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lion's main mushroom


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#1 ajnast4r

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Posted 22 November 2007 - 02:24 AM


has anyone taken this before? i cant find too much more than anecdotal evidence, but it seems to increase NGF? would increasing NGF in a healthy adult be a good thing?

some of the reviews [about new chapters mental clarity product] on iherb are really interesting....


This may sound a bit odd, but I noticed an improvement in my sense of smell after several days of taking this. Subtle nuances in flowers and other fragrances became more obvious to me.


However about a week and a half after starting this, I noticed that I regained feeling in my lower lip, which has been numb from lip to chin on the left side for 28 years due to nerve damage. One day, I happened to touch my face and felt these nerve tingles in the area formerly numb, and within a few days after that, full sensation has returned.


#2 krillin

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Posted 22 November 2007 - 07:47 PM

would increasing NGF in a healthy adult be a good thing?


Not if you have a sensitive trigeminal nerve (gives you migraine or tension headaches in response to allergens or chemicals), fibromyalgia, or any kind of neurogenic inflammation.

J Pain. 2007 Sep;8(9):737-45.
Increased levels of neurotrophins are not specific for chronic migraine: evidence from primary fibromyalgia syndrome.
Sarchielli P, Mancini ML, Floridi A, Coppola F, Rossi C, Nardi K, Acciarresi M, Pini LA, Calabresi P.
Neurologic Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Public Health, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. neuro.pg@tiscalinet.it

All data obtained in experimental animal pain models support the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) as a putative candidate intervening in the pathogenesis of chronic pain, including chronic daily headache (CDH). Few studies have been carried out to establish its role in maintaining pain states in humans. The present study was aimed at investigating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), both measured by sensitive immunoassay, in 20 chronic migraine (CM) patients and 20 patients affected by primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFMS), compared with those of 20 age-matched control subjects. Significantly higher levels of both neurotrophins and glutamate were found. A significantly positive correlation emerged between CSF values of BDNF and those of NGF (r = .61, P < .001; r = .53, P < .01) and glutamate (r = .44, P < .02; r = .51, P < .01) in CM and PFMS patients, respectively. These findings suggest the possibility of a NGF-mediated up-regulation of BDNF involved in the pathophysiological events underlying long-term neuroplastic changes in persistent chronic painful conditions, such as CM and fibromyalgia. NGF might indirectly exert its effect through enhancing glutamatergic transmission via BDNF. The above mechanisms could account for sustained central sensitization in both chronic pain states. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents findings of higher NGF and BDNF levels correlated to increased glutamate levels in the CSF of both chronic migraine and fibromyalgia patients. This opens new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of chronic pain and offers clinicians new therapeutic perspectives targeting the above mechanisms in both painful disorders.

PMID: 17611164

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#3 spaceistheplace

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Posted 22 November 2007 - 09:54 PM

thanks krillin. i've been interested in lions mane for quite some time. there's not much out there on it.

Edited by spaceistheplace, 22 November 2007 - 09:55 PM.


#4 maxwatt

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Posted 23 November 2007 - 10:53 PM

Lion's mane has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, but as a treatment for stomach ulcers, digestive problems, and as a cancer preventative. Induction of nerve growth factor is a new finding, and there is no tradition of treatment, hence no guidance on likely methods of application or indications for effectiveness.

I've collected and cooked this mushroom, and a related species, in upstate New York. It has a mild flavor, and can be used in place of noodles in any recipe calling for pasta. One paper I looked at used the water soluble fraction of the extract to induce NGF in vitro; a commercial product I saw, from Fungi Perfect, was an alcohol based extract. Commercial products are made from cultured mycellia. The traditional medicines are made from the fruiting body of the mushroom. This could be significant. Another medicinal mushroom. Ganoderma lucidum or Ling Chi, was similarly marketed as an extract from the mycellium, but it was found that the spoors (only found in the fruiting body) were necessary to obtain anti-cancer activity. An extract with spoors from fruiting bodies is now available. Another name for Ling Chi in Chinese medicine is "the mushroom of immortality"; it is supposed to confer long life. So is another mushroom, Reishi, (Griffola frondosum). The Japanese emperor would pay it's weight in silver to any peasant who found one, it was so valued at the court. Cordyceps Militaris has been shown to increase testosterone levels in vivo, in humans. Oyster mushrooms, aka Pleurotes, (Pleurotus ostreatus) contain significant amounts of Lovastatin, more than red yeast rice yeast now that the FDA has managed to outlaw the active form. Don't tell them, they'll raid the gourmet section at the supermarket.

