In recent years, there’s been an ongoing virtual debate about Lion’s mane and libido. The chatter is mainly fueled by anecdotal evidence and personal experiences. Despite the growing interest, scientific evidence linking Lion’s mane mushroom libido changes is unclear to many.
According to anecdotal data, certain medical mushrooms have been linked to diminished libido. But in the trials conducted, Lion’s mane has not been shown to reduce the precursor hormone DHT. On the contrary, Lion's mane may enhance testosterone production via neurogenesis.
So, let’s look at the hoopla around Lions mane libido and answer does Lion's mane decrease libido or not?
Understanding Lion's Mane: A Brief Overview
Lion's Mane mushrooms are edible fungi found throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. But these aren't any ordinary mushrooms. Unlike most mushrooms, which are simply tasty and nutritious, Lion's mane has been designated as a functional food that provides health advantages and nutritional value.
Researchers worldwide have discovered this potent mushroom's tremendous benefits, ranging from improved mood and attention to immune strength, mental health benefits, and cognitive function.
Lion's Mmne has been utilized in traditional Asian medicine for hundreds of years, with the Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans all using it in their treatments. Distinct from other mushrooms, Lion's mane is white and typically ranges from 10 to 25cm in diameter. However, unlike other mushrooms with a "cap and stem" appearance, Lion's mane mushrooms are spherical, with long, rubbery spines inside.
There is a lot of interest online; how does Lion’s mane increase libido? The mushroom may increase hormone production, including testosterone, by enhancing nerve cell proliferation, particularly in the hypothalamus. Let’s explore more on Lion's mane mushroom libido effects next.
Lion's Mane And Libido: The Connection Explored
Before we get into the effects of Lion's mane on libido, it's necessary to understand what testosterone is and why it matters. Testosterone, commonly seen as a male hormone, is a sex steroid vital to both male and female health and well-being.
Testosterone helps build male reproductive organs and tissues such as the prostate, testes, and other organs. It also promotes body hair development and increases bone and muscular mass.
The brain and pituitary glands are the primary regulators of testosterone production. These glands regulate the body's proper testosterone level, which is frequently transformed into another hormone known as DHT.
There is significant concern that consuming Lion's mane may lower testosterone levels. Regardless of these potential adverse effects, it is crucial to note that no scientific evidence supports the notion that Lion's mane lowers testosterone or DHT levels.
The rumor that Lion's mane is a DHT blocker originated in many internet forums and blogs. Many platforms mention an enigmatic study, but none provide a link or citation. The concept that Lion's mane affects libido appears to be based primarily on conjecture and anecdotal evidence.
To add to the confusion, numerous online forums falsely allude to a study on the anti-androgenic properties of reishi mushrooms. This study(1) on rat cells looks at the effect of reishi mushrooms on 5-reductase levels.
Unfortunately, many confuse Hericium ramosum, described in the paper, with Lion's mane, Hericium erinaceus. Because these are two distinct strains of mushrooms, data from one cannot be generalized to the other.
While there is no hard evidence to support the idea that Lion's mane can lower testosterone levels, some conjectural correlations suggest that it may assist in boosting them.
Benefits Of Lion's Mane For Sexual Vitality
Lion's mane is recognized to have a potential brain and overall health advantages, which may indirectly enhance testosterone levels. Here are some of the ways the mushroom might boost sexual vigor.
1. Stimulates neurogenesis
Hericium erinaceus, a popular nootropic, has been shown to induce neurogenesis. According to research(2) on Lion's mane's neurogenetic potential, this functional mushroom can increase cognition by stimulating the creation of new nerve cells.
Compounds in Lion's mane promote the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF)(3). This, in turn, regulates the production of hypothalamic hormones (including growth hormone, vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormones, and others, including testosterone).
2. Enhances blood circulation
Lion's mane mushroom increases Nitric Oxide (NO) in animal studies(4). Nitric oxide is a necessary molecule for overall wellness. As a vasodilator, NO signals the blood vessels to relax, allowing them to expand. This impact permits blood, nutrients, and oxygen to circulate freely throughout your body.
NO is very important in an erection. It helps to relax smooth muscles, allowing arteries inside the penis to open. Blood enters and fills the penis, enabling an erection.
3. Reduces stress
Neurological systems, muscles, blood vessels, hormones, and emotions influence your erection. Anxiety and stress can cause an increase in the production of stress hormones and decrease testosterone levels, both of which influence your sexual drive.
