Supplements
Supplements¶
Lion’s Mane¶
Lion’s Mane. Best supplements. How it works.¶
title: Lion's Mane. Best supplements. How it works.
url: https://www.reddit.com/r/MushroomSupplements/comments/h090ry/lions_mane_best_supplements_how_it_works/
by: Kostya93
author_url: https://www.reddit.com/user/Kostya93/
Dosages for NGF/BDNF-induction and/or slowing down cognitive decline - dried fruiting body powder, dosage 2 - 3 grams daily. Disadvantage: bioavailability is poor and not guaranteed. - unfiltered 1 : 1 fruiting body water extract, has the advantage of guaranteed bioavailability and therefore lower dosage: 0.5 - 1 gram daily. Should specify at least beta-glucans (not polysaccharides!) - dried alcohol extract of fruiting body and / or mycelium (liquid grown mycelium only, never myceliated grains/rice/biomass). Should specify at least alcohol soluble terpenes. Dosage ± 10 mg per kg bodyweight daily (based on in vivo research results) - a dual extract of the fruiting body is also relevant but it might not contain all potentially interesting bio-actives and is diluted so the dosage should be adjusted to be in line with the research. Should specify beta-glucans and (di-)terpenes as a minimum. Not tri-terpenes, these are not present in Lion’s Mane.
Only di-terpenes, mero-terpenes/phenols and a few sesqui-terpenes were described in the research and the genome-mapping of Lion’s Mane (see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-10376-0#Tab1). If you see tri-terpenes specified you’re dealing with an ignorant and/or fraudulent vendor. Better look elsewhere.
Tinctures are not recommended because the main ingredient is alcohol instead of mushroom. A 30 ml alcohol tincture might contain at best 1 gram of mushroom matter. That equals 2 capsules of dry alcohol extracted powder, so poor value for money. On top of that, no specifications, nothing.
Only Oriveda and Nyishar include pure mycelium and specify/guarantee the NGF-inducing compounds. Oriveda is still the only one with a third party test report here’s how an actual COA looks.
Not recommended are Paul Stamets’ Host Defense products and all private labels supplied by Aloha Medicinals. That includes most US offerings such as OM, Onnit and Swanson.
All these products are based on myceliated grains/rice instead of mushrooms and are not extracted. The percentage of active ingredients such as beta-glucan is extremely low according to independent research.
Best avoided.
How it works¶
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is able to induce NGF / BDNF secretion directly in the brain. This has a positive effect on neurogenesis, cognition, memory, mood and aging.
NGF = Nerve Growth Factor.
BDNF = Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor.
The bio-active compounds responsible are thought to be mainly hericenones (in the fruiting body) and in particular erinacines (in the mycelium).
Some research however states hericenones have no effect on NGF/BDNF production at all, suggesting other, yet unknown substances or synergistic combinations of substances present in the fruiting body are responsible for the observed effects. As usual, research is ongoing and discovering new information all the time.
The fruiting body is also rich in beta-glucans, which have an effect on normalizing immunity, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and gut health. The immune activation might also support the improvement of cognitive functions; macrophages play an important role in neuro-regeneration processes according to some research. Apart from that, a healthy body is the best support for a healthy brain says logic.
Traditionally Lion’s Mane was used for its positive effects on digestion and gastritis in particular.
Currently, the only human study has used an oral dose of 1,000mg Yamabushitake (96% purity extract) thrice daily for a cumulative total of 3,000mg extract. While it is unknown if this is the optimal dose or not, it appeared to be effective.
Yamabushitake ethanolic extract appears to increase NGF mRNA levels, and this has been confirmed following oral administration to mice
Secretion of NGF from astrocytes has been noted to be increased with incubation of Yamabushitake ethanolic extract
[The alcohol-soluble mero-terpene known as] Hericenone B appears to potently and specifically inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation, with other hericenones not having much of an effect and other forms of aggregation not being significantly affected. The concentration this occurs at suggests that it is biologically relevant. [Hericenone B is only found in the fruiting body]
Vitamins / Preworkout¶
Starbucks shots Caffein pills Vitamin D?
increase in production of anandamide, which is the body’s natural “bliss” molecule. If you’ve ever experienced a “runner’s high,” you know the euphoric sensation this endocannabinoid provides.
Incorporate more spinach, kale, and other greens into your diet to assist the detoxification process. Healthy fibers will also be beneficial during this period, so incorporate beans, legumes, peanuts, unenriched whole wheat, and other good fibers for an added boost.
teas with high levels of antioxidants, or liver-cleansing teas such as dandelion or milk thistle
B vitamins (especially niacin) B2 + creatine Magnesium Psyllium husk
Avg time to detox 28 days
Pre-workout - coffee & bannana
Beta Alanine - 3 grams Creatine - 5 grams