#5 missminni

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 03:06 AM

ajnast4r - This may sound a bit odd, but I noticed an improvement in my sense of smell after several days of taking this. Subtle nuances in flowers and other fragrances became more obvious to me.
However about a week and a half after starting this, I noticed that I regained feeling in my lower lip, which has been numb from lip to chin on the left side for 28 years due to nerve damage. One day, I happened to touch my face and felt these nerve tingles in the area formerly numb, and within a few days after that, full sensation has returned.

I used to take Cordyceps. It was very energizing.
A friend of mine had some success with Mitake (sp?)to reduce fibroids,
but I never heard about Lion's Mane.
Do you think it might help restore someone's sense of smell? They lost it as a child in the course of an operation
(the reason for which i can't remember). Is there a specific brand that I might recommend to
them, or a preferred method of taking it.


#6 mentatpsi

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Posted 30 November 2007 - 01:12 PM

I'm about to take the New Chapter's Mental Clarity mushroom formula which contains 680 mg of it, not sure the active ingredients content, nor when it will be arriving in the mail... but will hope for the best and list some of its effects (perhaps upon a Piracetam free mind for more authentic results). Really interesting formula.

#7 mentatpsi

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Posted 03 December 2007 - 06:08 PM

Well so i've been taking it for about 3 days now. I will first write that my experience isn't pure since i am taking the other supplements, some of which on an on off basis, and due to this i cannot say if it enhanced clarity or not. But what i will say is typically upon waking up the next morning having consumed it the previous day, i typically feel wired and also feel more vigilant then i should be upon waking up, which could merely be a conditioning to associate the wired feeling to being active. The wired feeling is very similar to what i would get after hours of mental exercise, and also similar to Hydergine occasional wired without the speeding of thought it typically exhibits upon consumption of coffee alongside. There's another post on this forum talking about the same product, one person reported subjective brain swelling which he thereby discontinued due to it, i find it possible this swelling might just be enhanced neural activity and rewiring (merely stated since it's similar to mental workouts), but what do i know lol. Hope that was helpful

#8 Jacovis

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Posted 04 December 2007 - 11:38 AM

Well so i've been taking it for about 3 days now. I will first write that my experience isn't pure since i am taking the other supplements, some of which on an on off basis, and due to this i cannot say if it enhanced clarity or not. But what i will say is typically upon waking up the next morning having consumed it the previous day, i typically feel wired and also feel more vigilant then i should be upon waking up, which could merely be a conditioning to associate the wired feeling to being active. The wired feeling is very similar to what i would get after hours of mental exercise, and also similar to Hydergine occasional wired without the speeding of thought it typically exhibits upon consumption of coffee alongside. There's another post on this forum talking about the same product, one person reported subjective brain swelling which he thereby discontinued due to it, i find it possible this swelling might just be enhanced neural activity and rewiring (merely stated since it's similar to mental workouts), but what do i know lol. Hope that was helpful


Hey mysticpsi
thanks for the info. That New Chapter 'Mental Clarity' product/Lion's Mane definitely sounds strong based on your experiences and other reviews.
I would be interested in follow ups on this from you.
Some questions you could answer perhaps:
- how would you rate the effects compared to other 'nootropics'/'cognitive enhancers' you have tried?
- do you feel any particularly strong improvement in Concentration (I have inattentive type ADD so would be interested in this effect especially)?
- do you find any difference in your ability/interest in socialising after taking the 'Mental Clarity' product?

Thanks,
V.

Edited by visionary7903, 04 December 2007 - 11:43 AM.


#9 mentatpsi

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Posted 06 December 2007 - 02:09 AM

Hey mysticpsi
thanks for the info. That New Chapter 'Mental Clarity' product/Lion's Mane definitely sounds strong based on your experiences and other reviews.
I would be interested in follow ups on this from you.
Some questions you could answer perhaps:
- how would you rate the effects compared to other 'nootropics'/'cognitive enhancers' you have tried?
- do you feel any particularly strong improvement in Concentration (I have inattentive type ADD so would be interested in this effect especially)?
- do you find any difference in your ability/interest in socialising after taking the 'Mental Clarity' product?

Thanks,
V.


