ALSUntangled #73: Lion’s Mane

Abstract

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has historically been used as traditional medicine in Asia and Europe for its potential benefits in fighting infection and cancer. It has gained interest in the neurodegenerative disease field because of its mechanisms of action; these include anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and promoting neurite growth demonstrated in various cell and animal models. A very small, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with mild cognitive impairment showed a temporary improvement in cognitive function; this finding has yet to be replicated. However, there have been no studies in ALS cell or animal models or in humans with ALS. Lion’s Mane appears safe and inexpensive when consumed in powder or capsule, but one anaphylactic case was reported after a patient consumed fresh Lion’s Mane mushroom. Currently, we do not have enough information to support the use of Lion’s Mane for treating ALS. We support further research in ALS disease models and clinical trials to study its efficacy.

Keywords:

• ALS
• Lion’s Mane
• Hericium erinaceus

Declaration of interest

Richard Bedlack has research support from ALSA, Orion, MediciNova, and the Healey Center, and consulting support from AB Science, Alexion, ALSA, Amylyx, Biogen, Black Swan, Brainstorm Cell, Cytokinetics, Guidepoint, ITF Pharma, Mallinkrodt, New Biotic, Orphazyme, PTC Therapeutics, Projects in Knowledge, Shinkei and Woolsey Pharma. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

ALSUntangled is sponsored by the ALS Association (Grant 23-SI-622).