Could a mushroom found in the forest help keep your mind sharp as you age?
According to a study published by Japanese researchers, the answer might be yes (Mori K, et.al., 2009).
Scientists conducted a clinical trial on the Yamabushitake mushroom, also known as Lion’s Mane or Hericium erinaceus. They wanted to see if this edible fungus could help older adults struggling with mild cognitive impairment, a stage of memory loss that is more than normal aging but not yet dementia.
The Experiment
Researchers gathered 30 Japanese men and women between the ages of 50 and 80.
They split them into two equal groups:
- The Yamabushitake Group: These participants took four 250mg tablets containing mushroom powder three times a day.
- The Placebo Group: These participants took “dummy” pills that contained no mushrooms.
The study lasted for 16 weeks, and the participants’ brain function was measured using a standard cognitive scale.
The Findings
The results were encouraging. Here is what the researchers discovered:
- Significant Improvement: By week 8, the group taking the mushroom started scoring significantly higher on cognitive tests than those taking the placebo.
- Continued Progress: The longer the participants took the mushroom, the better their scores became. Their brain function continued to climb through weeks 12 and 16.
- The “Use It or Lose It” Effect: Interestingly, once the participants stopped taking the mushroom, the benefits didn’t last forever. Four weeks after they stopped taking the tablets, their cognitive scores dropped significantly.
- Safety First: The researchers monitored the participants closely and found no negative side effects or “adverse effects” from taking the mushroom.
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What Does This Mean for You?
The study suggests that Yamabushitake is a safe and effective way to support brain health and improve mild memory issues. However, because the scores dropped after the participants stopped taking the supplement, it suggests that the mushroom needs to be consumed regularly to maintain its brain-boosting effects.
While this was a small study, it opens the door to using natural, edible mushrooms as a tool to help keep our minds clear and focused as we grow older.
Reference
Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2634. PMID: 18844328.
