Eating lion’s mane mushrooms may have a link to better memory, according to a scientific finding.  Researchers have concluded that Hericium erinaceus mushrooms contain a beneficial substance inside their large, snow-white edible ‘manes.’

The study on their memory-boosting ability first appeared in the European Journal of Neuroscience in January, 2023.  Confirmation through tests on mice came this week and concluded that Hericene A compound in these fungi are beneficial to the nervous system.

This compound not only enhances nerve cell regrowth but also increases the production of a group of chemicals known as neurotrophins. Research with mice showed that these molecules enhance memory, recognition and brain activity.

Another important finding is the role of Hericene A in lion’s mane for the growth of Neurites. These neurites refer to extensions of neurons. They promote vital processes of the nerves, such as interconnecting neurons to send bodily signals. Neurons are specialized nerve cells which send impulses throughout the body. 

The whole science boils down to the ability of the molecules in lion’s mane mushroom’s extract to promote the regrowth of neurites. Thus, people who consume these mushrooms may be able to improve signaling, protect against nerve injury and hence boost memory.

Lion’s mane has been a source of food for generations in Europe and an herbal medicine in Asia. Even before this important discovery, herbalists have used the fungi for brain health and cancer treatment. 

Some people use the mushroom to prevent dementia and to control the early symptoms of nervous conditions like depression and anxiety.

Like all white mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms are rich in protein, with 25 grams content. Protein is important for brain health as it helps balance the feeling of satiation after eating. This, in turn, helps the brain to send impulses that regulate body weight. Iron, another brain health booster, is also present at 0.69 milligrams.

Where can you find Lion’s Mane and for how much?

Easy places to spot lion’s mane mushrooms include cool climate woodlands of Europe, Canada and the United States. Their peak growth season is summer through fall.

In Asia, they grow in temperate forests at the end of summer and early fall. Their habitat is more or less decayed wood trunks. 

You can also grow your own mushrooms like a farmer in Lisbon, Portugal who incubates bags of coffee dregs to grow them in-house. The idea is to grow the mushrooms naturally on these bags as they would do on an oak trunk.

Finally, are they costly? No, lion’s manes are available for as little as $10 per pound while still fresh. However, their prices skyrocket when they are sold as supplements.