I too have inattentive type ADHD, which is what i'm trying to solve. Now i did determine to use it primarily for that purpose, but there's a lot of problems with it to begin with.
There's a lack of clarity 10 minutes after taking this product that lasts awhile into the day (~4-5 hours), coffee doesn't alleviate this, and i'm not certain if it's directly related to the product or if it's something else (Piracetam related, which i stopped taking to test). Though after the 4-5 hours i feel great and my cognitive abilities seems to go up (could be perception). I still feel like it's a beneficial product, so i'm debating if i should just take it during the night. Once more, there are really too many variables to contribute solely to lion's mane. Personally if i could i'd want to take it by itself without the other mushrooms (Reishi, Pearl Oyster, etc). Now as far as socializing i found myself better able to bring information that i just recently acquired into the discussion (in the case of today the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth"). I also found myself seeing the information right in front of me, as if the film was being presented in my head ( i have photo graphic memory so it might have improved it). Also even during it, i feel like my brain is gradually trying to get to the next level with it.
Now i don't know if i could recommend it for concentration based on my experiences [NeuroZyme might be better which i intend to try together], I want to give it a couple more days just to make sure. If you're interested i'd recommend trying it when you don't have to study for anything and run a couple tests, i think it might be individualistic. I'll try to update as the effects go on.

Edited by mysticpsi, 06 December 2007 - 06:00 PM.


#10 mentatpsi

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Posted 08 December 2007 - 09:48 PM

Well either or... The mushroom wasn't perfect for the purpose intended... but when it comes to vigilance and sociability may i recommend Panax ginseng & Gingko



http://www.pubmedcen...i?artid=1408291

Sociability and Panax Ginseng

Effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life

Do remember to take it with Gingko though as it won't be effective without it.

Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study.

In rodent models, ginsenosides have
been shown to increase dopamine and norepinephrine
levels in the cerebral cortex."8 This may explain why
ginseng extract has favourable effects on attention, cognitive
processing, integrated sensory-motor function
and auditory reaction time in healthy human subjects.'9

8. Nash JM. Dopamine system may be the key to addiction.
Nature 1997;386:827.

9. Benezra E, Douglas V. Short-term serial recall in ADDH, normal,
and reading-disabled boys. J Abnorm Child Psychol 1988;
16:511-25.


:thumb:

Edited by mysticpsi, 08 December 2007 - 09:58 PM.


#11 Jacovis

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Posted 09 December 2007 - 07:41 AM

I too have inattentive type ADHD, which is what i'm trying to solve. Now i did determine to use it primarily for that purpose, but there's a lot of problems with it to begin with.
There's a lack of clarity 10 minutes after taking this product that lasts awhile into the day (~4-5 hours), coffee doesn't alleviate this, and i'm not certain if it's directly related to the product or if it's something else (Piracetam related, which i stopped taking to test). Though after the 4-5 hours i feel great and my cognitive abilities seems to go up (could be perception). I still feel like it's a beneficial product, so i'm debating if i should just take it during the night. Once more, there are really too many variables to contribute solely to lion's mane. Personally if i could i'd want to take it by itself without the other mushrooms (Reishi, Pearl Oyster, etc). Now as far as socializing i found myself better able to bring information that i just recently acquired into the discussion (in the case of today the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth"). I also found myself seeing the information right in front of me, as if the film was being presented in my head ( i have photo graphic memory so it might have improved it). Also even during it, i feel like my brain is gradually trying to get to the next level with it.
Now i don't know if i could recommend it for concentration based on my experiences [NeuroZyme might be better which i intend to try together], I want to give it a couple more days just to make sure. If you're interested i'd recommend trying it when you don't have to study for anything and run a couple tests, i think it might be individualistic. I'll try to update as the effects go on.


Thanks for the info on the Panax Ginseng/Gingko combo. I will try it sometime - I have taken good doses (120-240 mg a day) of high quality Gingko extract for years and it definitely helps some for ADD but nowhere near a cure by any means. I will have to try Panax Ginseng at some point.

Its good that you too have inattentive ADD and can talk about the effects that New Chapter's 'Mental Clarity' product has on you in such detail. I wouldn't worry too much about the other mushroom extracts in the formula - 68% of a pill is the 'Lion's Mane' (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom. You could try taking 2 pills right before bed if you feel so great 4-5 hours after taking it and feel like there is a lack of clarity within 4-5 hours of taking it. It might be interesting to see what anecdotal effects (positive and negative) it has on your sleep. I agree that you should backoff from using Piracetam while conducting this 'trial' - I've found Piracetam generally not good for my ADD - made me sleepy and led to brain fog even when taking plenty of Choline along side it. At times though Piracetam did act as a creativity and multi-taking enhancer for me - though it didn't really help with attention span. In short, I found Piracetam very inconsistent so I could definitely see interference with the 'Mental Clarity' product's effects. New Chapter's 'Neurozyme' does look interesting as well though it seems to have too many ingredients in there to find out anything conclusive from taking it IMHO - the 120 mg of a quality Gingko (extract?) in one serving of that product on its own could be responsible for positive mental enhancements...

