Uncommon Benefits of Cacao and Lion’s Mane, and Their Unique Effects When Combined

Description

In previous articles, I have written about the importance of understanding the concept of synergy. 

Synergy is the knowledge that the whole is greater than the sum of its simple parts. 

Emerging science is revealing that even isolated compounds can yield a broader spectrum of benefits than we initially thought. 

However, it is essential to recognize that the potent compounds in every food and herb have a broader spectrum and more nourishing effect than any isolated compound within that mixture. 

Food synergy is not just about nutrients. 

Synergy involves the interaction of various compounds and how they interact with the body’s systems. Therefore, there is great value in looking beyond the surface, as 

You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find.  

There are many great examples of plant medicines that, on the surface, may seem like the wrong choice based on your condition or gender. 

This phenomenon occurs because the individual initially observed the situation from a reductionist perspective, ignoring important intrinsic details. 

For example, black cohosh, when presented in a standardized form containing approximately 2.5% triterpene glycosides, provides a targeted approach for women's health. However, as a whole herb or full-spectrum extract preparation, it is a well-known and potent nerve tonic for both men and women. 

Understanding this matters because plant medicines and functional foods potentially contain hundreds of compounds. Therefore, they have the potential for a broader range of effects and create more balanced results that would not necessarily be seen in their standardized form. 

Do common pharmaceuticals have more than one use?

We are also well aware of the drawbacks of reductionist thinking regarding pharmaceuticals, which may only provide short-term solutions with serious long-term consequences. 

For example, while pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories are effective, they only address one aspect of the inflammation cascade and often disrupt the entire cascade in a negative way. 

However, we have all read articles or seen news reports about a pharmaceutical that has been on the market for a long time, when a new discovery was made from using it for a condition for which it was not initially approved. 

This concept is known as “off-label” uses, which are not approved by the FDA; however, they are legal and commonly done based on professional judgment. 

There is, however, an ongoing debate about the safety of these off-label uses due to a lack of long-term studies specific to the off-label condition. The FDA approval process is a multi-stage procedure to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and medical devices before they can be marketed in the United States. It involves preclinical research, clinical trials, and a thorough FDA review of submitted data. This process can sometimes take years.     

What this concept has taught us is that even individual synthesized compounds (pharmaceuticals) often have more than one mechanism of action, allowing for the potential of many undiscovered benefits. This concept also suggests that, under the right circumstances, its original benefit, resulting from its mechanism of action, may lead to secondary benefits for other conditions.

Unfortunately, this leaves us with a potential treasure trove of new or adjuvant treatments for a wide array of conditions that may never be realized due to the very costly FDA approval process. 

3 Examples of Everyday Compounds with Unique Effects 

Here are some excellent examples of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals that were initially developed for one purpose but have been shown to be practical tools for addressing multiple symptoms or conditions for which they were not originally intended.

1. Preparation H®: Did you know that Prep-H was initially developed as a sunburn ointment due to its effectiveness for reducing inflammation and restricting blood vessels. After seeing its effectiveness, it was later repurposed and marketed as a treatment for hemorrhoids. However, some of the original formulas contained ingredients such as live yeast cell derivatives, which, although no longer sold in the USA, are still available in Canada.  (Preparation H® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc., now under the Haleon group of companies. This article is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pfizer Inc. nor the Haleon group of companies.)

2. Cimetidine, commonly known by the trademark name Tagamet, is a synthetic compound approved by the FDA for reducing stomach acid. It is classified as a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, which blocks histamine receptors in the stomach lining, signaling the stomach to produce less acid. It has had a tremendous impact on cancer medicine as an adjuvant treatment. Despite overwhelming evidence regarding enhanced immune function and prolonged survival rates when this pharmaceutical is added to a treatment protocol, it is still an underused component in cancer treatments.  

3. Ivermectin: Perhaps one of the most controversial FDA-approved treatment interventions that is overlooked is ivermectin. This potent compound is specifically approved for and used as an anthelmintic. In simple terms, it is an antiparasitic drug. However, it appears that ivermectin may yield some impressive outcomes against potent viral conditions, based on newly understood mechanisms of action.

The following was stated in a paper titled "Ivermectin, a Potential Anticancer Drug Derived from an Antiparasitic Drug." 

• Recently, ivermectin has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of several tumor cells by regulating multiple signaling pathways. 

• This suggests that ivermectin may have anticancer properties with significant potential. 

• Here, we reviewed the related mechanisms by which ivermectin inhibits the development of different cancers and promotes programmed cell death, and discussed the prospects for the clinical application of ivermectin as an anticancer drug for neoplasm therapy. 

