A 2019 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined the effects of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) supplementation on mood and sleep disorders in overweight or obese patients, while also measuring brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Study Design Researchers gave overweight or obese participants Lion’s Mane supplements and measured changes in mood, sleep quality,…
A foundational 1994 study published in Tetrahedron Letters isolated specific compounds called erinacines from Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mycelium and tested their ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production in cell cultures. Study Design Researchers extracted and isolated erinacines A, B, and C from Lion’s Mane mycelium. They then tested these purified compounds on…
A 2017 study published in Oncotarget investigated how Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) extracts affect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically examining immune system regulation and changes to gut bacteria composition. Study Design Researchers administered Lion’s Mane extracts to subjects with IBD and measured inflammation markers, immune cell activity, and changes in the gut microbiome over the…
A 2009 study published in Phytotherapy Research conducted a clinical trial with older adults (50-80 years old) experiencing mild cognitive impairment to test the effects of Lion’s Mane supplementation. Study Design Japanese researchers administered Lion’s Mane tablets to participants for 16 weeks, then stopped supplementation for a 4-week washout period. Cognitive function was measured throughout…
A 2020 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences compiled and analyzed existing research on Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and depression, examining both animal studies and human trials. Study Approach This review paper synthesized findings from multiple studies to understand the potential mechanisms by which Lion’s Mane may affect depressive disorders. Review papers…
A 2020 study published in Translational Psychiatry used the gold standard of clinical research design—randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled—to test whether Lion’s Mane extract enriched with erinacine A improves cognitive function. Study Design Participants received either Lion’s Mane extract enriched with erinacine A (a specific compound from the mycelium) or a placebo, without knowing which they…
A 2010 study published in Biomedical Research examined the effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) supplementation on depression and anxiety symptoms over a 4-week period. Study Design Researchers administered Lion’s Mane supplements to participants and measured changes in depression and anxiety symptoms using standardized assessment tools over the 4-week study period. Key Findings Participants taking…
What Spagyric Extraction Actually Involves The term “spagyric” derives from Greek words meaning “to separate” and “to combine.” It originates from Paracelsus, the 16th-century Swiss physician-alchemist who developed this approach as part of his medical philosophy. Traditional spagyric extraction follows a three-stage process: Stage 1: Fermentation – The plant (or fungal) material is macerated and…
When you brew a mushroom tea or decoction, you’re following the same fundamental process that traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used since at least 200 BCE. Modern science has caught up to explain the mechanism, but the method itself requires no technology beyond heat and water. The History: Traditional Use Across Cultures Traditional Chinese Medicine…
This isn’t about tinctures being “bad.” It’s about understanding what you’re actually getting when you choose an alcohol-based mushroom product versus other extraction methods. The tradeoffs are real, and they matter for different use cases. What Alcohol Does to Mushroom Compounds Alcohol (ethanol) is an excellent solvent for many herbal preparations. It extracts alkaloids, volatile…