5
- 5 min read
Natural support for the brain and mental fitness
Lion's Mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a mushroom with medicinal properties that is popularly consumed. It has many interesting names, such as Lion's Mane, Hedgehog Mushroom, Monkey's Mushroom, Bear's Head, Old Man's Beard, Yamabushitake (in Japan) and Houtou (in China).
It has been an important part of traditional medicine in China, Korea, and Japan for centuries. Today, it is gaining popularity, especially due to its reputation as a “smart mushroom” for supporting cognitive function and brain health. Lion’s Mane is attracting attention worldwide for its unique brain-boosting potential.

Lion's Mane is gaining popularity around the world for its unique brain-boosting effects.
Think Lion's Mane is for you?
Learn what benefits this mushroom can bring to decide if it’s worth adding to your life. Compounds that protect the brain and improve cognitive function are called nootropics .
Lion's Mane contains natural bioactive compounds such as erinacins and hericenone, which positively affect our thinking. These ingredients can pass through the blood-brain barrier and additionally support the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). NGF and BDNF are crucial for the growth, repair and proper functioning of neurons, which are the foundation of the brain and nervous system.
This is all important for neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to create new neural connections after injuries or neurological problems.
Lion's Mane: Powerful Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Health Benefits
Lion's Mane, like other functional mushrooms, has great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells in the body. These qualities can protect the brain by supporting its health. Additionally, Lion's Mane helps repair tissues damaged by oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.
Like other functional mushrooms, Lion's Mane contains a variety of phytochemicals, including polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, prebiotic fiber, and digestive enzymes. These components support a healthy immune system and help maintain healthy gut flora. Bioactive compounds in mushrooms also affect immune function. Studies indicate that mushroom polysaccharides may strengthen the immune system, protecting against colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, as well as reducing allergic reactions and inflammation.

Lion's Mane contains various natural compounds such as erinacins and hericenone, known as nootropics. Lion's Mane has a lot of benefits. Functional mushroom products are cool because they have many substances that can be good for your health.
Each type of functional mushroom has its own unique components, and Lion's Mane is no exception. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, research on Hericium erinaceus (or Lion's Mane) shows that both the fruiting bodies and mycelium of this mushroom have "unique nutritional and health-promoting aspects." In short, Lion's Mane has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting, and brain-protective properties.
The set of extracts contains specific bioactive ingredients
How to choose high-quality products containing Lion's Mane?
When it comes time to choose a Lion's mane product for your morning coffee, you'll notice that not all are the same. It's worth knowing how to evaluate these products in terms of taste, quality, and effectiveness.
Different manufacturers have different methods for preparing functional mushroom products. Some offer a more complete food product (dried mushroom powder – its taste is interesting, and thanks to its high protein content, it can be a valuable meat substitute in a plant-based diet ), while others – like us – provide a complete set of extracts from specific bioactive ingredients.
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