Anyway no other formula on the internet with Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) as a primary ingredient has had so many reviews (positive mainly-see below for all the reviews from vitacost.com) for what its worth. Keep us updated!


http://www.vitacost....y/pd_section-pr

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
a former skeptic, November 25, 2007
By mozelle from Richmond, VA (read all my reviews)
Value: 4 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"I tried Mental Clarity out of desperation without much hope of encouraging results, however, my husband and I now rely on Mental Clarity. It significantly improved our focus and memory.
We both notice the difference if we do not take it for several days! Thanks for a wonderful product!"
Age: 45-54
Gender: Female
Daily supplement usage: 3-5 supplements daily
Referral source: Other
Reason for usage: Promote overall health
Duration of use: Over 180 days


Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
give it a try, August 10, 2007
By plainjane (read all my reviews)
Value: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"It worked very well for me and my husband!"


Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Smart Thinking!, May 30, 2007
By luckyheat (read all my reviews)
Value: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"I am very satisfied with my purchase! I have taken Ginko Boloba in the past, but recently decided to try something new. I am an adult woman in my early 30's and back in college. I wanted somthing that would help me focus in my classes and studies. I began taking the New Chapter Mental Clarity capsules a couple of weeks before my finals this past semester. They worked extremely well. I felt focused and my thoughts were organized. Awesome!"


Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Great for shooing the mental dust bunny's, May 28, 2007
By Stephen from Miami, FL (read all my reviews)
Value: 3 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Effectiveness: 5 out of 5
Satisfaction: 5 out of 5
"I am an older student going to university, and I have found the need to find supplements to help my mind think clearly and remember clearly. This product is great for that. I take many different supplements, but this one showed the most difference. Don't forget the other great herbs: neurozym, vinpocitine, bacopa, fo-ti, gotu kola, huperzine, and the vitamine complexes such Brainstorm. Also remember, don't take too much copper. High amounts of copper will lower your mental function."
Age: 25-34
Gender: Male
Daily supplement usage: 6+ supplements daily
Referral source: Self-referred
Reason for usage: Specific health concern
Duration of use: Over 180 days


Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Interesting product, August 21, 2007
By ush451 (read all my reviews)
Value: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 4 out of 5
Satisfaction: 4 out of 5
"The value of Lion's Mane is being touted for nerve growth and repair. Although it is difficult for me to tell if it is in fact doing that, I think it is valuable and know it has proven helpful to other people. Only thing is it does run out fast so glad Vitacost has a discount on the price."


Overall Rating: 2 out of 5
made me feel wacky, October 9, 2007
By Anonymous Reviewer
Value: 4 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Effectiveness: 2 out of 5
Satisfaction: 1 out of 5
"Im in college right now and Ive always had trouble concentrating so thats why I bought this product. However I couldnt handle this product for more than a few days because I started having really strange and scarey side effects. At first I had some really great dreams and that was a plus, but then after the second day on this stuff my brain literally felt swollen. I know that sounds nuts, but I felt this pressure in my head and I couldnt concentrate at all. I immediately threw it out. I feel that New Chapter is an excellent company. But as with anything else, everyone will have a different experience because our bodies are all so unique."


Ratings-Only Reviews Based on the average of (4) ratings-only reviews
Overall Rating 4.2 out of 5
Would recommend?: Yes 4 out of 4
Value 4 out of 5
Quality 4.5 out of 5
Effectiveness 4.2 out of 5
Satisfaction 4.5 out of 5

#12 mentatpsi

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Posted 09 December 2007 - 09:32 AM

Yes i wanted to make mention some things... i believe i mistook the type of ginseng for Panax Ginseng when it is in fact American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) that was made mention in the study... regardless of which the Neurozyme isn't especially good for inattentive... i'd think it would be better for ADHD of the hyperactive type since it includes a couple inhibitory type herbs (chamomile, ashwagandha, and bacopa might be since it is known to increase the effectiveness of sedatives). Right now i'm experimenting primarily with GNC's Triple Ginsa(Panax Ginseng, American Ginseng , Siberian Root) Gingko, and Yerba Mate trying to find the right levels alongside my regular supplementation and eventual continuation of meditation. Rhodiola also seems to be effective, it results in a perceived brain fog (which i had to augment), but i'm able to recall a lot more than before with it...

I will do more experimentation later on with the Mushrooms when i'm able to afford the luxury of possible brain fog. As far as the reviews on it, "Made me feel wacky" seems close to my own experiences with it, and it seems that he too has inattentive type ADHD. If i could find a monograph or a bit more research as to how it works i might be able to ascertain whether or not to continue it.

