Hericium erinaceus - Treasure for digestive tract
Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion's Mane mushroom, ranks among the top four prestigious dishes in China, alongside bird's nests, bear paws, and sea cucumbers. Esteemed as a tribute to the imperial court, it has been revered as a dish for longevity and is classified as one of China’s superior fungi for the digestive tract, uniquely beneficial for gastrointestinal functions and altering gut microbiota.
Known scientifically as H. erinaceus, it is named for its resemblance to the head of a gibbon. Other names include pom pom mushroom, hedgehog mushroom, bearded tooth mushroom, and satyr’s beard among others. This mushroom belongs to the order Polyporales, family Hericiaceae, genus Hericium. The fruiting body of the Lion's Mane is oval and unbranched, about 4 to 10 centimeters in diameter, white when fresh and pale brown when dried. Despite its less appealing appearance, it is one of the most nutritionally valuable mushrooms.
Lion's Mane contains a high amount of protein and polysaccharides, including essential amino acids with particularly high levels of glutamic acid (0.6422 mg/g). It is a renowned delicacy known not only for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits. Clinical trials have shown that regular consumption of Lion's Mane mushroom can strengthen the body and enhance physical energy, particularly supporting gastrointestinal functions and altering gut microbiota. It is also recognized for maintaining youthful brain cells and has played a significant role in neurology over the past two decades.
The gastrointestinal system is critical for health and aging; if the stomach is impaired, nutrients cannot be digested, and if the intestines are poor, even effective medications cannot be absorbed. The digestive system acts as a transportation hub for energy; all food and medicine must pass through this checkpoint to be effectively absorbed and utilized. Therefore, the health of the gastrointestinal tract is crucial for overall well-being and organ aging. Signs like fatigue and weakened immunity can indicate initial gastrointestinal issues, which, if ignored, can lead to accelerated aging and various diseases. Thus, addressing gastrointestinal health is a foundational and correct approach to nutrition, health maintenance, and physiological regulation.
Key nutrients in Lion's Mane mushroom include:
- Galacto-xyloglucan
- Mannogalacto-xyloglucan
- Xyloglucan FII-I
- Mannose-xylose
- Xyloglucan F10-b
- Active acidic substance ‘Y-A-2’
- Hericenone-D
- Erinacine-C
【Important Component】
1. Galactoxyloglucan: Galactoxyloglucan, a unique active polysaccharide found only in Lion's Mane mushrooms, demonstrated a 75.9% effectiveness in experiments with white mice.
2. Mannoxyloglucan: Mannoxyloglucan is another active polysaccharide exclusive to Lion's Mane mushrooms, showing an effectiveness of 73% in white mouse experiments.
3. Other Polysaccharides in Lion's Mane Mushrooms:
- Xyloglucan FII-I showed a 67.9% effectiveness in white mouse experiments.
- Mannose-xylose reached a 65.9% effectiveness in similar tests.
- Xyloglucan F10-b exhibited a 63.8% effectiveness in these studies.
4. Hericenone-D: Identified as a compound that can maintain the youthfulness of brain cells, Hericenone-D has drawn significant attention in the field of neurology because it is found in Lion's Mane mushrooms.
5. Erinacine-C: Like Hericenone-D, Erinacine-C is recognized for its potential to preserve the youth of brain cells and has thus placed Lion's Mane mushrooms at the forefront of neurological research due to its presence.
6. Glutamic Acid: Glutamic acid, one of the essential amino acids for humans, is a very special substance that can produce interferons. Therefore, Lion's Mane mushrooms are considered a miraculous mushroom with multifaceted and powerful effects.