The Herbal Ally Series Part 3: Lion's Mane and Bacopa

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Lion's Mane vs Bacopa: Battle of the Nootropics

Synergy for Your Wellness Routine: The Power of Bacopa and Lion’s Mane

Welcome to part 3 of our series on herbal allies, in which I discuss plant medicines that have traditionally been used together across various herbal-based medical systems. 

If you have not read Part 1 (Gotu Kola vs Holy Basil) or Part 2 (Bacopa vs Gotu Kola), please check them out. 

All forms of traditional herbal medicine recognize that individual herbs have their appropriate place in medicine - however, herbal formulas are central to these long-standing traditional systems. 

In fact, the tradition of observing how herbs in their natural environments interact and function as medicines has long led to the creation of some of the most longstanding and effective formulas. 

A core value in creating these potent formulas is understanding the concept of herbal allies. 

In simple terms, herbal allies are plant medicines that work well together, creating a more powerful effect through synergy and by supporting each other's primary mechanisms of action. 

In today’s article, I discuss the relationship between a member of the medicinal plant kingdom and a member of the medicinal fungi kingdom, both considered kings of nootropics in their respective families: 

Bacopa Leaf and Lion’s Mane Mushroom

The Herbal Ally Philosophy: What Makes a True Nootropic?

Today's article focuses specifically on the various mechanisms of action (based explicitly on Western herbal medicine) of Bacopa and Lion’s Mane as nootropics and how they complement one another. 

However, before I get started, let's do a basic review of how a nootropic is defined. 

Nootropics are a category of substances (both natural and synthetic) that show potential to improve cognitive function by promoting relaxation and supporting mood, memory, attention, and creativity. 

The Romanian psychologist Corneliu Giurgea first defined the term "nootropic" and was also the first to synthesize one of the best-known substances in this category, Piracetam, in 1964. The Giurgea Nootropic Criteria state that for any substance to be considered a nootropic, it must do the following:

• Enhance learning and memory.
• Enhance the resistance of learned behaviors/memories to conditions that disrupt them.
• Protect the brain against a broad spectrum of physical or chemical injuries.
• Increase our ability to focus and pay attention
• Lack of common side effects that are related to other psychotropic drugs 
• Be non-toxic at clinical dosages

Keep in mind that many herbs directly affect the nervous system, like sedatives (hops), anxiolytics (valerian, kava), antispasmodics (vervain, kava), analgesics (California poppy), and nervines (milky wild oat, passionflower). These herbs are often miscategorized as nootropics. 

While the above herbs have specific nootropic-like attributes, they don’t fulfill the criteria to be considered actual nootropics. However, it is exciting to know that nootropics do support many of these particular actions. 

Nootropics in traditional medicine are not typically used as standalone agents. They are usually combined with supportive herbs, such as adaptogens and nervines, to balance their effects. With adaptogens providing HPA axis and SAS restorative benefits for the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, and nervines offering calming and emotionally balancing effects, these three categories of herbs are a match made in heaven. 

Can Bacopa Monnieri Promote Neuro Support?

In Western herbal medicine, Bacopa is primarily considered to potentially possess the following qualities:  

• Nootropic: Substances (both natural and synthetic) that show potential to improve cognitive function by promoting relaxation and supporting mood, memory, attention, and creativity.
• Antispasmodic: A plant-derived substance that potentially prevents or relieves involuntary muscle spasms and cramping. Herbal antispasmodics are thought to primarily target the smooth muscle of hollow organs in the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, rather than skeletal muscle. 
• Anxiolytic: Plant-derived compounds used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, tension, and restlessness through potentially modulating neurochemical signaling specific to GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. These plant compounds are also thought to work to support a healthy stress response via the HPA Axis. 
• Has adaptogenic-like qualities: This term indicates that it meets some of the specific criteria for an adaptogen. However, in the case of bacopa, it does not elicit nonspecific responses. Bacopa’s effects on the HPA axis are pretty specific: It is believed to reduce excessive stress hormones and specifically protects neural structures. Therefore, it does not get the official status of “true” adaptogen. 

Bacopa may also support emotional and mental well-being and promote cerebral circulation. 

Bacopa's Specific Mechanisms of Nootropic Action

• May Support Neuroprotection & Antioxidant Activity via boosting the brain's own antioxidant enzymes while modulating neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation.
• May Support Neurotransmitter Modulation through influencing the synthesis and availability of the neurotransmitter, Serotonin.
• Synaptic Plasticity: Bacosides may promote dendritic branching, which in turn may enhance neurotransmitter function and may boost signaling molecules like CREB, leading to more substantial, potentially more efficient neural connections.
• Supports Healthy Waste Clearance, focusing on clearing cellular byproducts and maintaining healthy neural structure. 
• May Support Healthy Cerebral Blood Flow via vasodilation; by releasing nitric oxide and influencing calcium channels, delivering more oxygen/nutrients. The primary driver of these effects is its active compounds, bacosides. 