Edited by mysticpsi, 09 December 2007 - 09:38 AM.


#13 mentatpsi

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Posted 24 June 2008 - 04:13 AM

any updates?

#14 mentatpsi

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Posted 02 June 2009 - 12:59 AM

In regards to the supplement.

Does anyone know if it makes a difference whether one takes the extract or the fruiting body? I've seen various brands, some which offer just the fruiting body (Swanson), others which offer both (Mushroom Science), and one that doesn't specify which it contains (New Chapter's Mental Clarity).

I cannot say which i prefer, I know that swanson's is much cheaper in comparison, but if it is no different than eating the actual mushroom, the dosage required would actually make it much more expensive.

#15 mentatpsi

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Posted 02 June 2009 - 05:03 AM

In regards to the supplement.

Does anyone know if it makes a difference whether one takes the extract or the fruiting body? I've seen various brands, some which offer just the fruiting body (Swanson), others which offer both (Mushroom Science), and one that doesn't specify which it contains (New Chapter's Mental Clarity).

I cannot say which i prefer, I know that swanson's is much cheaper in comparison, but if it is no different than eating the actual mushroom, the dosage required would actually make it much more expensive.


"Hericenones Isolated from the Fruit Body of Lion's Mane"
http://findarticles....9/ai_114820665/

it seems that the active ingredient within Lion's mane is found within the Fruiting body anyways. So perhaps it is more intelligent to get it from something like Swanson brand, which strictly contains the fruiting body.

However, i have found New Chapters to have a more notable effect (though the formulation contains more than just Lion's Mane). In addition, New Chapters has the following claim on its box:

New Chapter Activated Organic Mushrooms are the finest traditional mushrooms grown anywhere in the world, and commercially available mushrooms with a Certified P-Value. P-Value is a scientific term for the genetic integrity of the mushroom, assuring that the mushroom mycellium genetically replicates the original mushroom that gave it birth. Mushrooms not grown in such a rigourous potency-assured manner may be hundreds of generations distant from the purity of their genetic heritage, and thus may suffer genetic degenration and a lack of vitality.


For the time being, i think i'm just going to take both brands, and take a reduced dosage of the New Chapter's brand to increase cost effectiveness.

#16 Imminst = pro murder (omega)

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Posted 02 June 2009 - 07:42 AM

Oh yeah. I've picked wild lion's mane and used it in stews and stuff. Pretty bland. I've known it as hedgehog. There are other toothed mushrooms that are more substantial and with much better flavor. The Reishi mushroom appears to grow in N. Calif. woods too.

I had a Palm Treo go bananas and destroy some of the hearing in the ear I had the headphone in. Wonder if it might help with that. Not the season to get it in the wild and there are less wilds now that the forests have been essentially devastated by over-logging in the last 25 years or so. Think I'll look into picking up some supps. I should talk with the guy at the farmer's market near by who grows various mushrooms. He's branched out into other brands than just Shitakes, Agarics and Oyster mushrooms. Seems I recollect seeing some Lion's mane on his sales table but that could have been last fall during the season for getting it in the wild. I bet other shrooms have that NGF promoting ability. A bit of research might reveal that.

#17 mentatpsi

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Posted 03 June 2009 - 07:21 AM

Oh yeah. I've picked wild lion's mane and used it in stews and stuff. Pretty bland. I've known it as hedgehog. There are other toothed mushrooms that are more substantial and with much better flavor. The Reishi mushroom appears to grow in N. Calif. woods too.

I had a Palm Treo go bananas and destroy some of the hearing in the ear I had the headphone in. Wonder if it might help with that. Not the season to get it in the wild and there are less wilds now that the forests have been essentially devastated by over-logging in the last 25 years or so. Think I'll look into picking up some supps. I should talk with the guy at the farmer's market near by who grows various mushrooms. He's branched out into other brands than just Shitakes, Agarics and Oyster mushrooms. Seems I recollect seeing some Lion's mane on his sales table but that could have been last fall during the season for getting it in the wild. I bet other shrooms have that NGF promoting ability. A bit of research might reveal that.


i've seen lion's mane mushroom growing kits for sale at around 10 dollars. Do you think it's common in various health markets to sale the mushroom?

