The virtues that some mycologists give to the Lion’s Mane, a white and filamentous fungus also called lion mane, are numerous: reducing anxiety, optimizing concentration, regenerating brain cells and even treating Alzheimer’s disease. A flattering reputation, but still far from scientifically proven.
In 2017, Joe Rogan, former MMA commentator Converted in the podcast, receives the famous mycologist Paul Stamets. His show, The Joe Rogan Experience, launched in 2009, is one of the most listened to the world despite the controversies he has to face. Joe Rogan being regularly accused of relaying disinformation, especially during the Cavid-19 pandemic, and of inviting conspiratorial figures as Donald TrumpJD Vance ou Elon Musk.
At the microphone, Paul Stams evokes a Japanese study from 1991, conducted by researcher Hirokazu Kawagishi, who suggests that the Lion’s Mane could help prevent or treat certain neurodegenerative disorders, notably Alzheimer’s. The video today has more than 12 million views.
The following year, Stames reiterated his remarks on another podcast, that of Tim Ferriss, known for his book “The 4 -hour week”, sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. The mycologist says: “We know that the lion mane has neuro-regenerative properties. This is an important research subject. Lion’s manes mushrooms have been the subject of a behavioral demonstration in people subject to cognitive tests. »»
In the United States, the public interest grows quickly, and many influencers share their experiences on the networks, praising the benefits provided by a cure of Lion’s Mane on the mind. The fungus is available in different forms: in capsules, powder or even in oil.
In France, it will take a few years for the phenomenon to emerge. There Covid-19 pandemic will then play an accelerator role, as Philippe Amouyel, public health teacher at the University of Lille and director of the Alzheimer foundation explains: “There are fashion effects that appear regularly, often outside the classic medical field. Since the confinements, we see more and more. »»
But the numerous properties praised of this fungus are still based on fragile scientific bases: “existing clinical trials concern few people, often in good health or with slight cognitive disorders. The health benefits therefore remain to be demonstrated. »»
This did not prevent some French companies from getting started. Because if the medical benefits remain uncertain, its culinary potential is very real. Tom Serrell and François Nuytens created Wefungi, a company specializing in the culture and marketing of the lion mane.
From a basement of the Bordeaux agglomeration, they cultivate this mushroom with white filaments, sold fresh or powder on the markets. Once cooked, he recalls the taste of the risk of veal or the crustacean flesh, which allowed him to seduce several chiefs of the region.
For the scientist Philippe Amouyel, it is above all this nutritional aspect that deserves to be valued: “What is interesting is that this diversifies our diet and makes it possible to bring elements like proteins, without necessarily going through meat. »»
