Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder/Extractとは？用途・使用量・代替品・規格

Lion’s Mane Extract, also known as Hericium erinaceus Extract or Monkey Head Mushroom Extract, is a natural fungal extract processed from the dried fruiting body or mycelium of Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers., a fungus of the Hydnaceae family, through extraction, filtration, concentration, and drying processes. It is a functional ingredient with multiple biological activities. Lion’s Mane is a precious medicinal and edible fungus with a long history of consumption and medicinal use in Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. It ranks first among China‘s traditional “Four Famous Delicacies” (Monkey Head Mushroom, Bear’s Paw, Bird‘s Nest, Shark’s Fin) and is known as “mountain delicacy monkey head, sea delicacy bird‘s nest”. Lion‘s Mane extract contains various bioactive components, the most important of which are erinacines and hericenones, along with abundant polysaccharides (primarily β-glucans), hericerin, ergosterol, sterols, terpenoids, amino acids, and various trace elements. These active components endow Lion’s Mane extract with the ability to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, protect nerve cells, improve cognitive function, enhance memory, relieve anxiety and depression, and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Lion‘s Mane extract products are available in various forms, including ratio extracts (10:1, 20:1, 30:1, 50:1, etc.), polysaccharide content specifications (30%, 40%, 50%), β-glucan specifications (10%-30%), dual extraction products (water + alcohol), as well as powders, capsules, tablets, oral liquids, and beverages.

The main active components of Lion’s Mane extract are shown in the table below: Component Category

Erinacines: Erinacines are among the most characteristic active components of Lion‘s Mane, mainly present in the mycelium. Over ten erinacines (Erinacine A-G, etc.) have been isolated and identified. Erinacine A (molecular weight approximately 508.6 Da) has the strongest NGF-promoting activity, capable of promoting NGF synthesis. Erinacines have been shown to protect nerve cells by inducing NGF synthesis and also have good effects on cognitive improvement.