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ASHWAGANDHA & LION’S MANE: A POWERFUL NATURAL DUO FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH

In the hectic modern life, more and more people seek to find natural methods to improve their general health. Such a strong combination that has recently received a lot of attention is ashwagandha & lion’s mane. These two powerfully effective herbs have been used traditionally and now being researched for their abilities to boost cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance immune system. In this article, we’ll go into the reasons behind this special combo and how you can use it in your everyday life.

WHAT IS ASHWAGANDHA?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3,000 years[^1^]. Commonly known as the “Indian ginseng” or “winter cherry,” this herb is an adaptogenic. The plant is native to India, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been traditionally employed to treat a vast array of health concerns, such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Ashwagandha is a source of biologically active compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones that give it its many health benefits[^2^].

WHAT IS LION’S MANE?

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a native edible mushroom of Asia, Europe, and North America [^3^]. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, in which it was regarded as a live longevity, nervous system support and cerebral function promoter. Lion’s mane is rich in specific compounds called hericenones and erinacines that are thought to have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects[^4^].

BENEFITS OF USING ASHWAGANDHA AND LION’S MANE TOGETHER

The benefits of ashwagandha and lion’s mane are numerous. In this section we dwell on the four most weighty advantages evidenced by science.

STRESS REDUCTION

A common advantage of both ashwagandha and lion’s mane is their ability to lower stress levels. Well-known adaptogen ashwagandha was shown to lower cortisol levels and decrease the symptoms of chronic stress [^5^]. The same, lion’s mane has also been shown to have anti-stress effects, which may be achieved by modulating the HPA axis and reducing inflammation[^6^] The two natural components synergistically produce a strong anti-stress effect.

COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT

An additional advantage of ashwagandha and lion’s mane is their possible ability to improve cognitive function. Ashwagandha has been demonstrated to enhance memory, cognitive skills, and executive function [7]. It is believed that this is accomplished by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation within the brain, and also by stimulating the growth of new neurons[^8^].

Contrarily, lion’s mane is famous for its neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects. Studies have demonstrated that it can lead to the secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), key for the maintenance and proliferation of neurons[^9^]. Consequently, lion’s mane has been found to enhance cognitive function, memory, and learning in animal and human studies [^10^].

Through the combination of these two herbs you will be able to increase your cognitive abilities and shield your brain from age-related decline.

IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT

Both ashwagandha and lion’s mane have been found to boost the immune system which is why they are a powerful pair for overall well-being. The immunomodulatory properties of ashwagandha have been established, allowing it to help boost the immune system while maintaining balance[^11^]. It does so by increasing the production of immune cells and modulating the body’s reaction to inflammation.

Likewise, Lion’s mane exhibits the immune-enhancing activity especially with regard to the high content in beta-glucans[^12^]. The mentioned compounds have been demonstrated to activate the immune system and to boost the production of immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells[^13^]. Such blend of herbs will enable you to strengthen your immune system and allow your body to deal with infections better.

MOOD IMPROVEMENT

Ashwagandha and lion’s mane can also influence mood and general mental health positively. Ashwagandha has been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, probably by modulating stress hormones and neurotransmitters[^14^]. Mushroom Lion’s mane, although, has been demonstrated to have antidepressant-like effects in animal studies by increasing BDNF levels and reducing inflammation in the brain[^15^].

These two natural chemicals combined will allow you to be happier and healthier mentally.

DOSES AND TAKING INSTRUCTIONS

When it comes to taking ashwagandha and lion’s mane, one needs to follow the recommended dosages and guidelines. For ashwagandha, a typical dosage is between 300 and 500 mg every day of a standardized extract containing 1.5–5% withanolides[^16^]. For lion’s mane, the common dosage is 500 to 3000 mg per day of a standardized extract containing at least 20% beta-glucans [^17^].

