Friday, February 1, 2013

Nerve Regeneration by Wild Mushroom Hericium erinaceus

By Dr. Markho Rafael


With a unique flavor alternately described as lobster or shrimp, the gourmet mushroom Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) with its out-of-this-world showy display of cascading 'teeth' also possesses singular medicinal properties - stimulating myelin and nerve regeneration (150, 151) - which upon further study may prove beneficial in a whole series of neurological conditions. Paul Stamets suggests the possible usefulness of Hericium erinaceus extract in conditions such as Alzheimer's, muscular dystrophy, M.S. and dementia. (134)

Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is known in the wild from North America, Europe, China and Japan. It grows on many species of deciduous trees, in particular oak, walnut, beech, maple and sycamore.

"Erinacines" is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. (152, 153, 154)

In Japan, there are two patents on extracts of Hericium erinaceus. The first was filed in the 1990's for a process of extraction that yields what has been named "Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor." (150, 151) The second from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus. It is likewise used to stimulate nerve regeneration. (155)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Hericium erinaceus has historically been prescribed not only for neurological conditions but also for ailments of the digestive tract, in particular for cancers of the digestive organs, such stomach cancer and liver cancer.

Modern studies have affirmed the validity of this traditional application of Hericium erinaceus extract. One paper published in 1985 reported positive findings in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Another from 1995 concluded that Hericium erinaceus had an ameliorating effect on hepatoma with an increased life expectancy for treated patients. (156)

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.




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