ROAR Lion’s Mane works in several ways; however, to keep things simple, our editorial team investigated two factors: the effect of inflammation on the brain and the importance of growth factors. Inflammation, as defined by Brain Inflammation Collaborative, is a condition where the immune system’s white blood cells and chemicals produce byproducts that accumulate in the body.

While it is necessary to react to an infection or injury, persistent inflammation becomes problematic. Sometimes, this condition takes form because of a disruption in immune function, where it attacks players on its team, thinking they are bad players.

As for the effect of inflammation on the brain, it greatly influences how we think, act, feel, and move, writes the author. Brain inflammation is a condition where the accumulation of byproducts takes place in specific regions of the brain, causing neurological and psychological effects ranging from depression and anxiety to obsessive-compulsive and movement disorders. Another source that explored this area dove further into the precise brain structures that protect against inflammation.

There are three structures to be mindful of: the blood-brain barrier (BBB), microglia, and astrocytes. The BBB is responsible for regulating the central nervous system and has been shown to reduce inflammation by filtering out and preventing toxins in the blood from entering the brain. Microglia are immune cells that become active in the presence of harmful invaders. Once again, it is beneficial in the short term and only becomes problematic when overactivated (leading to inflammation in the brain).

Finally, astrocytes are brain cells that contribute to producing neurons and synapses, regulate BBB permeability, and ensure proper fluid balance in the brain. A lack thereof could contribute to brain inflammation. Damage to any of these three regions could give rise to “chronic pain or headaches, brain fog, inability to focus on a task, mood changes, irritability, being “clumsy,” and decreased balance.”

The next area of interest is the growth factor, or, in the case of the brain, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). According to one study review, BDNF is a neurotrophic factor that plays a fundamental role in neuronal survival and growth, balances neurotransmitter function, and contributes to neuronal plasticity vital for learning and memory. Decreased levels of BDNF have since been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases, including, but not limited to, “Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease.”