Lion’s Mane: a natural remedy for fatigue

21 June 2024

How Lion's Mane Mushroom Helps Combat Fatigue

Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a well-known medicinal mushroom cultivated in China and other Eastern countries. Polysaccharides extracted from this mushroom have attracted significant attention due to their numerous physiological effects. A study conducted in China aimed to evaluate the anti-fatigue activity of Lion's Mane Mushroom in a mouse model. This research was published in the journal "Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine" in 2015 ( Liu J et al., Anti-fatigue activities of polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus, PMID: 25574220).

Lion’s Mane is known for its medicinal properties. Learn more about its effects on the body in our article: Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): properties and benefits for the brain and nervous system

The subjects were divided into groups: a control group, a low-dose group (50 mg/kg), a medium-dose group (100 mg/kg), and a high-dose group (200 mg/kg). The treatment groups received Lion's Mane Mushroom orally, while the control group received a saline solution. After 28 days of treatment, the mice underwent a forced swimming test to exhaustion.

The main active compounds studied include polysaccharides, lectins, proteins, lipids, hericenones, erinacines, and terpenoids. Polysaccharides from Lion's Mane Mushroom demonstrated significant anti-fatigue activity, reducing blood lactic acid (BLA), blood urea nitrogen (SUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as increasing glycogen content in tissues and the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

Impact of Lion's Mane Mushroom on Exhaustive Swimming Duration

The group receiving Lion's Mane Mushroom showed a significant increase in exhaustive swimming duration. In the low-dose group, swimming duration increased by 18.15%, in the medium-dose group by 37.18%, and in the high-dose group by 58.46% compared to the control group. This indicates that the mice were able to stay active longer before experiencing exhaustion, demonstrating a reduction in physical fatigue.

Other mushrooms also have properties that help reduce fatigue. Check out our article on Cordyceps militaris: Energy and endurance for real heroes!

Impact of Lion's Mane Mushroom on Blood Lactic Acid (BLA) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (SUN)

Blood lactic acid levels, an indicator of fatigue and muscle exhaustion, decreased by 16.43% in the low-dose group, 28.90% in the medium-dose group, and 52.13% in the high-dose group compared to the control group. Blood urea nitrogen levels, an indicator of protein breakdown, decreased by 20.87% in the medium-dose group and 27.04% in the high-dose group. This suggests that Lion's Mane Mushroom helps reduce lactic acid formation and protein breakdown, lowering fatigue and increasing endurance.

Impact of Lion's Mane Mushroom on Glycogen Content in Liver and Muscles

Glycogen is an essential energy source stored in the liver and muscles. Glycogen content significantly increased in subjects receiving Lion's Mane Mushroom: by 18.43% in the low-dose group, 35.79% in the medium-dose group, and 51.23% in the high-dose group compared to the control group. This indicates that Lion's Mane Mushroom helps store energy in the body, allowing for prolonged activity and reducing fatigue.

Impact of Lion's Mane Mushroom on SOD and GPx Activity in Liver and Muscles

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. SOD activity significantly increased in mice receiving Lion's Mane Mushroom: by 21.45% in the low-dose group, 36.78% in the medium-dose group, and 54.67% in the high-dose group. GPx activity increased by 19.85% in the low-dose group, 33.45% in the medium-dose group, and 48.90% in the high-dose group compared to the control group. This suggests improved protection of cells from oxidative stress and better overall health.

Impact of Lion's Mane Mushroom on MDA Levels in Muscles and Liver

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an indicator of oxidative stress and cell damage. MDA levels significantly decreased in mice receiving Lion's Mane Mushroom: by 15.23% in the low-dose group, 28.67% in the medium-dose group, and 43.89% in the high-dose group compared to the control group. This suggests that Lion's Mane Mushroom helps reduce oxidative stress and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Also consider mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, and Shiitake, which also have therapeutic effects on the liver.

Therefore, to reduce fatigue during physical exertion and improve endurance, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and consume Lion's Mane Mushroom, which significantly enhances your performance.

This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Purchase Lion's Mane Mushroom from our store and stay active and resilient!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lion’s Mane and Fatigue

What are the main benefits of Lion’s Mane for fighting fatigue?
Lion’s Mane helps reduce fatigue by lowering lactic acid levels, increasing muscle glycogen, and improving the body’s antioxidant defenses.
How should Lion’s Mane be taken for best results?
It is recommended to take Lion’s Mane extracts or supplements according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 1–2 times per day with meals.
Are there scientific studies supporting Lion’s Mane’s effectiveness?
Yes, studies have shown that polysaccharides from Lion’s Mane exhibit anti-fatigue activity by reducing lactic acid and enhancing energy metabolism.
Does Lion’s Mane have any side effects?
Lion’s Mane is generally well tolerated, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before use, especially if you have chronic conditions or allergies.