According to herbalist Donald Yance, Bacopa is rich in the steroidal saponins bacoside A and B, derived from the Bacopa leaf. These saponins modulate stress hormones released by the brain, exerting neuroendocrine-enhancing and stress-protective effects.  

Bacopa appears to affect the central nervous system by potentially stimulating the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and cholinergic systems, which have a calming effect on the brain and improve concentration and information retention. 

The following was reported in a study on the Effects of 12-week Bacopa monnieri Consumption on Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, and the Functions of Both Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems in Healthy Elderly Volunteers who received either a standardized extract of B. monnieri (300 and 600 mg) or a placebo once daily.

• The functions of the cholinergic and monoaminergic systems were assessed using AChE and MAO activities. 
• Working memory was assessed using percent accuracy and reaction time across various memory tests. In contrast, attention and cognitive processing were assessed using latencies and amplitudes of the N100 and P300 components of the event-related potential. 
• All assessments were performed before treatment, every four weeks during the study period, and four weeks after the intervention ended. 
• The B. monnieri-treated group showed improved working memory, along with reduced N100 and P300 latencies. 
• The suppression of plasma AChE activity was also observed. 

Therefore, it was concluded that Bacopa monnieri may be able to improve attention, cognitive processing, and working memory, which may be in part, by possibly suppressing AChE activity.

Furthermore, Bacopa may enhance neuronal resilience. 

In simple terms, this means that bacopa may enhance the brain’s capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from stress, and injury, while potentially protecting brain cells. 

Finally, it is also widely believed that its key compounds, bacosides, support mitochondrial health and may possibly influence gene expression related to neuroplasticity by possibly inducing new dendrite formation and altering gene expression, potentially promoting neuronal repair and growth. In simple terms, this may mean it encourages the brain to grow, become more flexible (through neuroplasticity), and potentially support the formation of new neural pathways. 

What does Lion’s Mane specifically do?

Lion's mane mushroom is primarily defined by its potential neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions. The term neurotrophic refers to substances that support the growth, survival, differentiation, and function of neurons (specialized nerve cells). 

It is believed that Lion’s Mane may essentially work as brain fertilizer, potentially and ultimately affecting learning, thereby possibly influencing overall neurological health. Lion’s mane is well known and studied for its ability to support neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by stimulating the secretion of 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 in response to experience. 

Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds, including but not limited to the following:

• Polysaccharides (Hericenones, which occur in the fruiting body portion & Erinacines, which arise in the mycelium portion)
• Polypeptides
• Beta-glucans
• Prebiotic fiber

Some of Lion’s Mane's specific mechanisms of action as a Nootropic

• May Support Cognitive Health and Nerve Growth Factor Activity: Lion’s Mane contains naturally occurring compounds, including hericenones and erinacines, which have been studied for their possible ability to support the body’s natural production of nerve growth factors involved in maintaining healthy brain function. 
• Antioxidant activity: The many compounds found in Lion’s Mane, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids, have been studied to see how they may support the body's own antioxidant enzyme systems that may combat oxidative stress.  
• Possible Anti-inflammatory Activity Support: This occurs specifically by reducing neuroinflammation through modulation of cytokine release. Cytokine release controls the release of immune signaling proteins, either by enhancing beneficial signals or suppressing harmful, excessive inflammation (cytokine storm), ultimately aiming to potentially restore immune balance.
• Immunomodulation: Polysaccharides and beta-glucans influence the immune system by binding to immune cells and triggering pathways that increase their activity. These triggerings either calm an overactive immune system or increase an underactive one. Essentially, they work as biological defense modifiers. 
• May Support Nervous System Health: Lion’s Mane has been studied for its potential to support healthy nerve function and overall cognitive wellness. Preclinical research suggests it may help support the body’s natural production of nerve growth factors involved in maintaining normal neurological structure and function. 

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its association with Lion’s Mane

To understand the relationship between lion's mane and BDNF, it is essential first to define BDNF. 

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein and a member of the neurotrophin family (a group of growth factors), which are essential for the survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons. Essentially, this supports functions such as learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity by helping neurons form and strengthen connections (synapses) that are highly expressed in areas such as the cortex and hippocampus. 

It appears that Lion’s mane may support BDNF through the production of its polysaccharides, hericenones, and erinacines, which may stimulate its production and release, mimicking its effects and activating its receptors. 

