Study: Lion’s Mane Polysaccharides Modulate Immune Function Through the Gut
A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Immunology investigated how polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) from Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) affect the immune system, specifically focusing on immune cells in the intestines.
Study Design
Researchers extracted polysaccharides from Lion’s Mane and studied their effects on intestinal immune cells. They examined how these compounds interact with the gut immune system, which contains approximately 70% of the body’s immune tissue.
Key Findings
Lion’s Mane polysaccharides modulate immune function through their effects on intestinal immune cells. The compounds help regulate immune responses rather than simply boosting them, supporting balanced immune function.
The Extraction Factor
Polysaccharides are water-soluble compounds. This means water extraction is necessary to obtain them—alcohol extraction alone would miss these immune-modulating compounds. This finding supports the importance of extraction method when selecting Lion’s Mane products.
Limitations to Consider
The mechanisms of gut-immune interaction are complex and still being studied. Individual immune responses vary, and what works in controlled studies may have different effects in real-world conditions with varying health statuses.
Citation
Diling, C., et al. (2017). Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 1087.