Lion's Mane for ADHD: Benefits of Natural ADHD Support

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people, making it challenging to manage focus, behavior, and daily tasks. In the US alone, approximately 1 in 9 children (11.4%, or 7.1 million) are diagnosed with ADHD. Traditional treatments often rely on stimulant medications, which can come with side effects and varying degrees of effectiveness.

Among children currently living with ADHD, 30.1% have not received any ADHD-specific treatment. This statistic underscores the growing demand for alternative or complementary solutions, especially natural and well-researched ones. However, significant gaps in our knowledge of what might help make the search for safer, more holistic approaches difficult.

One promising area of exploration is the use of lion's mane, a medicinal mushroom known for its cognitive-enhancing properties. This article delves into the potential of lion's mane as a supplement for ADHD, highlighting the need for further research to uncover its effectiveness and potential benefits.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

Source: Wild Food UK

Hericium erinaceus, also known as lion's mane, is an edible mushroom that grows in Asia, Europe, and North America and is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine. H. erinaceus is also known as "Houtou" or "Shishigashira" in China and "Yamabushitake" in Japan.

Many of the bioactive ingredients of this well-known medicinal mushroom are used to make dietary supplements and alternative medications.

Bioactive Components of Lion’s Mane

Polysaccharides, sterols, and terpenoids are among the bioactive components of lion's mane, contributing to its numerous beneficial properties for the body.

Polysaccharides

H. erinaceus polysaccharides (HEPs) are composed of xylose (7.8%), ribose (2.7%), glucose (68.4%), arabinose (11.3%), galactose (2.5%), and mannose (5.2%).

HEPs have revealed a variety of actions, such as the following:

• Antitumor activity
• Protective effects on oxidative hepatotoxicity in mice
• Improvement of cell survival
• Prevention of apoptosis caused by amyloid β plaque development
• Decrease the production of reactive oxygen species

Terpenoids

Two classes of terpenoid compounds, hericenones and erinacines, are known to occur only in lion's mane.

Both compounds have been shown to have neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties and to pass through the blood-brain barrier easily. It has been demonstrated that erinacines, specifically erinacine A, induce the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF).

A previous study found that erinacine A increases NGF and catecholamine levels in rats after administration. The increase in NGF levels significantly improved behavioral outcomes and boosted neuronal survival in animal models.

Sterols

Sterols, which are found in H. erinaceus, are potent antioxidants that stop the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and inhibit HMG Co-A reductase activity. These sterols may be useful in the treatment of certain types of vascular disease.

Uses of Lion’s Mane

Lion's mane has attracted considerable attention recently due to its potential health benefits. It may have a wide range of favorable impacts on human health.

The following sections cover some of the most promising uses of lion's mane.

Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration

Lion's mane mushrooms have demonstrated neuroprotective effects, particularly in the context of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. These mushrooms contain hericenones and erinacines, which can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis, a protein essential for neuroprotection.

A study found that lion’s mane could protect nerve cells from damage caused by excessive glutamate, a condition often seen in neurodegenerative diseases. Using lion's mane as a treatment increased cell viability, decreased indications of cell death or apoptosis, and provided defense against oxidative stress and other cellular dysfunctions.

In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, a 30-day oral administration of lion's mane reduced amyloid-beta plaques and increased the levels of an enzyme that breaks down these plaques. Additionally, lion's mane reduced brain inflammation by decreasing the number of activated immune cells. The treatment permitted the development of new neurons in the hippocampus, a part of the brain critical for memory, and enhanced the balance of growth factors vital to nerve health.

Improvement of Cognitive Function

Lion's mane can enhance cognitive function in healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment.

A study investigating the cognitive and mood-enhancing effects of lion’s mane in healthy young adults found that a single dose improved performance on a Stroop task. Furthermore, after 28 days of supplementation, a potential stress-reduction effect was detected, with a trend toward lower subjective stress in the treatment group that took lion’s mane supplementation.

Another study involving participants with mild Alzheimer's disease found that the group taking lion's mane mushroom extract showed improved cognitive function and better visual contrast sensitivity than the placebo group.

