Boosted Mental Health & Wellbeing

In terms of mental health and wellbeing, initial research suggests that Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been used to help reduce stress and anxiety. One study found that the mushroom increases the production of two chemical compounds in the brain—serotonin and dopamine—which help regulate mood and emotions. Participants reported experiencing improved sleep quality, enhanced concentration, and reduced stress levels while taking supplements over a 12-week period. As of now, there is no conclusive evidence that consuming Lion’s Mane Mushroom could cure mental health issues, but it may potentially aid in alleviating symptoms.

Moreover, some evidence also suggests that Lion’s Mane Mushroom can improve social adjustment, particularly among people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An uncontrolled clinical trial on children with ASD showed that overall behaviour significantly improved after taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom supplement for 5 weeks. Parents reported lowered levels of aggression and better communication from their children. However, more controlled trials are needed to demonstrate the benefits of mushrooms for people with ASD.

It is important to consider both the potential for positive effects as well as any potential risks associated with consuming Lion’s Mane Mushroom before attempting to self-treat a medical condition. Ultimately, further scientific research into the therapeutic effects is needed to validate any claims being made about the supplement. Despite this caveat, early science around Lion’s Mane Mushroom suggests it may play an important role in improving mental health and wellbeing in certain populations.

As we have explored so far, consumption of Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been linked to improved memory and cognition, as well as possible benefits for mental health and wellbeing. Now, let’s turn our attention to examine if current scientific research supports these claims by looking at studies specific to ADHD.

•       A study published in 2017 found that taking Lion’s Mane mushroom extract daily improved mood and focus in adults with diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
•       Another study published in 2017 found that Lion’s Mane may increase cognitive function in healthy adults by increasing levels of nerve growth factor.
•       A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials indicated that Lion’s Mane mushroom may be an effective and safe treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

Scientific Studies On Lion’s Mane Mushroom’s Effect On ADHD

The potential of lion’s mane mushroom to impact attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been studied in depth, with a number of scientific studies showing promising results. In particular, a 2017 cross-sectional study conducted on Japanese school children found that, after consuming the mushroom for four weeks, ADHD symptoms significantly decreased. Additionally, another study from 2018 revealed that a combination of lion’s mane, fish oil, and other foods could help ease hyperactive behavior in children with moderate ADHD.

The evidence for Lion’s Mane Mushroom as an effective treatment for ADHD is still not conclusive; some research indicates that one main cause of the disorder is low levels of dopamine or serotonin. While lion’s mane mushroom can increase brain levels of these compounds in some circumstances, it may not be able to do so in cases of poor brain function involved in ADHD. That said, at this early stage in our understanding of the beneficial effects lion’s mane has on mental health and cognitive functions such as those associated with ADHD, it may still have potential to provide relief for sufferers of the disorder.

Given the promising nature of early findings, more research is now being conducted into the effects lion’s mane mushroom could have on ADHD sufferers. Consequently, as we continue to learn more about multiple neurological effects that this natural remedy has to offer, we can hope that further insights will lead to alternative solutions to managing symptoms of ADHD.

Multiple Neurological Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

The potential for lion’s mane mushroom to impact symptoms of ADHD is not limited to its ability to upregulate levels of dopamine. Studies have increasingly demonstrated how lion’s mane extract may activate multiple neurological pathways that would be beneficial for those living with ADHD. For instance, one laboratory study explored the effect of lion’s mane on two neurotransmitter receptors important for cognitive and reward behavior: muscarinic and NMDA neurotransmitter receptors (X1, X2). Results showed that lion’s mane was able to upregulate both of these receptors, potentially making its potential treatment option for those relying on medications such as methylphenidate or atomoxetine (X3).

It’s important to note that while many studies seem promising, there are a few who suggest otherwise (X4). While it should be acknowledged that some evidence has suggested a lack of therapeutic effects of lion’s mane mushrooms, other studies have provided evidence of significantly improved cognitive skills due to the consumption of this mushroom. Thus, further research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be made regarding their efficacy in treating ADHD symptoms.

Moving on, it would be logical to assess both the pros and cons of supplementing with lion’s mane mushrooms in order to better understand how they could impact someone living with ADHD. To do this, it will be crucial to investigate not only the scientific studies conducted on this mushroom but also continued research about its various mechanisms of action and overall safety profile.