What is Lion’s Mane Extract?
Lion’s mane Extract represents a powder or liquid that is made out of the fruiting bodies of Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) with the help of a specific method for extraction by using solvents. The most potent Lion’s Mane supplements on the market are extracts. They have the isolated therapeutic chemicals found in Lion’s Mane such as (herincones, erinacines, beta-glucans), but none of the less desirable biomass. As a result, they are highly compact, more bioavailable, and have a longer shelf life.
Extraction process
The production process of making Lion’s Mane extract involves one or two extraction stages. The extraction process uses a method that is done with the help of solvents and in the case of mushroom extraction, non-alcohol (water) and alcohol solvents are commonly used. The active compounds in the Lion’s Mane mushroom can be extracted with water or alcohoml or it can be made by a dual extraction, using both of the solvents.
Different Types of Lion’s Mane Extract
Lion’s Mane Extract is available in several types of forms:
1. Extract powder
This form of a product is simply an extracted solution that was later dried into a powder. The powder is very convenient for longer storage if you are using a small dosage for consumption. Additionally, the Lion’s Mane Extract Powder is super easy to add when cooking healthy meals, desserts (chocolate, cookies, etc.), or making smoothies.
2. Extract in tinctures
The tinctures are often dual extracted and the final product contains over 20% of alcohol. The bioavailability of the active compounds is the same as in other types of extracts. The positive side of tinctures is that they are more concentrated, meaning that the volume of the product is smaller in regards to other types of Lion’s Mane extract, thus making the product more convenient for storage and having a more prolonged shelf life.
3. Extract in capsules
This is another way of storing the Lion’s Mane Extract Powder. The Lion’s Mane-filled capsules present an ultra-easy way of storing and consumption because the doses are already separated within the capsules. This product is very good for people that do not like the taste of mushrooms or specifically the taste of Lion’s Mane Extract, since the capsules are ingested orally and the breakdown process happens in the stomach.
4. Extract in tea and coffee
Many people do not want to break their morning routine of a hot cup of coffee or a fresh juice. This creates a perfect habit-stacking opportunity for Lion’s Mane to be incorporated into a morning ritual. Although it is super easy for everyone to add the dose of their own extracts to their morning beverage, there are also many options on the market that have already integrated the Lion’s’ Mane extract into coffee, tea bags or hot chocolate.
Benefits of Lion’s Mane Extract
Some of the main scientifically confirmed benefits of Lion’s Mane extract are the following:
- Reduces Chances Of Dementia
- Relieves Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression
- Speeds Up Recovery Of Nervous System Injuries
- Protects The Digestive Tract From Ulcers
- Could Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease
- Helps With Diabetes Management
- Potentially Fights Cancer
- Reduces Oxidative Stress And Inflammation
- Improves Immune System
Powders Extract vs Non Extract
The difference between Lion’s Mane extract powder and Lion’s Mane dry mushroom powder is the potency of Lion’s Mane extract. The dried mushroom powder is made by drying and crushing the mushroom’s fruiting bodies. Lion’s Mane extract, on the other hand, is made with a water and alcohol extraction process to isolate and extract only the mushroom’s medicinal components, such as beta-glucans, and hericenones.
Despite the fact that both versions of the product are easy to use at home, the mushroom extract is preferable for ingesting because of its smaller doses, increased bioavailability, longer shelf life, and ability to mix well with a number of medicinal supplements.
If you are buying a non-extracted Lion’s Mane powder, make sure to check with the producer if it is pre-heated before pulverization. This will help your body break down the mushroom cell’s wall, known as Chitin, which otherwise would be difficult to digest without preheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I consume Lion’s Mane extract?
Lion’s Mane Extract tinctures and powders can be consumed with almost any kind of beverage, food, or mixed with other medicinal mushrooms. As fresh Lion’s Mane fruiting body is a delicious delicacy, the extract powders can also be used in recipes for cooking and baking.
What is the daily-recommended dosage for Lion’s Mane extracts?
There is a variety of recommendations, but a study has suggested that taking around 1000mg per day is what is needed to improve cognitive function and boost immune function. However, this is the uppermost limited and most common dosage recommendations will be around 250mg to 750mg for a sustained period to see maximum efficiency. For example, for treating serious illnesses there is a great chance that you will need a lot more than 1000 milligrams, but for improving the daily cognition and reduction of anxiety the above-mentioned quantity is sufficient. If you are using Lion’s ane extract to treat an illness, we strongly recommend you consult with your doctor first.
How do I select a high quality Lion’s Mane extract supplement?
When buying the best quality Lion’s Mane mushroom extract supplements, we recommend to look for products that are made from 100% fruiting bodies, organically cultivated, and have the beta-glucan amounts specified on the label. If you’re in Australia, check out our guide to Lion’s Mane in Australia.
When is the best time to take a Lion’s Mane extract?
The best time of the day to take lion’s mane extract is in the morning in order to allow the ingested active compounds to affect the body & mind function. If there is a need for stronger doses, the Lion’s Mane Extract can be taken several times a day.
Does Lion’s Mane extract expire?
Lion’s mane powder should have the same shelf life as most other supplements. However, storage is vital and you need to make sure that it is stored in a closed container with no moisture having access to the powder. The expiration date is found on the powder container and from what we have seen the expiration date can vary. The most common one is around 2-years from the date of manufacturing.
What is a full-spectrum lion’s mane extract?
Full-spectrum Lion’s Mane extract, means that the product is made of 100% fruiting bodies. Mushroom fruiting bodies give a much more effective, high-quality product than a mycelium grown on grain extract, (which is not mushroom).
What is grain-free lion’s mane mycelium extract?
Grain-free lion’s mane mycelium extract is an extract generated only from the mycelium of the fungus and does not contain any grain utilized in the cultivation process. These extracts are more powerful than those made including the grain filler as it dramatically reduces the amount of beneficial compounds per serving.
