Lion's Mane and Gastrointestinal Mucosal Repair
Eshed Haklai
Most people have heard of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) as the “brain mushroom,” and you can read about it in detail here. Lion’s Mane is well known for its effects on the nervous system: memory, neuroprotection, and nerve regeneration. However, it also has a less familiar side, a potential role in the regeneration of mucosal tissues, particularly the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. This is an emerging area of research that is drawing scientific interest and offers a new perspective on a well-known mushroom.
How can Lion’s Mane support mucosal repair?
Protective activity in the gastric mucosa:
A 2018 mouse study showed that polysaccharides (large sugar molecules) from Lion’s Mane reduced ethanol-induced gastric ulcers and regulated acid secretion and the release of protective proteins in the gastric mucosa. In the same study, levels of mucosal protective factors such as epithelial growth factors (EGF) and prostaglandin E2 increased, while inflammatory markers decreased.
* Prostaglandin E2 is one of the central protective factors of mucosal tissues, especially in the stomach. It increases mucus secretion that protects tissues, stimulates bicarbonate secretion (which neutralizes gastric acid), reduces acid secretion, and improves blood flow to the mucosa. This allows better nutrient delivery, faster waste removal, and improved tissue repair.
Ulcer healing:
In another study from 2022, fruiting body extracts of Lion’s Mane were examined in mice with acetic-acid induced ulcers. The treatment reduced inflammation, lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α), and increased the release of healing factors such as EGF and bFGF.
* bFGF - a family of protein growth factors involved in tissue renewal and repair, new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), cell proliferation, and regeneration, particularly in gastrointestinal, skin, and mucosal epithelial tissues.
Another study showed that specific β-glucans from Lion’s Mane play an important role in mucosal protection.
Protection against oxidative damage:
Lion’s Mane extracts demonstrated a high capacity to protect gastric epithelial cells from oxidative damage (induced by the molecule H₂O₂).
In an in vitro study, Lion’s Mane extract prevented oxidative-stress–induced cell death (apoptosis) by activating intracellular mechanisms, including preservation of mitochondrial health (the cell’s energy center).
Regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells:
A relatively recent study from 2024 showed that Lion’s Mane polysaccharides also protect intestinal epithelial cells (tested on porcine intestinal epithelial cells). They reduced oxidative damage and prevented oxidation-induced cell death.
Lion’s Mane can not only protect, but also support the regeneration of mucosal cells in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Why does this make Lion’s Mane especially interesting?
Innovation: Lion’s Mane does not only support the nervous system; it can also be presented as supporting healing of the body’s mucosal tissues.
Safety: This is a natural, well-known compound with traditional use and scientific support, making it a convenient candidate for use as a supplement or supportive therapeutic component.
Therapeutic potential: This is not an official drug for ulcers, but preliminary studies suggest that Lion’s Mane has potential, especially as a supportive agent for tissue repair rather than merely symptom reduction.
If you suffer from mucosal damage (such as ulcers or gastrointestinal inflammation), Lion’s Mane may be an interesting supportive addition alongside other treatments.
Important to remember: Most studies to date have been conducted in animals or cell cultures, not in large-scale clinical human studies. This means human data are still limited, but the potential exists.