Yamabushitake is a type of medicinal mushroom that has significant benefits for neurological function. It is also known by a number of other names like Lion’s Mane, Monkey Head Mushroom (this is a literal translation from its Chinese name), and Hericium Erinaceus.
One of the reasons why this supplement is so widely used is because it contains more than 30 different types of bioactive substances and ingredients. Just a few of these are minerals like Potassium, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, all of the main amino acids, and various types of polysaccharides and polypeptides.
Japanese scientists discovered that Yamabushitake is effective at stimulating the release of growth factors for nerve cells and may have other applications for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral nerve tissue damage, and more.
The Yamabushitke mushroom (scientifically known as Hericium Erinaceus) grows on old or dead broadleaf trees, and it is consumed in Japan and China without any reported harmful effects. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.
It is thought to improve digestion, restore energy, strengthenphysical condition, and possibly even inhibit cancer. Medicinal records in China and Japan show that it has reported benefits that effect the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, and stomach.
Yamabushitke supplements are growing in popularity for both nootropic and anti-aging effects with many natural products containing this ingredient.



- Increases Nerve Growth Factor
- Reduces nerves damage due to aging
- Supports memory & cognitive function
Yamabushitake Effects:
If you are interested in using this mushroom as a nootropic, the mechanism of action that should stand out to you most is Yamabushitake effect on something called NGF. Nerve Growth Factor is a chemical within the brain that promotes the growth and development of neurons.
This plays a key role in the differentiation and survival of nerve cell populations in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Lower than normal levels of NGF have been linked to the early stages of both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Yamabushitake stimulates the release of NGF – an effect considered to be unique to this species of medicinal mushrooms.
Another reason this mushroom is so effective comes from the fact that it is unusually well absorbed by the body. This is in sharp contrast to many other types of medicinal mushrooms. Several of the molecular components of Yamabushitake mushroom are small enough to cross over the blood-brain barrier as well.
When these chemicals interact with the central nervous system, they help to restore nerve sheaths that improve conductivity signals generated by your nerves. This mushroom may therefore have a broad positive impact on the electrical conductivity of the brain, increasing the efficiency of signal transmission.
Yamabushitake Benefits:
This supplement is considered to be a powerful immunomodulator, either stimulating or suppressing inflammation, depending on the need. Because of this, Yamabushitake could be considered as an adaptogen of sorts.
There are also a number of immune boosting, restorative, and even organ protecting benefits of this supplement. For starters, it helps stimulate the induction of interferons along with boosting the white blood cell count. These two factors are important in supporting almost any type of healing process.
Yamabushitake supplementation has also been shown to enhance the function of the mucus barrier of the stomach, to accelerate the healing of ulcers, and reduce general inflammation. This may aid in digestion and help to treat certain digestive disorders.
This supplement has even more benefits such as assisting in the regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels. There is evidence pointing to its positive effects at reducing allergies and allergy sensitivity.
Yamabushitake is also observed to improve conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, neuronal degeneration, and even autism to some degree or another. As a brain supplement, it is used by healthy individuals to promote greater brain plasticity and better memory retention.
As a life extension or longevity supplement, it may be able to slow down signs of cognitive decline and keep your mental faculties sharp in the fight against aging. Because of the distinct mechanism by which Yamabushitake works, it could possibly reverse neurological damage once it has occurred from aging, environmental toxins, stroke or even substance abuse.
Yamabushitake Dosage:
Despite its long history of use, there is not one commonly accepted or recommended dosage for this supplement. This is likely due to the fact that there have been relatively few human studies. Some literature suggests taking up to 1 gram, three times per day.
As a new user, you want to start out with the lowest effective dose. Possibly consider beginning with around 50 or 100 mg. Only after becoming familiar with the effects should you consider increasing your dosage. It is important to use a formulation of Yamabushitake with high purity, ideally at least 96%.
Yamabushitake Side Effects:
At present, this supplement does not have any reported side effects. Additionally, there is no reported level of toxicity or interactions and reactions with other medications. To be on the safe side always check with a doctor or qualified medical professional before using.
Yamabushitake Review:
Beginner nootropic users often favor those supplements that they can immediately feel the effects of like the Racetams or certain Choline sources. However, some of the best nootropics out there require a long duration of consistent use to fully reap the benefits. Yamabushitake is one such supplement that can have a profound effect on your synaptic plasticity and memory storage if it is used consistently over time.
By increasing levels of NGF, this natural mushroom can stimulate the development of new connections between neurons resulting in a spectrum of neurological benefits. Yamabushitake also has a strong potentiating effect on other nootropics and combines well with supplements like Piracetam, Noopept, Alpha GPC, Citicoline and more.
- Wong KH, Kanagasabapathy G, Naidu M, David P, Sabaratnam V. Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration. Chin J Integr Med. 2014
- Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013
- Zan X, Cui F, Li Y, Yang Y, Wu D, Sun W, Ping L. Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide-protein HEG-5 inhibits SGC-7901 cell growth via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Int J Biol Macromol. 2015
- Lee KF, Chen JH, Teng CC, Shen CH, Hsieh MC, Lu CC, Lee KC, Lee LY, Chen WP, Chen CC, Huang WS, Kuo HC. Protective effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its isolated erinacine A against ischemia-injury-induced neuronal cell death via the inhibition of iNOS/p38 MAPK and nitrotyrosine. Int J Mol Sci. 2014
- Yi Z, Shao-Long Y, Ai-Hong W, Zhi-Chun S, Ya-Fen Z, Ye-Ting X, Yu-Ling H. Protective Effect of Ethanol Extracts of Hericium erinaceus on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015
- Hao L, Xie Y, Wu G, Cheng A, Liu X, Zheng R, Huo H, Zhang J. Protective Effect of Hericium erinaceus on Alcohol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015
- Wang K, Bao L, Qi Q, Zhao F, Ma K, Pei Y, Liu H. Erinacerins C-L, isoindolin-1-ones with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from cultures of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus. J Nat Prod. 2015
- Wong KH, Naidu M, David RP, Bakar R, Sabaratnam V. Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2012
Article last updated on: March 17th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
El Hongo Yamabushitake (Melena de LEÓN), se puede ingerir con otro sulpmento comno es cell master, y que reacciones negativas puede tener, me interesa la información por que el cell master es tomar una docis cada semana, pero este no tiene la propiedades del hongo melena de león,