However, as interesting as the above examples are, as an herbalist, I believe that

Mother Nature provides us with the most potent plant medicine compounds found in their perfect synergistic balance. 

Therefore, let's discuss two of these fantastic foods that are not only full of potent compounds but also, when combined, have the ability to change your perspective on brain health.  

The Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science: How Cacao and Lion's Mane Are Changing the Game

Have you ever wondered why, just an hour after eating a generic chocolate bar, you feel tired and sluggish, versus when you consume pure, clean cacao powder and feel uplifted and happy? 

Perhaps you have noticed when you consume Lion’s Mane mushroom that, over time, the brain fog lifts away, you have greater clarity, and you remember things you previously had trouble remembering? 

These outcomes are no accident, and there is real scientific validation for why these things happen. If you have read any of my previous articles about cacao or Lion’s Mane, you are familiar with the numerous nourishing benefits of these potent foods. 

However, the benefits of cacao and Lion’s Mane mushroom are so much more than what meets the eye. 

So, today, I will discuss the uncommon uses of two common, incredible foods - pure extra-rich cacao and lion’s mane mushroom- and what you discover may surprise you. 

Furthermore, I will discuss how, when combined, their synergistic effects create a match made in heaven. 

So, let’s begin.  

Cacao: The food of the Gods

Cacao is well-known and studied for its heart, mood, circulatory, and brain benefits, all of which are related to the various potent polyphenolic compounds contained in this fantastic food. 

Did you know that cacao also has a profound spiritual component that may create even more powerful healing effects? 

It is this connection that is rarely discussed and understood. However, it is believed to be the foundation for taking the benefits mentioned above to the next level. 

So, let’s take a look at this rather unique quality of cacao. 

In case you are unaware, there is an event known as a cacao ceremony. It is a ritual where participants consume cacao in its purest form, and a facilitator guides participants through meditations, intentions, and reflection, fostering connection and self-discovery. 

A cacao ceremony is designed to put you in a positive, uplifted state of mind, where you can embrace spiritual intentions as you connect with yourself and others on a deeper level. A plant ally is a plant with which one has a sacred, reciprocal relationship to cultivate well-being. They are seen as companions who offer support, guidance, and healing, both physically and spiritually. Cacao is considered a plant ally that helps facilitate these benefits by opening the heart and centering the mind. A pure cacao beverage is commonly incorporated into various spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, and breathwork, due to its centering, heart-opening, and grounding effects.

Is cacao psychoactive?

The simple answer to this question is yes. However, this term should not be confused with psychedelic. 

While the two terms are related, 

• Psychoactive is a broader spectrum term used to describe a food or substance that affects brain function and can alter mood, perception, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. 

• Psychedelics are a specific class of compounds that strongly induce an altered state of consciousness, resulting in profound changes in perception, thought, and emotions. 

Cacao is classified as an entheogen, a substance that can induce mild, temporary shifts in perspective, mood, or perception when incorporated into mind-body work. 

Cacao influences neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, anandamide, and endorphins, leading to a calm and blissful state of mind. 

When in a calm and blissful state, you are more capable of making informed and wise decisions regarding your daily life.  However, these effects are most pronounced when consuming cacao in its raw, minimally processed state with a specific intention. 

Therefore, don’t expect to have a life-altering experience when someone “breaks you off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar.” 

Understanding our Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a cell-signaling system that regulates appetite, mood, sleep, pain control, and immune function, playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. 

There are several key components to this complex system. Endocannabinoids are lipid-based neurotransmitters produced by the body, and cannabinoid receptors are proteins found on the surface of cells that endocannabinoids bind to. Through cellular communication (binding between one neuron and another) and signal transmission (triggering responses in the receiving cell), the body maintains a stable internal environment, regulates bodily functions, and responds to internal and external changes.  

Several compounds found in cacao, such as Theobromine and Phenylethylamine (PEA), are known to stimulate the nervous system in a healthy manner, supporting a heightened awareness and state of bliss that are highly beneficial for spiritual practices. 

Cacao also contains small amounts of Anandamine, known as the bliss molecule. While we don’t fully understand all aspects of how it works, research suggests that Anandamine is part of our endocannabinoid system, binding to cannabinoid receptors and affecting brain reward circuitry and dopamine levels, acting as a behavioral reinforcer. Anandamide is believed to contribute to the euphoric feeling associated with the runner's high experienced after intense exercise. 

When working synergistically with Theobromine and PEA, it can further support the sense of relaxation and happiness, allowing you to dive deeper into the realms of your consciousness.

