Harness the Benefits of Adaptogens with Lion's Mane Mushroom and Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Extracts for Stress Management

Stress becomes a common factor most people must deal with as life progresses. The demands and pressures of daily life can take a toll on one's wellness. Adopting healthy habits, such as regular exercise and nutrient-rich diets, is essential to maintain a healthy body and mind. However, sometimes, these habits are not enough to manage stress levels. This stress-managing habit is where adaptogens come in handy.

Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being[1]. They work by modulating the body's response system to stress, allowing you to cope with stressors effectively. Two popular adaptogenic herbs are Lion's Mane Mushroom and Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Extracts. This blog post will explore how these functional mushrooms may help you manage stress and improve cognitive function.

What are Adaptogens and Why You Need Them in Your Life

According to the Cleaveland Clinic website[2], Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue, and overall well-being. You can take adaptogens by adding them to food or beverages or take them as tinctures. Adaptogens bring your body back to a steady balance by managing both physical and mental stressors.

They help the body adapt to different stressors, such as physical, biological, and chemical stress. Adaptogens regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which controls the body's stress response. The HPA axis responds to stress by releasing the hormone cortisol, which triggers the "flight or fight" response. Adaptogens reduce cortisol levels and normalize the stress response system[1].

Adaptogens have numerous wellness benefits, including improving cognitive function, reducing anxiety, and enhancing the immune system. They are becoming increasingly popular as a natural way to manage stress.

How can Lion's Mane Mushrooms be Adaptogenic?

Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is often considered an adaptogen due to its potential ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Here are several ways in which Lion's Mane mushroom may exhibit adaptogenic properties:

• Neuroprotective Effects:

Lion's Mane mushroom has been studied for its neuroprotective properties. It may support the health of the nervous system, including the brain. By promoting nerve growth factor (NGF) production and supporting neural function, Lion's Mane may contribute to better stress adaptation and cognitive function[3,4].

• Stress Response Modulation:

Adaptogens are known for their ability to modulate the body's stress response. Lion's Mane may influence the release of stress hormones and help balance the physiological response to stressors, potentially reducing the negative impact of chronic stress[5].

• Anti-Inflammatory Activity:

Chronic inflammation is associated with stress and various health issues. Lion's Mane has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, possibly contributing to its adaptogenic effects. Reducing inflammation may help the body better cope with stress[6].

• Antioxidant Properties:

Adaptogens often possess antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Lion's Mane contains compounds like hericenones and erinacines, which exhibit antioxidant effects that may support the body's ability to adapt to oxidative stress[7].

• Enhanced Cognitive Function:

Researchers have been studying Lion's Mane for its potential cognitive benefits, including improvements in memory and concentration. By supporting cognitive function, Lion's Mane may indirectly contribute to stress adaptation by promoting mental clarity and resilience[8].

• Mood Regulation:

Adaptogens are known to influence mood and emotional well-being. Lion's Mane may impact neurotransmitters and mood-regulating pathways, potentially contributing to a more balanced emotional state during stress[5].

How can Agaricus blazei mushroom be Adaptogenic?

Another mushroom, Agaricus blazei, is also believed to exhibit adaptogenic properties. Here's how Agaricus blazei Mushroom may be considered adaptogenic:

• Immune System Modulation:

Adaptogens often have immunomodulatory effects, helping to balance and regulate the immune system. Researchers have been studying Agaricus blazei for its potential immunomodulatory properties, and its beta-glucans are thought to contribute to this by supporting the immune system's ability to respond appropriately to various challenges.[9]

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Chronic inflammation is associated with stress and various health issues. Adaptogens like Agaricus blazei may help modulate inflammatory responses in the body, contributing to an overall reduction in inflammation and supporting a balanced immune system[9,10].

• Antioxidant Activity:

Adaptogens often exhibit antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body. Agaricus blazei contains compounds such as ergosterol and polyphenols that act as antioxidants, potentially contributing to its adaptogenic effects[11].

• Energy and Vitality:

Adaptogens are sometimes associated with promoting overall energy and vitality. Agaricus blazei is believed to support general well-being and may help improve energy levels by influencing various physiological pathways[9].

• Liver support for detoxification and metabolic:

Adaptogenic substances also affect the liver due to the organ's role in metabolic and detoxification reactions[16]. Our health blog "Is Agaricus blazei good for the liver?” covers some clinical evidence of how Agaricus blazei mushroom extract may support liver health.

The Transformative Power of 15 Minutes: Meditate in the Morning and Before Bedtime

Amid our busy lives, finding tranquility is crucial for a healthy mind. A simple and powerful way to achieve this is through 15 minutes of meditation, coupled with the adaptogenic benefits of Lion's Mane and Agaricus Blazei mushrooms. This dynamic combination can significantly clear your mind and set a positive tone for your day while promoting relaxation for restful sleep at night.

