Lion’s Mane and cancer

What is lion’s mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a fascinating mushroom that has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential neuroprotective properties [2, 6]. However, this mushroom has also shown promising results in research regarding cancer [1, 5].

How Lion’s Mane works

Stimulation of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

One of the most well-known properties of Lion’s Mane is its ability to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) [7].
NGF plays a vital role in the repair and regeneration of nerve cells [2].
Some studies suggest that NGF may also play a role in fighting cancer by influencing the growth and spread of tumor cells [7].

Antioxidant properties

Lion’s Mane contains antioxidants that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals [3].
This may reduce the overall risk of cancer [5].

Anti-inflammatory effect

Chronic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Lion’s Mane has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body [3].

Immunomodulating effect

Although less studied than in other medicinal mushrooms, research suggests that Lion’s Mane may have an immunomodulating effect [8].
This can be beneficial in the fight against cancer [4].

Benefits in cancer

Improved immune function

By stimulating the immune system, Lion’s Mane can help the body fight cancer cells more effectively [8].

Neuroprotection

For cancer patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can affect the nervous system, Lion’s Mane may be beneficial by protecting nerve cells to some extent [2].

Improved quality of life

By reducing the side effects of conventional cancer treatment and improving cognitive function, Lion’s Mane can contribute to a better quality of life [3].

Important to remember

Not a replacement: Lion’s Mane should never stand alone as a cancer treatment, but can be a valuable supplement to other relevant treatments [1].

Individual differences

The effect of Lion’s Mane can vary from person to person.

Conclusion

Lion’s Mane is a promising mushroom with the potential to support cancer treatment [1]. Its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor, reduce inflammation, and potentially strengthen the immune system makes it an interesting area of research [7]. However, there is still a need for more research to fully understand the mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects of Lion’s Mane and to establish optimal doses and treatment durations [6].

Overview of medicinal mushrooms and cannabis

This overview compares the effects and safety of the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms [1]. Cannabis is also included in the overview, despite biologically being a plant and not a mushroom. However, it is often used in the same context when natural symptom relief is desired for cancer patients.

Worth knowing:

Stop before surgery: A good rule of thumb is to stop all mushrooms, especially Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps, as well as fish oil, two weeks before planned surgeries due to the risk of bleeding.

Choice of mushroom: If the goal is to get safely through chemo with the fewest side effects, Turkey Tail is often the first choice as it has the fewest contraindications [1].

Neuropathy: If chemo causes tingling fingers or nerve damage, Lion’s Mane is the only mushroom with specific documentation for helping with nerve regeneration [2].

Medicinal mushroom and Cannabis

Name	Primary Effect	Use in Cancer	Name	Important Caution
Agaricus blazei	Very powerful immune activation. High content of Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans.	Aggressive support. Used to significantly boost NK-cell activity.	Agaricus blazei	May affect liver enzymes. Should be used with caution in liver disease or heavy liver-taxing chemo.
Cannabis: CBD	Anxiolytic and muscle relaxant. Anti-inflammatory.	Quality of life. Relieves restlessness, anxiety, muscle tension, and sleep problems without a high.	Cannabis: CBD	Interaction with medication. Can inhibit the liver’s breakdown of chemotherapy (CYP450).
Cannabigerol (CBG)	Neuroprotective and appetite stimulant. Blocks TRPM8 channels (growth signals) in cells.	Antitumour support. Targeted use for growth in colon and brain, and against loss of weight and muscle mass.	Cannabigerol (CBG)	Interaction with liver enzymes (CYP450). May affect the concentration of blood thinners and certain types of epilepsy medication.
Cannabis: THC	Antiemetic and appetite stimulant. Psychoactive (euphoric).	Acute relief. Against severe nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.	Cannabis: THC	Driving ban. Psychoactive side effects. Sedative effect.
Chaga	Powerful antioxidant (SOD). Contains Betulin and Betulinic acid. Protects against oxidative stress.	Restorative. Used for general strengthening of the body under pressure.	Chaga	High oxalate content (risk of kidney stones). Blood-thinning. Interacts with insulin (lowers blood sugar).
Cordyceps	Energizing. Increases oxygen uptake (ATP) and kidney function.	Lung function. Counteracts shortness of breath and cancer-related fatigue.	Cordyceps	May over-activate the immune system in autoimmune diseases. Blood-thinning.
Lion’s Mane	Nerve regenerating. Stimulates growth of nerve cells (NGF).	Neuropathy. Counteracts sensory disturbances in fingers/feet and memory difficulties (chemo brain).	Lion’s Mane	May lower blood sugar. Mild blood-thinning effect.
Maitake	Immune-activating (D-fraction). Strong stimulation of macrophages.	Immune boost. Often used to activate the body’s own defense against cancer cells.	Maitake	May lower blood sugar. Can enhance the effect of blood-thinning medication.
Pau D’Arco	Potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Contains Lapachol.	Micro-environment. Used to purify the blood and combat fungal infections (Candida), which are often seen with a weakened immune system.	Pau D’Arco	Blood-thinning. Must not be combined with blood-thinning medication or used prior to surgical procedures.
Pao Pereira	Inhibits replication of abnormal cells. Penetrates the blood-brain barrier.	Targeted cell division. Often used for prostate cancer and cancers of the central nervous system (brain).	Pao Pereira	Generally well-tolerated, but should be taken under guidance to ensure correct dosage relative to conventional treatment.
Poria cocos	Diuretic and calming. Supports spleen and kidney function. Contains Pachyman.	Fluid retention. Helps against edema and mucus. Calms restlessness and racing thoughts.	Poria cocos	Acts as a diuretic. Be mindful of electrolyte balance if taking other diuretic medication.
Reishi	Calming and immune-strengthening. Acts as an adaptogen (stress-reducing) and sleep-promoting.	Sleep and stress. Good for finding peace in the body and supporting the immune system between treatments.	Reishi	Blood-thinning. Must not be used with low platelets or before surgery.
Shiitake	Immune-stimulating. Source of Lentinan and AHCC.	Standard support. Lentinan is used medically to prolong survival in certain types of cancer.	Shiitake	May in rare cases cause skin rash (Shiitake dermatitis). Contains purines (caution in gout).
Turkey Tail	Immune-modulating. Supports the immune system (NK cells) without overstimulating. Contains PSK.	Chemo support. Often used alongside chemo to counteract immune suppression.	Turkey Tail	Generally considered safe. Few known interactions (approved drug in Japan as PSK).

Back to Dietary supplements

Dietary Supplements Grouped by Effect

Dietary Supplements Alphabetical

A,. B,. C,. D,. E+F,. G,. H,. I+J+K,. L,. M,. N,. O,. P,. Q,. R,. S,. T,. U+V+Z