The following was stated in a randomized control trial investigating the Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress, and Mood in Young Adults. 

• Analysis revealed that following a single dose of Hericium erinaceus, participants performed more quickly on the Stroop task (p = 0.005) at 60 min post-dose. 
• A trend towards reduced subjective stress was observed following 28-day supplementation (p = 0.051).

Therefore, it was concluded that Hericium erinaceus may improve performance speed and reduce subjective stress in healthy young adults.

How do Bacopa and Lion’s Mane complement each other?

In simple terms, the synergy of these potent herbs has mechanisms of action that complement one another, possibly offering synergistic cognitive support. 

Their complementary support occurs in three specific ways:

1. Potentially supporting neurological structures and balancing neurochemicals: In simple terms, Lion’s Mane may support the repairing of the hardware while Bacopa may support the optimization. 
2. Supporting short-term response and long-term resilience: Bacopa may support  immediate info processing and recall, while Lion’s Mane may provide  foundational support for these tasks. 
3. Broad-spectrum brain health: When used together, they may provide comprehensive support for the brain and nervous system. 

From Nerves to Driving: Why Daily Brain Health Matters

Finally, if all of the above information was not enough to show you the value that Bacopa and Lion’s mane bring to the table, let’s look at how some of these complex neurological processes discussed in this article affect our everyday lives. 

For example, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a critical enzyme produced in nerve and muscle cells, typically concentrating at the synapses where it regulates nerve-muscle communication that rapidly terminates nerve signals. It is primarily found in neuromuscular junctions and brain synapses; its malfunction can cause severe neurological issues. 

Therefore, without healthy levels of this critical enzyme, our nerves would fire continuously, leading to a cholinergic crisis, causing twitching, paralysis, and, during the perfect storm, respiratory failure. 

Let’s take a look at how these natural neurochemical processes affect an everyday task like driving our cars:

• Because AChE breaks down acetylcholine to turn off nerve impulses, it allows skeletal muscles to contract and relax properly, which is vital for steering and braking.  
• If acetylcholine breaks down too quickly, it can cause muscle weakness (myasthenia), severe memory impairment, confusion, and reduced mental responsiveness. 

For those gym rats (or the people who take it to the next level by training and competing in a sport), because AChE directly regulates muscle contraction, normal/optimized levels create efficient function and rapid muscle contraction. 

If your AChE is too high or too low, it can lead to muscle fatigue, weakness, and impaired performance by potentially preventing the signal to contract from reaching the muscle properly. Furthermore, exercise itself acts as a regulator as training increases AChE in fast-twitch muscles to improve neuromuscular communication during an explosive lifting session.   

For those who can’t relate to the above examples, do you know the importance of healthy neurochemical firing needed to perform basic bathroom tasks we all have relied upon since we were toddlers? 

Performing these acts requires coordinated effort between muscles and nerves, as the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems control the internal/external sphincters and the rectal muscles. The brain sends signals through the somatic nervous system to muscles in the hand, arm, and torso to perform physical actions, which most of us have done for decades. 

The neurochemicals necessary for this act include acetylcholine (for muscle contraction), along with serotonin (which regulates gut motility) and dopamine (for motor control). Essentially, the nervous system relies on feedback to determine if the rectum is empty and if the area is clean through a process known as sensory input. 

Finally, in simple terms, supporting and encouraging neuroplasticity allows us to learn new skills, form new habits, and adapt to environmental changes by forming new synaptic connections. 

All of the above examples are just a few of the many everyday events we take for granted because our brains and nervous systems communicate with our muscles to tell them what to do. However, if we don’t take care of our brains as we get older, most neurologists and neuroscientists believe that all individuals have the potential to develop some form of malady. 

For clarity, some types of brain issues might be labelled under big umbrella terms for a set of symptoms like memory loss, impaired thinking, diminished language and problem-solving skills, and personality changes leading to a progressive and persistent loss of faculties. However, it should be noted that much like the spike in some illnesses  among children and young adults, we are also seeing early signs of brain related disorders in people in their 30s and 40s, specifically with those with higher BMI and blood sugar levels (AKA obesity). 

These progressive symptoms could be signs of a weakening brain and nervous system, leaving us vulnerable to more serious conditions. Supporting your brain and nervous system health is a key component of overall wellness and a worthy topic for more study and education.

If you’d like to learn more about these products, you are invited to explore them here:

• Organic Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) Powder.
• Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract Powder - Organic

The Author’s Bio
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing, with over 25 years of experience in various aspects of the field. 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 across 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 regarded as a leading educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.