Many anecdotal reports show that the anti-inflammatory qualities of Lion's mane mushrooms help to reduce anxiety and sadness, though animal studies(5) are also being conducted.
The development or growth of neural tissue is known as neurogenesis. The development of new neurons appears to be accelerated by Lion's mane, particularly in the hippocampus—the area of the brain linked with learning and memory. It is a complicated structure that can be damaged by various factors (including chronic stress and depression). In vitro studies(6) have shown that Lion's mane stimulates new brain development.
4. Improves sleep
Sleep deprivation has been linked to decreased sexual desire and arousal. A 2019 study(7) discovered evidence that Lion's mane may alleviate the symptoms of sleep disorders, but the reasons for this were not fully understood. Other research has found that taking Lion's mane regularly for at least eight weeks improves circadian rhythm and, thus, sleep disruption.
5. Protects the brain
Brain damage can alter how a person perceives and displays their sexuality. Common issues include decreased sex drive, challenges with sexual functioning (such as erectile dysfunction), and sexual behavior at inappropriate times.
An increasing body of studies supports Lion's mane mushroom's neuroprotective benefits. It has gained the moniker "the smart mushroom" due to its capacity to protect the brain.
Lion's mane contains novel chemicals that may aid memory and stimulate brain cell growth. The chemicals identified from the mushroom, N-de phenylethyl isohericerin (NDPIH) and its derivative hericene A, stimulate neuron projections, expanding and linking to neighboring neurons, according to a pre-clinical animal study(8).
Incorporating Lion's Mane Into Your Lifestyle
Lion's mane mushrooms are incredibly versatile, making it as easy as ever to incorporate them into your diet and improve your libido. You can sauté the mushroom as they are perfect for stir fry, or you can slow simmer them into bone broths or soup stocks.
For those short on time, powdered Lion's mane is a perfect addition to tea, coffee, smoothies, and shakes. And if you want something on the go, capsules, tablets, and tincture can be your best ally.
Combine Lion’s mane mushroom with other natural aphrodisiacs for optimal results. Add Maca root powders to your Lion's mane shakes, or spoil yourself rotten with chocolate chip Lion's mane cookies.
So far, research indicates that taking up to 1 gram of Lion's mane supplements orally for up to 16 weeks is generally well-tolerated and safe. However, some people may develop allergies to the mushroom. Therefore, it is always best to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Lifestyle Tips For Enhancing Libido
If a person wants to increase their libido, they can use a variety of natural approaches. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, lowering anxiety, and focusing on enhancing intimate relationships are examples of these. Eating a diet high in vegetables and lean proteins and low in foods high in sugar and saturated fat can also assist in preventing libido issues.
Low libido is a multifaceted problem with emotional, psychological, and physical components. Understanding the underlying reason can aid in selecting the most appropriate treatment. While low libido or a rapid shift in libido can indicate a health problem, it is best to consult a doctor before experimenting with libido boosters.
FAQs About Lions Mane Libido
Can Lion's Mane Be Used By Both Men And Women For Libido Improvement?
Yes, Lion’s mane mushrooms can benefit men and women for libido enhancement. In addition, mushroom extracts are also known to lower stress and anxiety levels, thereby boosting libido.
How Long Does It Take For Lion's Mane To Show Its Libido-Boosting Effects?
You may need to give it up to a month before seeing any libido-boosting effects. The effects of most medicinal mushrooms, including Lion's mane mushrooms, take about two weeks to show up.
Does Lion's Mane Increase Testosterone?
Lion's mane mushrooms have been shown to increase testosterone levels. This increases libido, muscle growth, and energy throughout the day.
Key Takeaways
Lions mane libido effects may stem from its ability to enhance testosterone production, improve sleep, protect the brain, and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The concept that Lion's Mane affects libido appears to be based primarily on conjecture and anecdotal evidence. We identified no scholarly article, scientific study, or review that linked Lion's Mane to any known DHT blockers, testosterone reduction, or loss of libido.
References
- Anti-androgenic activities of Ganoderma lucidum, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029938/
- Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18758067/
- Neurotrophic isoindolinones from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus, (3)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33246107/
- Macrophage activation and nitric oxide production by water soluble components of Hericium erinaceum, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16782550/
- Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects through Modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Mice, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29364170/
- Chemical constituents from Hericium erinaceus and their ability to stimulate NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth on PC12 cells, (6)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26481911/
- Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers?, (7)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31118969/
- Hericerin derivatives activates a pan-neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1/2 signaling enhancing spatial memory, (8)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36660878/
Let Us Know Your Comments