Article of reference: Therapeutic Potential of Hericium Erinaceus for Depressive Disorder

Emerging research suggests that lion's mane may offer promising properties that could contribute to managing and alleviating symptoms of depression. In this exploration, we have delved into some interesting studies that explore this relationship.

What is the connection between lion's mane and depression?

Depression is an extremely complex condition. Its exact root causes are unknown with many underlying hereditary and lifestyle factors that contribute to the disorder. Nonetheless, researchers have established a link between neurodegeneration and neurobiological changes as a contributing factor to depression. These include the following three primary hypotheses:

1. Monoamine Hypothesis - stemming from the deficiency in the transmission within the monoamine systems, including norepinephrine, serotonin, and/or dopamine;
2. Neurotrophic/Neurogenic Hypothesis - the inability of the nervous system to respond or adapt appropriately to aversive stimuli or stress resulting in depression; and
3. Inflammatory Hypothesis - depressive disorder is linked with an increase in expression of various central and peripheral proinflammatory cytokines.

Researchers have hypothesised that lion's mane antioxidant, neuroregenerative, neuroprotective properties, alongside its ability to generate neural growth factor, may assist in the correct functioning of the nervous system resulting in anti-depressive effects of its users.

What are the results?

A range of pre-clinical studies and clinical studies have shown extremely promising results. Various dosages (from 60mg per kilo of bodyweight per day to 3600mg per day) showed a range of anti-depressive effects, anti-inflammatory effects, alleviation of symptoms of depression and anxiety, improvements in sleep and improvements in neurocognitive function.

What are the implications?

While there is still much needed research into this area, early results are promising for the use of lion's mane as a complementary medicine for treatment of depression. Specifically, the NGF excretion promoted by lion's mane seemed to elicit anti-depressive effects - likely due to hippocampal neurogenesis.

Obviously, the authors of the study (and Two Roads) are not suggesting that lion's mane is an all-curing anecdote to depression. However, there is promising evidence to suggest it can be another tool to complement the management of the disorder.

Source: Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 25;21(1):163. doi: 10.3390/ijms21010163. PMID: 31881712; PMCID: PMC6982118.