• Morning Clarity with Adaptogens:

Begin your day by meditating for 15 minutes and incorporating the adaptogenic magic of Lion's Mane and Agaricus Blazei mushrooms. This ritual clears your mind and harnesses the stress-modulating properties of these mushrooms, setting the stage for a harmonious and focused day.

• Stress Reduction and Cognitive Enhancement:

Lion's Mane and Agaricus Blazei mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic qualities that support stress reduction[12]. Combining their benefits with morning meditation enhances cognitive function, allowing you to face daily challenges with a calm and composed mindset.

• Efficiency and Productivity Boost:

The adaptogens in these mushrooms complement the concentration-enhancing effects of meditation, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity. Clearing your mind from mental clutter helps you approach tasks with renewed vigor and clarity[13,14].

• Mindfulness Fusion Before Bed:

Prioritize 15 minutes of meditation before bedtime, incorporating the adaptogenic benefits of these mushrooms to unwind effectively. This synergy helps release stress and prepares your mind for a restful night, promoting a deep and rejuvenating sleep experience.

• Quality Sleep Infused with Adaptogens:

Lion's Mane and Agaricus Blazei mushrooms contribute to a calming bedtime routine, supporting relaxation and better sleep quality. The adaptogens assist in regulating the body's stress response, creating an ideal environment for a night of undisturbed rest.

• Holistic Self-Connection:

Embrace the adaptogenic qualities of both mushrooms during your meditation practice to enhance self-reflection. Morning intentions and evening gratitude become more profound, fostering a holistic connection with your inner self throughout the day.

Devote just 15 minutes to meditation, complemented by the adaptogenic benefits of Lion's Mane or Agaricus Blazei mushrooms, to experience a transformative practice that clears your mind and promotes balance. This harmonious blend sets a positive tone for the day and contributes to restful sleep, creating a powerful synergy for overall well-being. Embrace this simple yet potent ritual and witness the positive impact on your mental and physical harmony.

Reference

1. Dana Hunnes. May Wang. “What are adaptogens and the possible benefits of taking them?” UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, February 16, 2022

2. Cleveland Clinic. ‘What are Adaptogens & Types.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 Feb. 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22361-adaptogens.

3. Khan, Md. Asaduzzaman et al. "Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values." Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, vol. 10, no. 1, 2013, pp. 1-16, https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jcim-2013-0001/html.

4. Kushairi N, Phan CW, Sabaratnam V, David P, Naidu M. Lion's Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. Suppresses H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and LPS-Induced Inflammation in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons and BV2 Microglia. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Aug 1;8(8):261. doi: 10.3390/antiox8080261. PMID: 31374912; PMCID: PMC6720269. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6720269/

5. Docherty, S., Doughty, F. L., & Smith, E. F. "The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study." Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 22, 2023, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/22/4842.

6. Mori K, Ouchi K, Hirasawa N. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion's Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(7):609-18. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v17.i7.10. PMID: 26559695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26559695/

7. Jiang S, Liu S, Qin M. Effects of Extraction Conditions on Crude Polysaccharides and Antioxidant Activities of the Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2019;21(10):1007-1018. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2019032566. PMID: 32450037. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32450037/

8. Mendel Friedman, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2015 63 (32), 7108-7123
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914

9. Huang, Kaiyuan, et al. "Critical Review on Chemical Compositions and Health-promoting Effects of Mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill." Ncbi.Nlm.Nih, 27 Jul. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9661389/pdf/main.pdf. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

10. Anti-inflammatory activity of Agaricus blazei in different basidiocarp maturation phases." African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, vol. 8, no. 5S, 2011, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2011.581272. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

11. Wei, Qi, et al. "Assessment of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Agaricus Blazei Murill Extracts." Online Library, 16 Jun. 2019, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fsn3.1310 Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

12. Kobat-Zinn J. et al. Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders (1992) Am J Psychiatry 149:7, July 1992 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1609875/

13. Mindfulness Meditation. American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

14. Bartlett, L., Buscot, M., Bindoff, A., Chambers, R., & Hassed, C. (2021). Mindfulness Is Associated With Lower Stress and Higher Work Engagement in a Large Sample of MOOC Participants. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 724126. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.724126

15. Harvard Researchers Study How Mindfulness May Change the Brain in Depressed Patients. The Harvard Gazette, 9 Apr. 2018, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

16. Michael T. Murray ND, John Nowicki ND. Adaptogenic, Textbook of Natural Medicine (Fifth Edition), 2020