Ultimately, when we examine the actual healing benefits of cacao mentioned at the beginning of this section, the simple act of consuming cacao daily over a period of time would reap those benefits. However, none of them would reach their full potential without the individual being grounded and centered. Therefore, more research is needed to establish a specific connection between cacao’s centering and grounding effects with its brain, heart, and circulatory benefits. However, it is not unreasonable to correlate the two, given the impressive general research in the area of a calm mind and its effects on many aspects of physical well-being. 

In simple terms, when you have an open heart and mind, your ability to heal and sustain good health is vastly superior.  

Lions Mane Mushroom

Lion's mane mushroom is well-known and studied for its neurological benefits, particularly its ability to support neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by stimulating nerve growth factor. 

For a quick review, neurogenesis refers to the growth and development of nerve cells, also known as nerve tissue. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections after injuries. 

Simply put, the brain can change and adapt due to experiences. 

Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds, including:

• Polysaccharides

• Polypeptides

• Beta-glucans

• Prebiotic fiber

• Hericenones

• Erinacines

Lion’s mane mushrooms contain a wide range of polysaccharide compounds: 

• Polysaccharides are believed to be the primary family of compounds in mushrooms that may support a healthy aging process. 

• Mushrooms contain a wide range of non-starch polysaccharides (carbohydrate fractions excluding starch and free sugars), such as chitin, beta-glucans, alpha-glucans, hemicellulose, mannans, xylans, and galactans. 

• Non-starch polysaccharides are distinguished into soluble and insoluble fractions, with up to 90% being insoluble. 

• Most (around 80%) of insoluble polysaccharides are chitin, including beta-glucans bound to chitin or protein. 

• Polysaccharides can support a wide range of actions in the human body. 

• They have been shown to have immunological, neurogenic, cardiovascular, and microbiome effects, as well as numerous other nourishing qualities. 

However, did you know that lion’s mane mushroom may support wound healing? 

Preliminary studies show that lion's mane mushroom may potentially increase collagen production and accelerate tissue recovery. Cell proliferation and migration in fibroblast cells are essential for wound closure and tissue repair. Lab tests show that lion’s mane mushroom can potentially accelerate both. 

Furthermore, Lion's Mane may promote angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form, thereby creating an adequate blood supply that delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for crucial wound healing. 

The following was stated in a preliminary study assessing the potential activity of Lion's Mane mushroom in accelerating wound healing in rats. “Histological analysis of healed wounds dressed with HEFB showed less scar width at wound enclosure, and the healed wound contained fewer macrophages and more collagen with angiogenesis, compared to wounds dressed with sdH2O.” In conclusion, wounds dressed with HEFB significantly enhanced the acceleration of wound healing enclosures in rats.

Experience the synergy of these two amazing foods

How exactly does cacao enhance the effects of Lion’s Mane mushrooms? 

Cacao contains many properties that work as potentiators for Lion’s Mane's powerful effects. 

• Theobromine and epicatechin, found in cacao, work as vasodilators that help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. 

• Pure raw cacao contains highly nourishing fats that work to nourish the brain.   Keep in mind that Erinacines, Hericenones, Terpenoids, and Triterpenes are all fat-soluble compounds in Lion’s Mane and require a dual extraction of alcohol and water. However, adding a fat source like cacao butter acts as a carrier for the many compounds in Lion’s Mane.

• Lion’s Mane is known to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (critical for neuronal growth and repair) while cacao flavanols reduce neuroinflammation and protect neurons from damage.

• Cacao and Lion’s Mane both affect dopamine levels in that cacao may stimulate the release of dopamine, and Lion’s Mane works to modulate dopamine levels by stimulating its synthesis.   

In conclusion, the well-known piece of advice 'not to judge a book by its cover' is simple, truthful, and brilliant all at the same time. 

Looking below the surface to see what lingers creates the potential for life-changing events and effects. 

Therefore, understanding whether you are dealing with an isolated compound or a full spectrum of compounds working synergistically, there will always be the unknown potential for mechanisms of action and responses that create a limitless potential for healing.

For more information about our Mocha Whey Protein Isolate, which contain both Organic Cacao and Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom, go here:

Mocha Whey Protein Isolate

For more information about our Organic Cognitive Cacao and Coffee Blend, which also contain both Organic Cacao and Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom, go here:

Organic Cognitive Cacao and Coffee Blend

The Author’s Bio
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing and has worked in different areas of this field for over 25 years. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs, as well as foods traditionally found in local markets in the 35 countries he has visited. Michael shares his years of experience as a Master Herbalist, traveler, and athlete through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist Perspective." He is considered a true educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.