#18 mentatpsi

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Posted 04 June 2009 - 07:02 AM

I'm going to try another company as well:

http://www.mushrooms.../lionsmane.html

They say they use this specific method:

http://www.mushrooms...r_extracts.html

I'm not to sure if it's truthful as there's no way of being sure until i try it and do a side comparison. But the one reviewer who bought it on amazon said it worked well and synergetically with vinpocetine.
http://www.amazon.co.../dp/B001A2S47I/


I have looked through various Asian Food Markets, as i know it is a delicacy in certain parts of the world... but to my despair i could not find it. I'm beginning to suspect (much like Reishi) that the growers of these mushrooms are noticing the profits they are making from selling it to these supplement companies, and would prefer to sell it to the companies rather than distribute it to markets for sale as food where the unit price is much lower. Though it's possible i'm just looking into the wrong stores and should go to Chinatown.

#19 nootrope

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Posted 04 June 2009 - 04:19 PM

I saw it raw and fresh at a Whole Foods about a year ago. Maybe it's in season again, and perhaps I should go back to that Whole Foods. It was pretty tasty sauted in some butter. I also haven't seen it in Asian markets though.

I'm going to try another company as well:

http://www.mushrooms.../lionsmane.html

They say they use this specific method:

http://www.mushrooms...r_extracts.html

I'm not to sure if it's truthful as there's no way of being sure until i try it and do a side comparison. But the one reviewer who bought it on amazon said it worked well and synergetically with vinpocetine.
http://www.amazon.co.../dp/B001A2S47I/


I have looked through various Asian Food Markets, as i know it is a delicacy in certain parts of the world... but to my despair i could not find it. I'm beginning to suspect (much like Reishi) that the growers of these mushrooms are noticing the profits they are making from selling it to these supplement companies, and would prefer to sell it to the companies rather than distribute it to markets for sale as food where the unit price is much lower. Though it's possible i'm just looking into the wrong stores and should go to Chinatown.



#20 Centurion

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Posted 08 July 2009 - 10:29 AM

Do you think that lions mane would be useful in the case of drug induced neuropathy?

#21 mentatpsi

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Posted 26 September 2009 - 06:18 PM

I was browsing the wonder web and came upon this pdf:

http://www.google.co...a8woZXCZt4KZuRQ

It's essentially a combination of herbs that is going for a patent to treat MS. Lion's mane was among the herbs, given the information:

[0026] Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane mushroom) A group of compounds named erinacines have been discovered that may stimulate the re-growth of neurons, regenerating nerve tissue in the brain. This makes this fungus an auspicious candidate for cognitive enhancement and treatment of the neurological degeneration associated with Alzheimer and senility. Recently it was shown that extract from Hericium erinaceus had activating action of the nerve tissue and promoted normal development of cultivated cerebellar cells and demonstrated a regulatory effect on the process of myelin genesis process in vitro (Kolotushkina E V, Moldavan M G, Voronin K Y. The influence of H. erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro. Fiziol Zh. 2003 49:38-45). Compounds that induce the synthesis of nerve growth factor are of interest as alternatives to the administration of the native peptide. A program has been initiated to study the NGF synthesis stimulating activity of the erinacine from H. erinaceus diterpenes (Wright D L, Whitehead C R, Sessions E H. Studies on inducers of nerve growth factor: synthesis of the cyathin core. Org Lett.1999; 1:1535-8)


My apologies on any errors in the copying process as the pdf was unfortunately in the form of images rather than text.

#22 Lufega

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Posted 26 September 2009 - 11:44 PM

I have autonomic neuropathy and it's only AFTER I ran our of this stuff that I realized how well it enhances the cholinergic system. I am definitely buying some more. Just wish I had more options as far as choices. The Fruit Body contains the active stuff, it seems. Been using this one:

http://www.iherb.com...plets/4963?at=0

#23 nootrope

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Posted 27 September 2009 - 12:57 AM

From what I understand, there are different active elements in the fruiting body (hericenones) and in the mycelium (ericanines). The latter may actually be better! Right now I am using the MushroomScience product, standardized to hericenones.

I have autonomic neuropathy and it's only AFTER I ran our of this stuff that I realized how well it enhances the cholinergic system. I am definitely buying some more. Just wish I had more options as far as choices. The Fruit Body contains the active stuff, it seems. Been using this one:

http://www.iherb.com...plets/4963?at=0



#24 rwac

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Posted 27 September 2009 - 01:34 AM

Just wish I had more options as far as choices.


Do you know if it is specifically the lion's mane which is beneficial ?

Have you looked at this one(also fruiting bodies):
http://www.swansonvi...il?n=4294967187

#25 Declmem

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Posted 27 September 2009 - 03:22 AM

I used the New Chapter lion's mane product for a while, but didn't get anything noticeable from it. It got insanely good reviews on iHerb, but I'm finally realizing that reviews on iHerb are not in any way indicative of an effective product ;) Anyone else have experience?

