Unlocking The Potential Of Lion's Mane

Look at the title below, and make some predictions about the article:Guidelines:1. What does it mean to "unlock the potential" of something?2. What do you already know about Lion's Mane?3. What do you think the article will talk about? Improve Brain Function Scientists studied how a natural mushroom called Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) might help people’s brains and bodies. In one study by Li and others in 2020, people in China took capsules for 49 weeks. Each capsule had 5 mg of an ingredient called erinacine A, and they took three capsules every day. After the study, the researchers saw improvements in things like calcium, hemoglobin (a part of blood), albumin (a protein), brain growth factors, and other health markers.The people who took these capsules also showed better brain function. Their alpha-ACT (a protein related to the brain) went up, and their β-amyloid (a protein linked to brain problems) went down. These changes helped with memory, learning, problem-solving, and other thinking skills.In 2023, Martínez-Mármol and his team found that Hericium erinaceus helps the brain by using a special process to improve brain health and thinking abilities. Another study in 2016 by Kuo and others showed that this mushroom could protect brain cells from damage in tests with animals.This shows that Hericium erinaceus might help improve brain health and thinking abilities. Matching: New Vocabulary Read the text above, and match the words to their definitions. Hericium erinaceus Lion's Mane hemoglobin a part of the blood albumin a protein alpha-ACT a protein related to the brain β-amyloid a protein related to brain problems Read this summary of the part of the article above, and fill in the missing words based on the information that you have read. Hericium erinaceusis also known as Lion's Mane. In the study by Li and others, participants took capsules containing alpha-ACT for49 weeks. The participants took 3 capsules every day. The study showed improvements in health markers likecalcium and hemoglobin. Improved brain function was linked to increasedalpha-ACT and decreasedβ-amyloid levels. Supporting Digestive System Peptic ulcers, which include stomach ulcers and those in the small intestine, are a big health problem around the world (Xie et al., 2022). These ulcers are mainly caused by long-term inflammation from a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori and by taking certain painkillers known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (Narayanan et al., 2018).The stomach has a mucus layer that protects it from damage (Allen and Flemstrom, 2005; Jia et al., 2023).In a study, animals treated with a water-based extract from Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom) had more protective mucus compared to animals with ulcers that didn’t get the treatment.This mucus, made mostly of a protein called mucin, was measured using a dye called alcian blue, which sticks to materials with a negative charge.The mucusforms a gel-like shield on the stomach lining to protect it from stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and harmful substances like alcohol and certain medications (Devaraj et al., 2011). Scientists believe the thick layer of mucus on the stomach wall is even more important for protection and healing than the mucus floating inside the stomach (Allen and Flemstrom, 2005).The study suggests that Hericium erinaceus helps the stomach’s mucus barrier become stronger, which can protect and heal the stomach lining (Shih et al., 2005; Hagen, 2021). Look at the heading for this section of the article.What does it mean "to support"?What is a "digestive system"? Where can you find a "peptic ulcer"? stomach stomach and small intestine small intestine What is the function (the job) of the "mucus layer" in the stomach? to cause the stomach damage to protect the brain from damage to protect the stomach from damage Match The Question to The Answer Below. What role does the mucus barrier play in the stomach? It protects against stomach acid and harmful substances. What harmful bacteria is linked to peptic ulcers? Helicobacter pylori This article was about two of the benefits (pros) of Lion's Mane: 1) improving brain function; and 2) supporting the digestive system.1. Describe one way in which Lion's Mane benefits brain health.2. How does Lion's Mane help protect the stomach lining?