One should always begin with a smaller dosage and then increase it as needed. Furthermore, seek medical advice if you wish to start any supplement, particularly, if you are having any pre-existing conditions or taking other medications.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

On the other hand, lion’s mane and ashwagandha are generally safe for most people but some may still have adverse effects or warnings in their use. Side effects of ashwagandha may include gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, and allergic reactions [^18^]. Lion’s mane is usually well-tolerated, but some people may get gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions[^19^].

Ashwagandha should not be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women since its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well-established[^20^]. Also, those with autoimmune disorders, thyroid conditions, or taking medicines should seek the advice of a healthcare provider before using ashwagandha[^21^]. Lions mane is not safe for people with mushroom allergies or on blood thinners, as it can increase the risk of bleeding[^22^]. Ensure to consult a healthcare expert before beginning a new supplement, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions or are on medications.

CONCLUSION

The combination of ashwagandha and lion’s mane is a powerful natural duo for enhancing general well-being. Among these are the stress reduction, cognitive enhancement, immune system support, and mood improvement. When taken in the recommended amounts, these two herbs are an excellent remedy for mental and physical health.

Nevertheless, consulting a healthcare provider is a must before any new supplement intake, especially if you have existing conditions or are using some prescribed drugs. Adding ashwagandha and lion’s mane to your day-to-day life, you will be able to try the power of those natural components.

FOOTNOTES

  1. Sharma, A. K., & Basu, I. (2012). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal)-A review. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 5(8), 4603-4608.
  2. Kulkarni, S. K., & Dhir, A. (2008). Withania somnifera: an Indian ginseng. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 32(5), 1093-1105.
  3. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., & Azumi, Y. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367-372.
  4. Phan, C. W., Wong, W. L., David, P., Naidu, M., & Sabaratnam, V. (2014). Therapeutic potential of culinary-medicinal mushrooms for the management of neurodegenerative diseases: diversity, metabolite, and mechanism. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 34(3), 271-303.
  5. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255-262.
  6. Lee, K. F., Chen, J. H., Teng, C. C., Shen, C. H., Hsieh, M. C., Lu, C. C., & Lee, K. C. (2013). 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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(10), 20000-20019.
  7. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2017). Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), 599-612.
  8. Kuboyama, T., Tohda, C., Komatsu, K., & Neuronal Regeneration Research Group. (2005). Effects of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) on neurodegenerative diseases. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 28(8), 1321-1323.
  9. Mori, K., Obara, Y., Hirota, M., Azumi, Y., Kinugasa, S., & Inatomi, S. (2008). Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 31(9), 1727-1732.
  10. Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus
  1. Kaurav, B. P., Wanjari, M. M., & Chandekar, A. (2015). Ashwagandha root extract: a review. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 5(6), 171-175.
  2. Abu-Serie, M. M., & Habashy, N. H. (2021). Nootropic potential of Withania somnifera against cognitive impairment in neurological disorders. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 14(5), 233-239.
  3. Cheng, J. Y., Wu, C. H., & Tsai, T. H. (2016). Pharmacokinetics of withaferin A in lactone and hydrolysis forms and the effects on irinotecan-induced intestinal toxicity and topotecan-induced urinary toxicity. Biomedical Chromatography, 30(5), 779-787.
  4. Liao, Y. R., Leu, S. F., & Chan, Y. C. (2019). Protective effects of lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by amyloid beta in SH-SY5Y cells. Food and Function, 10(12), 7879-7891.
  5. Li, I. C., Lee, L. Y., Tzeng, T. T., Chen, W. P., Chen, Y. P., & Shiao, Y. J. (2014). Neurohealth properties of Hericium erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines. Behavioural Neurology, 2014, 1-9.
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  7. Vigna, L., Morelli, F., Agnelli, G. M., Napolitano, F., Ratto, D., & Occhinegro, A. (2019). Evaluation of the tolerability and efficacy of a combination of ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and schisandra in moderately anxious subjects. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 24, 1-10.
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  10. Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Ashwagandha on cognitive performance in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 1-12.
  11. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing
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