#26 mentatpsi

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Posted 27 September 2009 - 06:06 AM

I used the New Chapter lion's mane product for a while, but didn't get anything noticeable from it. It got insanely good reviews on iHerb, but I'm finally realizing that reviews on iHerb are not in any way indicative of an effective product ;) Anyone else have experience?


I did actually. I just bought another bottle today. Awhile ago the first time i took it i felt this swelling sensation in the cranium, and the next day it felt as if my brain had undergone an immense workout. It's a cumulative effect I believe. In addition, i find the effects are most profound after a couple hours. The first few hours usually result in brain fog, after this period is over your mind feels clearer than it had before, sharper and more agile. It's a small price to pay. I don't think this is a common effect, but i associate it to increased output and a recalibration (though that's rather hypothetical). It's a bit earlier in the thread: Previous post with a more elaborate anecdote.

#27 mentatpsi

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Posted 02 October 2009 - 09:53 PM

http://en.wikipedia....icium_erinaceus
Hericium erinaceus

Hericium erinaceus

Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane Mushroom, Yamabushitake, 山伏茸, 猴头菇) has been researched for possible anti-dementia activity. Primary research has demonstrated the following:

* Stimulated animal nerve cells.[175]
* A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial showed improved cognitive ability. [176]
* Stimulated nerve growth factor in an in vitro experiment with human astrocytoma cells. [177]
* Stiumlated myelination in an in vitro experiment. [178]



[175]

It was found that an exo-biopolymer (M.W. 1,000,000, molar ratio of 1.5:1.7:1.2:0.6:0.9, glucose:galactose:xylose:mannose:fructose, purity 99%) purified from the liquid culture broth of Hericium erinaceus mycelium enhanced the growth of rat adrenal nerve cells. The polymer also improved the extension of the neurites of PC12 cell. Its efficacy was found to be higher than those from known nerve growth factors such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Nerve Factor (BDNF). The effect of two standards has not been observed above 0.1 (mg l−1) of supplementation; however, the polymer did show the effect of cell growth and neurite extension at up to 1.0 (mg l−1) of addition. While the polymer improved both cell growth and neurite extension, NGF and BDNF did only outgrowth of the neurites. Maximum cell density and length of the neurites were observed as 1.5×105 (viable cells ml−1) and 230 μm, respectively in adding 0.8 (mg l−1) of the biopolymer for 8 days cultivation. The control growth was observed only as 1.2×105 (viable cell ml−1) of maximum cell density and 140 μm of maximum length, respectively. It was also confirmed that the polymer reacted with the nerve cells within 30 min after adding the sample, compared to 80 min in adding two other growth factors. Number of neurite-bearing cells remained relatively steady in adding the polymer even when the cell growth started to be decreased. It was interesting that the polymer effectively delayed apoptosis of PC12 cells by dramatically reducing the ratio of apoptotic cells to 20% from 50% of the control.


[176]

A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 50- to 80-year-old Japanese men and women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in order to examine the efficacy of oral administration of Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus), an edible mushroom, for improving cognitive impairment, using a cognitive function scale based on the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R). After 2 weeks of preliminary examination, 30 subjects were randomized into two 15-person groups, one of which was given Yamabushitake and the other given a placebo. The subjects of the Yamabushitake group took four 250 mg tablets containing 96% of Yamabushitake dry powder three times a day for 16 weeks. After termination of the intake, the subjects were observed for the next 4 weeks. At weeks 8, 12 and 16 of the trial, the Yamabushitake group showed significantly increased scores on the cognitive function scale compared with the placebo group. The Yamabushitake group's scores increased with the duration of intake, but at week 4 after the termination of the 16 weeks intake, the scores decreased significantly. Laboratory tests showed no adverse effect of Yamabushitake. The results obtained in this study suggest that Yamabushitake is effective in improving mild cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


[177]

Neurotrophic factors are essential to maintain and organize neurons functionally; thereby neurotrophic factor-like substances or their inducers are expected to be applied to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we firstly examined the effects of ethanol extracts of four edible mushrooms, Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake), Pleurotus eryngii (Eringi), Grifola frondosa (Maitake), and Agaricus blazei (Himematsutake), on nerve growth factor (NGF) gene expression in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Among the four mushroom extracts, only H. erinaceus extract promoted NGF mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, secretion of NGF protein from 1321N1 cells was enhanced by H. erinaceus extracts, and the conditioned medium of 1321N1 cells incubated with H. erinaceus extract enhanced the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. However, hericenones C, D and E, constituents of H. erinaceus, failed to promote NGF gene expression in 1321N1 cells. The enhancement of NGF gene expression by H. erinaceus extracts was inhibited by the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. In addition, H. erinaceus extracts induced phosphorylation of JNK and its downstream substrate c-Jun, and increased c-fos expression, suggesting that H. erinaceus promotes NGF gene expression via JNK signaling. Furthermore we examined the efficacy of H. erinaceus in vivo. ddY mice given feed containing 5% H. erinaceus dry powder for 7 d showed an increase in the level of NGF mRNA expression in the hippocampus. In conclusion, H. erinaceus contains active compounds that stimulate NGF synthesis via activation of the JNK pathway; these compounds are not hericenones.