Depression and Anxiety Relief

Lion's mane has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. In a study on women's health, particularly during menopause, those who consumed cookies with lion’s mane mushrooms had significant drops in their depression scores and general health complaints. The study used two scales as a guide: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies and Depression Scale (CES-D), which is a self-report tool for measuring depression symptoms, and the Indefinite Complaints Index (ICI), which is a tool for measuring anxiety.

In an animal study, the antidepressant effects of lion's mane extract were examined in stressed mice. Treatment with the extract led to significant improvements, including reversed depressive behaviors, restored neurotransmitter levels, and reduced inflammation. The study also found that the extract activated beneficial cellular pathways and blocked inflammatory signaling.

Antioxidant Properties

Lion's mane has demonstrated potent antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its overall health benefits. A study examining the effects of H. erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP), or polysaccharides derived from lion’s mane, on kidney function and oxidative stress found that HEP-treated mice had better kidney function markers than untreated mice.

Moreover, HEP appeared to protect against oxidative stress, a cellular damage associated with various health issues. Compared to untreated mice, the treated mice had lower levels of malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) and higher levels of glutathione (an antioxidant). These findings suggest that HEP protects the kidneys and can enhance the body's antioxidant defenses.

Immune System Enhancement

Lion’s mane mushroom has the potential to boost the immune system. Previous research has shown that it can improve overall immune function by enhancing the activity of the different types of immune cells and improving the ability of cells to engulf harmful substances.

Additionally, lion’s mane mushroom has been shown to increase the production of immunoglobulin A, an essential antibody in the intestines, and activate specific cellular pathways involved in immune responses.

Studies on Lion's Mane for ADHD

Despite some use, lion's mane has not been directly studied for ADHD treatment in clinical trials, and no specific research has investigated its effects. However, the studies indicated in the section above, such as the improvement of cognitive function, may add to the supplement’s potential benefits for those with ADHD.

Lion's mane mushroom is said to have neuroprotective characteristics and may help with cognitive function, yet there is little scientific evidence to support its use in treating ADHD. Research has demonstrated lion's mane’s ability to stimulate NGF production, which is vital for neurons’ maintenance, growth, and survival. This finding is particularly significant for those with ADHD, as challenges with attention and focus are often tied to impaired neuronal communication and brain development.

Additionally, lion’s mane has shown the potential to improve cognitive function, as observed in studies on healthy adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Since many individuals with ADHD experience difficulties with memory and executive function, these findings are promising. Furthermore, its potential to reduce anxiety and depression could provide additional support for ADHD patients, who often experience these mental health challenges alongside their primary symptoms.

Takeaway

The lion's mane mushroom has great promise for improving cognitive, mental, and overall health. However, little is known about how well it works for treating ADHD. Its demonstrated benefits in neuroprotection, cognitive enhancement, and mood regulation suggest it could potentially address some of the symptoms associated with ADHD. However, it's crucial to note that no direct clinical studies have been conducted on lion's mane for ADHD treatment.

It’s also crucial to recognize that many existing research findings remain preliminary. While lion’s mane may offer some advantages, it should only replace traditional treatments once more clinical data are available. Consultation with healthcare providers remains essential when incorporating any supplement into a treatment plan for ADHD.

Examining lion's mane as a viable supplement for managing ADHD could be very beneficial, considering the prevalence of ADHD and the need for alternative treatment options, particularly for people who don't respond well to conventional drugs. Lion’s mane offers a promising avenue for future research as we explore medication alternatives. Such research has the potential to open up new routes for ADHD treatment, providing hope to millions affected by this condition.

FAQs on Lion’s Mane for ADHD

What are the side effects of lion’s mane?

A clinical trial revealed that side effects of lion’s mane include nausea, stomach pain, and skin rash.

How can I incorporate lion’s mane into my diet?

Lion's mane mushrooms come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and extracts. The suggested dosage may differ depending on the type of supplement and the individual's health requirements.

Are there other potential uses of lion’s mane besides treating neurodegenerative diseases?

One study has shown that lion’s mane mushroom can potentially treat glioma, a common central nervous system tumor. Another study found that lion’s mane extract can lower blood sugar, potentially leading to use in diabetes prevention.