Z Natural Food Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract Powder - 1 lb

While all mushrooms have certain nutritive qualities in common, they also have unique attributes, allowing them to potentially support and uniquely focus on individual systems. 

Because of their well-known ability to support systemic modulation, medicinal mushrooms, known as double-direction equalizers, are some of the most revered foods in the herbal tonic world. 

Mushrooms' long and well-documented history of traditional usage has intrigued researchers worldwide to “crack the code” and learn about each mushroom's unique qualities and attributes.

Therefore, we are seeing more research confirming what we knew all along. Medicinal mushrooms have tremendous nourishing and supportive attributes for a wide range of systems in the human body. 

Nootropics Defined

Nootropics are a category of substances (both natural and synthetic)that show potential for improving cognitive function via relaxation, supporting a healthy mood, memory, attention, and creativity. The Romanian psychologist Corneliu Giurgea first defined the term Nootropic and was also the first to synthesize one of the most well-known substances in this general category in 1964.

The Giurgea Nootropic Criteria states that for any substance to be considered a nootropic, it must do the following:

• Enhance learning and memory.
• Enhance the resistance of learned behaviors/memories to conditions that disrupt them.
• Protect the brain against a broad spectrum of physical or chemical injuries.
• Increase our ability to focus and pay attention
• Lack of common side effects that are related to other psychotropic drugs 
• Be non-toxic at clinical dosages
  

Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity Defined

Neurogenesis is the growth and development of nerve tissue. According to a review article in Frontiers, neurogenesis function, “The neural proliferate, migrate, and differentiate into mature neurons that eventually form the central nervous system.” From what we know about this very complex process, neurogenesis may play a role in memory, learning systems, and protecting the brain from the pitfalls of chronic stress.

Neuroplasticity is “The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections after injuries.”  Simply put, the brain can change and adapt due to experiences. For example, it is finding a new way to the store or remembering someone’s name. 

According to a conference paper, Evidence for Four Forms of Neuroplasticity,

 “We suggest that at least four major forms of functional neuroplasticity can be studied in normal human subjects and patients. The four forms of functional neuroplasticity are homologous area adaptation, cross-modal reassignment, map expansion, and compensatory masquerade. Homologous area adaptation assumes a particular cognitive process by a homologous region in the opposite hemisphere. Cross-modal reassignment occurs when structures previously devoted to processing a particular kind of sensory input now accept input from a new sensory modality. Map expansion is the enlargement of a functional brain region based on performance. Compensatory masquerade is a novel allocation of a particular cognitive process to perform a task. Focusing on these four forms of functional neuroplasticity can address several fundamental questions about how functional cooperation between brain regions is achieved.”

Lion’s Mane: The Nootropic of the Mushroom World 

While other medicinal mushrooms affect the mind in unique and profound ways, Hericium Erinaceus, aka Lion’s Mane, is considered the true nootropic of the fungi world. This robust traditional Chinese Medicine tonic is known and traditionally used in TCM to also fortify the spleen and nourish the “five” internal organs (liver, lungs, spleen, heart, and kidneys); it also supports good digestion and general vigor. 

While there are some very intriguing human studies, most studies on Lion’s mane are animal, in vitro, and in vivo models. These studies show great potential for the neuro-supportive effects of lion’s mane mushrooms, precisely, their impact on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are believed to be mushrooms' primary family of compounds that may support a healthy aging process. Mushrooms contain a wide range of non-starch polysaccharides(carbohydrate fractions excluding starch and free sugar)like chitin, beta-glucans, alpha-glucans, hemicellulose, mannans, xylans, and galactan's. Non-starch polysaccharides are distinguished into soluble and insoluble fractions, with up to 90% being insoluble fractions. Most (around 80%)of insoluble polysaccharides are chitin, including beta-glucans bound onto chitin or protein. Polysaccharides can support a wide range of actions in the human body. They have been shown to have immunological, neurogenic, cardiovascular, and microbiome effects and a host of other nourishing qualities. 

Until recently, it was believed that the primary polysaccharides found in fungi are beta-D-glucans, which come in various forms(beta 1-3 and 1-6) and are the powerhouse for what makes mushrooms work. Other polysaccharides found in mushrooms are Alpha-glucans like glycogen, dextran, pullulan, and starch, which, for a long time, were not thought to provide the same nourishing qualities as beta-glucans. Modern research has taught us that this belief tells you only part of the story and may be based on flawed science. While beta-glucans are potent compounds, there are hundreds of beta-glucan shapes and sizes, and while some are biologically active, others are not. Furthermore, not all are immunologically active. Ultimately, they are just one variable of a wide range of compounds responsible for a mushroom's many nourishing qualities. 

Therefore, It is misleading to state that beta-glucan levels are the determining factor in the effectiveness of a mushroom product. Beta-glucans are most effective when they work with all other constituents found in mushrooms, and if one or more are missing, it can change how effectively the end product works. For example, a study discussing the polysaccharide K from turkey tail mushrooms showed that when lipase was applied, it reduced the immunological response of PSK by 80%. This shows the importance of the associated lipids bound to the beta-glucans and that their independent presence is insufficient to obtain maximal benefits.  

Each species of fungi may contain a different beta-glucan. 

Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds like Polysaccharides, Polypeptides, Prebiotic fiber, Hericenones, and Erinacines. Some of these bioactive compounds have been linked to neurogenesis because preliminary research on Lion’s Mane suggests its potential to support this process by possibly preventing and repairing nerve damage. Hericenones and Erinacines have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially stimulating nerve growth factor (A protein that plays a role in the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons), which benefits those at high risk for brain injury. 

The scientific evidence for Lion’s Mane?

• Preliminary research on Lion’s Mane suggests its potential to support the process of neurogenesis, thereby possibly preventing and repairing nerve damage. 
• Hericenones and Erinacines are shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially stimulating nerve growth factor (A protein that plays a role in the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons), which benefits those at high risk for “brain injury.” 
• In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled human study understanding the effects Lion’s Mane mushrooms have on mild cognitive impairment, “ 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 of 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.”
• In a randomized controlled trial looking at the effects Lion’s Mane has on depression and anxiety after four weeks, “Our results show that HE intake has the possibility to reduce depression and anxiety, and these results suggest a different mechanism from NGF-enhancing action of H. Erinaceus.” This study suggests that Lion’s Mane does not increase serotonin levels but stabilizes blood serotonin levels and dopamine. These findings may show significant benefits in depressed people. 
• A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the improvement of cognitive function (using three tests) after taking lion’s mane for 12 weeks. It was reported that just from one of the tests alone, the lion’s mane significantly improved cognitive function and prevented deterioration.

With what we currently know about lion’s mane mushrooms and the ongoing research, it would not be surprising to learn that this powerful medicinal fungus may be studied as an adjuvant treatment for many neurological conditions for supporting mechanisms of action and unique aspects of recovery due to its more board spectrum effects. 

Z Natural Foods hand-picks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best quality product possible to support optimal well-being. 

• Versatility
• History of safe and effective usage
• Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in humans

Summary of important information

Nootropics Defined

Nootropics are a category of substances (both natural and synthetic)that show potential for improving cognitive function via relaxation, supporting a healthy mood, memory, attention, and creativity. 

For any substance to be considered a nootropic, it must do the following:

• Enhance learning and memory.
• Enhance the resistance of learned behaviors/memories to conditions that disrupt them.
• Protect the brain against a broad spectrum of physical or chemical injuries.
• Increase our ability to focus and pay attention
• Lack of common side effects that are related to other psychotropic drugs 
• Be non-toxic at clinical dosages

Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity Defined

• Neurogenesis is the growth and development of nerve tissue. 
• Neuroplasticity is the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections after injuries.

Lion’s Mane: The Nootropic of the Mushroom World 

• While other medicinal mushrooms affect the mind in unique and profound ways, Hericium Erinaceus, aka Lion’s Mane, is considered the true nootropic of the fungi world. 
• This robust traditional Chinese Medicine tonic is known and traditionally used in TCM to fortify the spleen and nourish the “five” internal organs (liver, lungs, spleen, heart, and kidneys); it also supports good digestion and general vigor. 
• While there are some very intriguing human studies, most studies on Lion’s mane are animal, in vitro, and in vivo models. These studies show great potential for the neuro-supportive effects of lion’s mane mushrooms, precisely, their impact on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.

Each species of fungi may contain a different beta-glucan. 

• Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds like
• Polysaccharides, Polypeptides, Prebiotic fiber, Hericenones, and Erinacines. 
• Some of these bioactive compounds have been linked to neurogenesis(The growth and development of nerve tissue)because preliminary research on Lion’s Mane suggests its potential to support this process by possibly preventing and repairing nerve damage. 
• Hericenones and Erinacines have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially stimulating nerve growth factor (A protein that plays a role in the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons), which benefits those at high risk for brain injury. 

Some research suggests that Lion's Mane may contain the following constituents:

• Minerals: Chromium, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Germanium
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Choline, Betaine, Vitamin A (RAE), Beta carotene, Vitamin A (IU), Lutein & Zeaxanthin, Vitamin E, Beta Tocopherol, Gamma Tocopherol, Delta Tocopherol, Vitamin K
• Amino Acids: Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Valine, Arginine, Histidine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Proline, Serine
• Polysaccharides: D-glucose, D-xylose, D-mannose, D-galactose, D-fucose, L-arabinose, L-rhamnose
• Triterpenes: Gandenic Acid, Lucidunic Acid, Ganoderenic acid, Sanedermic acid, Ganosporeic acid, Ganosporelactone A, B, Ganoderma Nonol, Ganodermenonol A, Epoxyganoderiol A, B, C
• Fatty acids: Phosphatidylethanol-amines, Phosphatidylcholine
• Other Phytochemicals: Phosphatidylethanol-amines, Phosphatidylcholine
• Fatty acids: Phosphatidylethanol-amines, Phosphatidylcholine

Supplement Facts

Suggested Use: Take one teaspoon with food twice daily.

Mixing Suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combined with our organic cordyceps extract and cacao powder. Or sprinkle on entrees, soups, and yogurt, or add smoothies or tea.

How to Maintain Optimum Freshness

• This product is packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness.
• Once opened, push the air out of the pouch before resealing it to preserve maximum potency.
• Keep your powder in a cool, dark, dry place.