[178]

Myelin sheaths, wrapping axons, perform the following important functions: support, protection, feeding and isolation. Injury of myelin compact structure leads to an impairment and severe illness of the nerve system. Exact mechanisms underlying the myelination process and myelin sheaths damage have not established yet. Therefore search for substances, which provide regulatory and protective effects on the normal myelination as well as stimulating action on the remyelination after myelin damage, is of special interest. Recently it was shown that extract from mushroom Hericium erinaceus had activating action on the nerve tissue. So the aim of the present work was to study an influence of an extract from H. erinaceus on the cerebellar cells and the process of myelination in vitro. Obtained data revealed the normal growth of the nerve and glial cells with extract at cultivating. No pathologic or toxic action of the extract has been found. The cell ultrastructure was intact and similar to that observed in vivo. The process of myelination in the presence of the extract began earlier as compared to controls and was characterised by a higher rate. Thus, extract of H. erinaceus promoted normal development of cultivated cerebellar cells and demonstrated a regulatory effect on the process of myelin genesis process in vitro.



#28 mentatpsi

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Posted 03 October 2009 - 12:07 AM

[176]

A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 50- to 80-year-old Japanese men and women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in order to examine the efficacy of oral administration of Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus), an edible mushroom, for improving cognitive impairment, using a cognitive function scale based on the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R). After 2 weeks of preliminary examination, 30 subjects were randomized into two 15-person groups, one of which was given Yamabushitake and the other given a placebo. The subjects of the Yamabushitake group took four 250 mg tablets containing 96% of Yamabushitake dry powder three times a day for 16 weeks. After termination of the intake, the subjects were observed for the next 4 weeks. At weeks 8, 12 and 16 of the trial, the Yamabushitake group showed significantly increased scores on the cognitive function scale compared with the placebo group. The Yamabushitake group's scores increased with the duration of intake, but at week 4 after the termination of the 16 weeks intake, the scores decreased significantly. Laboratory tests showed no adverse effect of Yamabushitake. The results obtained in this study suggest that Yamabushitake is effective in improving mild cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This one kind of bugs me, particularly the later part regarding the termination. I thought that if NGF is being stimulated, then effects would be a bit more permanent. The dosages are rather high, but I've read that Lion's Mane has a positive correlation with dose and NGF (rather than a bell curve), so as such effects should still take place at lower dosages. Also of interest is that it was in the form of powder rather than an extract.

Still, is it mainly a lacking in the study: not showing a comparison between before consumption (T 0 weeks) and 4 weeks after termination (T +20 weeks) to see if any permanent effects took place, or is such an effect not expected?

#29 nootrope

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Posted 03 October 2009 - 01:19 AM

Then there is this product:

Amyloban

Much more expensive. Standardized to hericenones but also amyloban, a constituent I hadn't heard of until encountering the product in the local natural remedies market. Amyloban seems more what one might look for to prevent Alzheimer's although (1) the beta amyloid theory as far as I know hasn't proved that the beta amyloids are a root cause, (2) one would have to take this consistently over a long time, no? It seems the hericenones might be more what one is looking for if one seeks nootropic benefits and to help normal brain function or to preserve neuron function other than against Alzheimer's pathology...

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#30 mentatpsi

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Posted 03 October 2009 - 07:31 PM

Then there is this product:

Amyloban

Much more expensive. Standardized to hericenones but also amyloban, a constituent I hadn't heard of until encountering the product in the local natural remedies market. Amyloban seems more what one might look for to prevent Alzheimer's although (1) the beta amyloid theory as far as I know hasn't proved that the beta amyloids are a root cause, (2) one would have to take this consistently over a long time, no? It seems the hericenones might be more what one is looking for if one seeks nootropic benefits and to help normal brain function or to preserve neuron function other than against Alzheimer's pathology...


Ya, i haven't found any entries on google scholar with keyword Amyloban. It's a Japanese patent (394,3399) right? Any link perhaps to the patent itself not sponsored by a vitamin retailer? :p




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