Is Lion’s Mane Over-Commercialised? A Comparison with CBD and Turmeric

Is Lion’s Mane Over-Commercialized? A Comparison with CBD and Turmeric

Lion’s Mane mushroom, CBD (cannabidiol), and turmeric are all widely recognized natural remedies that promise various health benefits—whether it’s cognitive enhancement, stress relief, or inflammation reduction. However, these supplements have become heavily commercialised, often leading to misleading claims, low-quality products, and confusion for consumers. Decisions about incorporating these remedies into your health routine should never be made lightly. It’s important to approach them with a deep understanding of your own genetics, health conditions, and seek ongoing guidance from an experienced professional, especially when addressing underlying health concerns.

This blog explores their true potential, the risks of over-commercialisation, and how you can use them wisely, with a focus on genetic interactions and the importance of professional monitoring.

What Are They?

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus):

A functional mushroom traditionally used for cognitive health, nerve regeneration, and immune support.

• CBD (Cannabidiol):

A compound derived from hemp that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, often used for anxiety, pain relief, and inflammation.

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa):

A spice with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its active compound, curcumin.

The Problem of Over-Commercialisation

The wellness industry has turned Lion’s Mane, CBD, and turmeric into popular trends, but this over-commercialisation brings significant downsides. Misleading marketing, low-quality products, and a lack of proper guidance make it difficult for consumers to know what’s safe and effective.

Exaggerated Claims

• Lion’s Mane: Promoted as a miracle cure for memory loss and cognitive decline, though human studies are still limited.

• CBD: Presented as a universal solution for pain, anxiety, and sleep, despite varying results based on individual biochemistry and dosage.

• Turmeric: Labeled a cure-all for inflammation, despite low curcumin bioavailability and insufficient evidence for many advertised benefits.

Low-Quality Products

• Lion’s Mane: Many products contain low-potency mycelium rather than the fruiting body, reducing effectiveness.

• CBD: Some products have little CBD or contain contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals.

• Turmeric: Powdered turmeric is sold as therapeutic, but lacks sufficient curcumin for significant health effects.

Lack of Regulation

• The supplement market often lacks oversight, allowing brands to mislabel products and make unsubstantiated health claims.

The True Benefits of Lion’s Mane, CBD, and Turmeric

Lion’s Mane

• Cognitive Health: Supports nerve growth factor (NGF), promoting brain plasticity and memory.

• Nervous System Repair: Aids nerve regeneration and recovery from peripheral neuropathy.

• Immune Support: Improves gut health and reduces inflammation.

CBD

• Pain Relief: Modulates pain receptors, making it useful for chronic pain.

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Effective in reducing systemic inflammation.

• Stress and Sleep Support: Helps regulate anxiety and improves sleep quality.

Turmeric

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Curcumin reduces inflammation in joints and muscles.

• Antioxidant Benefits: Fights oxidative stress, slowing cellular aging.

• Digestive Health: Soothes inflammation in the digestive tract.

Gene-Nutrient Interactions

Lion’s Mane and Genetics

1. BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

• Lion’s Mane promotes NGF, which works synergistically with BDNF. Variants like BDNF Val66Met affect brain plasticity and cognitive improvement.

2. MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase)

• Individuals with MTHFR mutations may benefit more from Lion’s Mane’s antioxidant support, reducing oxidative stress.

3. COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase)

• Lion’s Mane supports dopamine regulation, helping individuals with slower COMT variants prone to anxiety.

CBD and Genetics

1. FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase)

• FAAH breaks down anandamide, a key endocannabinoid. Variants like FAAH rs324420 result in higher anandamide levels, enhancing CBD’s calming effects.

2. CNR1 (Cannabinoid Receptor 1)

• CBD interacts with CB1 receptors encoded by CNR1, and variants like rs1049353 may impact CBD’s effects on mood and appetite.

3. GABRA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Subunit Alpha)

• CBD enhances GABA activity, which is important for stress relief. Variants in GABRA2 determine the effectiveness of CBD’s calming effect.

4. CYP450 Enzymes

• CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 regulate CBD metabolism, affecting dosage needs.

Turmeric and Genetics

1. Nrf2 (Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2)

• Curcumin activates Nrf2, supporting antioxidant defenses. Variants in NFE2L2 influence detoxification response.

2. TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha)

• Curcumin reduces inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α. Variants in TNF(e.g., -308G>A) may determine response to curcumin.

3. GSTT1/GSTM1 (Glutathione S-Transferase Genes)

• Null variants in GSTT1 or GSTM1 may enhance turmeric’s antioxidant effects.

The Risks of Over-Commercialisation

Given the heavy marketing hype surrounding Lion’s Mane, CBD, and turmeric, many people fall into the trap of using them as quick fixes without understanding their own unique needs. Over-commercialisation often leads to the following dangers:

1. Misleading Claims: Many products promise miraculous health benefits, but the reality is more nuanced.

2. Low-Quality Products: Without proper regulation, you may end up with supplements that don’t contain the active ingredients you need.

3. Cost vs. Value: Paying for trendy supplements without understanding the actual science or ingredients can lead to wasted money.

4. Misuse and Interaction Risks: Without guidance, it’s easy to misuse these supplements, especially when taken alongside medications or other nutrients.

How to Navigate the Wellness Hype

Given the genetic variations and individual responses to these supplements, it’s crucial to approach them with caution:

1. Do Your Research

• Avoid supplements with exaggerated claims or vague ingredients. Look for third-party testing and transparency.

2. Choose Quality Over Trends

• Lion’s Mane: Seek fruiting body extracts over mycelium products.

• CBD: Go for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oils that are tested for purity.

• Turmeric: Use curcumin supplements with black pepper or fat-based formulations to improve absorption.

3. Consult a Professional

• A qualified practitioner can guide you in understanding your genetic makeup, health conditions, and how these interact with supplements like Lion’s Mane, CBD, and turmeric. They can also monitor your progress and adjust your regimen as needed.

My Approach to Personalised Healing

With over 35 years of experience in natural medicine, I combine remedies like Lion’s Mane, CBD, and turmeric with personalised DNA reports, nutrition plans, and lifestyle adjustments. This ensures that you’re not just following trends but truly optimising your health.

Final Thought: Lion’s Mane, CBD, and turmeric each have incredible potential to improve health, but they are not magic bullets. Their effectiveness varies from person to person, depending on genetics, health issues, and dosage. Decisions about using these supplements should always be made thoughtfully, with a full understanding of your own health and guided by an experienced professional—especially when underlying health conditions are present.