Index

What is MS?
What Causes MS?
What are the symptoms of MS?
Current Treatments for MS
The Role of Lion’s Mane Mushroom in MS
Other Benefits of Lion’s Mane
Choosing the Right Mushroom Supplement
How to Use Lion’s Mane
Side Effects and Safety
References

What is MS?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.

Over time, this can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged, resulting in a wide range of symptoms and potentially leading to significant disability.

What Causes MS?

The exact cause of MS is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here’s what is known:

Autoimmune Response: MS is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerves in the CNS.

Genetic Factors: While MS is not directly inherited, having a family history of MS or other autoimmune diseases can increase the risk.

Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors, such as low vitamin D levels, smoking, and viral infections, may contribute to the development of MS.

What are the symptoms of MS?

MS symptoms can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the damage within the CNS.

Common symptoms include:

Chronic Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion that does not improve with rest.
Mobility Issues: Problems with walking, climbing stairs, and general movement.
Blurred Vision: Vision problems, often in one eye at a time, with pain during eye movement.
Incontinence: Bladder and bowel control issues.
Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or burning, typically in the limbs or face.
Balance Problems: Frequent falls or difficulty maintaining balance.
Cognitive Issues: Problems with memory, attention, and brain fog.

In England, it is estimated that around 190 cases of MS occur per 100,000 people, with women being 2.5 times more likely to develop the disease than men.

Current Treatments for MS

There is no cure for MS, but several treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Illustration of a Lion's Mane Mushroom with roots looking like nerves

Steroids: Used to reduce inflammation during MS flare-ups.

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs): Medications that modify the course of the disease by reducing the frequency and severity of attacks.

Symptom-Specific Treatments: Medications and therapies aimed at specific symptoms, such as muscle relaxants for spasticity or physical therapy for mobility issues.

The Role of Lion’s Mane Mushroom in MS

What Is Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a species of edible mushroom native to Asia, Europe, and North America.

Appearance: It is named for its long, white, shaggy appearance, resembling a lion’s mane.

Known Benefits: Lion’s Mane is renowned for its potential cognitive health benefits, making it popular as a nootropic supplement.

Lion’s Mane supports brain function by boosting the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). These proteins are essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, the cells responsible for transmitting information in the brain.

How Can Lion’s Mane Help with MS?

MS is classified as a demyelinating disease, meaning it causes damage to the myelin sheaths that protect nerve fibers. When these myelin sheaths are damaged, nerve impulses slow down or are blocked, leading to neurological problems. This damage is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with MS, including loss of balance and muscle weakness.

Lion’s Mane is thought to help with MS by promoting nerve growth and remyelination, the process of repairing and regenerating myelin sheaths. This potential benefit is attributed to two active compounds found in Lion’s Mane: hericenones and erinacines.

Hericenones and Erinacines

These compounds stimulate the synthesis of NGF and release BDNF. By crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a protective layer that shields the brain from harmful substances, they can directly affect brain health. This makes Lion’s Mane particularly promising for neurodegenerative conditions like MS, as well as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery.

Research Supporting Lion’s Mane for MS

In one study, rats with severe nerve injury were treated with Lion’s Mane extract and compared to a control group. The rats receiving Lion’s Mane showed significant improvements in nerve cell regeneration and better immune system activity compared to the control group.

This suggests that Lion’s Mane may support the repair of damaged nerves and promote overall neurological health [1].

Other Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Beyond its potential benefits for MS, Lion’s Mane has been cited for its ability to:

Illustration of a heart shaped heart in the clouds, heart has mushroom filaments growing on the left-side of the heart

Lower Heart Disease Risk: By improving fat metabolism and lowering cholesterol levels.
Reduce Inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties may help with various inflammatory conditions.
Relieve Anxiety and Depression: By regulating the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, Lion’s Mane can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression [3-5].

Dosage Recommendation

Adding functional mushrooms to your diet is easier than you might think. Here are some simple ways to incorporate this superfood into your daily routine:

Baseline Dose: Start with 2 capsules or 1 gram per day for general wellness. This helps you experience the foundational benefits of the mushrooms.
Enhanced Dose: For more pronounced effects, please get in touch with us. Our team can help you determine the best approach for your needs.

Choosing the Right Mushroom Supplement

With so many mushroom supplements on the market, it's important to choose a high-quality product. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

✅ Look for Pure Ingredients: Ensure the supplement contains pure mushroom extract without fillers or additives.

✅ Check for Certification: Choose products that are certified organic and free from pesticides or harmful chemicals.

✅ Reputable Brands: Opt for supplements from reputable brands that adhere to high manufacturing standards and undergo third-party testing.

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How to Use Lion’s Mane

The recommended dose for Lion’s Mane supplements is typically 1 - 3 grams or 2 - 6 capsules daily (each capsule containing 500 mg). This dose can be taken all at once or split into two doses, one in the morning and one in the evening.

Side Effects and Safety

Lion’s Mane is generally safe for most people, but there are some precautions:

⚠️ Asthma: Lion’s Mane should not be used by individuals with asthma, as it may worsen symptoms.

⚠️ Mushroom Allergies: Those with a mushroom allergy should avoid Lion’s Mane and other mushroom extracts.

⚠️ Blood-Thinning Medication: Caution is advised for individuals taking blood-thinning medications, as Lion’s Mane may enhance their effects.

Conclusion

MS is a complex and potentially debilitating disorder with no known cure. However, symptom management has advanced significantly, and natural alternatives like Lion’s Mane are showing promise as supportive treatments. Lion’s Mane contains hericenones and erinacines, compounds that may help repair damaged myelin sheaths, making it a potential ally in managing MS symptoms.

As research into Lion’s Mane and its effects on MS continues, it holds the potential to become a valuable natural option not only for MS patients but also for those seeking to enhance their overall neurological health.

References

1. Wong KH, Naidu M, David RP, Bakar R, Sabaratnam V. Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2012;14(5):427-46. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v14.i5.10. PMID: 23510212.

2. Li IC, Lee LY, Tzeng TT, Chen WP, Chen YP, Shiao YJ, Chen CC. Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines. Behav Neurol. 2018 May 21;2018:5802634. doi: 10.1155/2018/5802634. PMID: 29951133; PMCID: PMC5987239.

3. Hiwatashi K, Kosaka Y, Suzuki N, Hata K, Mukaiyama T, Sakamoto K, Shirakawa H, Komai M. Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1447-51. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100130. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622452.

4. Abdullah N, Ismail SM, Aminudin N, Shuib AS, Lau BF. Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:464238. doi: 10.1155/2012/464238. Epub 2011 Jun 18. PMID: 21716693; PMCID: PMC3118607.

5. Rebar AL, Stanton R, Geard D, Short C, Duncan MJ, Vandelanotte C. A meta-meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety in non-clinical adult populations. Health Psychol Rev. 2015;9(3):366-78. doi: 10.1080/17437199.2015.1022901. Epub 2015 Jul 3. PMID: 25739893.

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