The Mushroom with Intelligence-Boosting Properties That Might Help Maintain Cognitive Function Throughout Life
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
Key Takeaways
NGF is vital for brain cell regeneration.
Lion's Mane stimulates NGF release.
Lion's Mane offers multiple brain benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
NGF is vital for brain cell regeneration.
Lion's Mane stimulates NGF release.
Lion's Mane offers multiple brain benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neurobiologist Rita Levi-Montalcini's remarkable lifespan of 103 years was not the only extraordinary aspect of her life. She remained actively engaged in research until her last days, displaying unwavering vitality and mental acuity.
The secret to her longevity may lie in a special supplement she discovered, which is known to be exceedingly costly and restricted to scientific and medical communities.
Thankfully, there is a way for everyone to benefit from this discovery without incurring exorbitant costs.
Professor Levi-Montalcini was instrumental in uncovering nerve growth factor (NGF), a crucial element in the formation of neural networks in the brain and other parts of the body. NGF plays a vital role in the survival, maintenance, and regeneration of nerve cells.
The revelation of NGF has significantly advanced our understanding of various diseases, from Alzheimer's to cancer.
With age, the production of NGF diminishes, contributing to cognitive decline. Augmenting NGF levels could potentially lead to the generation of new brain cells, enhancing communication, function, and longevity of existing cells to preserve cognitive abilities.
Although direct administration of NGF through oral or injection routes is hindered by the blood-brain barrier, animal studies suggest alternative pathways such as optic nerve absorption (as practiced by Prof. Levi-Montalcini) and nasal passage delivery.
Fortunately, there exists a more dependable method to elevate NGF levels by providing the body with essential nutrients to foster its production within the brain itself.
Currently, the only known foods that stimulate NGF in the brain are specific compounds found in Lion's Mane mushrooms.
Lion's Mane, also known as Hericium erinaceum, boasts unique physical characteristics such as a ball-shaped appearance with soft, cascading white strands, resembling a pom-pom. Unlike conventional mushrooms, it has been utilized for centuries in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine.
Historically, Buddhist monks purportedly consumed Lion's Mane during meditation sessions to amplify cognitive abilities.
Extensive research on Lion's Mane, particularly by Dr. Hirokazu Kawagishi of Shizuoka University, has identified two compounds—hericenones and erinacines—that can traverse the blood-brain barrier, initiating chemical processes that stimulate NGF release.
In cell cultures, these compounds have demonstrated a remarkable five-fold increase in NGF levels. Dr. Kawagishi noted that "erinacines are the most potent stimulators of NGF synthesis among all natural compounds identified to date."
Studies on mice have shown heightened NGF levels in the hippocampus, a crucial region for memory.
Research on animals has revealed that Lion's Mane components:
Substantial evidence supports the translation of these laboratory findings into tangible benefits for individuals.
A placebo-controlled trial observed a notable enhancement in cognitive function among individuals over 50 after incorporating Lion's Mane supplements, resulting in improved performance on memory and cognitive assessments.
Another study noted enhanced independence in daily activities and cognitive abilities in participants taking Lion's Mane supplements, along with reduced anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women.
Lion's Mane mushrooms can be found in North America, primarily in specialty stores or through home cultivation kits. While its taste is likened to lobster, making it a sought-after ingredient, it is also available in supplement form for convenience.
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