LION'S MANE MUSHROOM – MEDICAL BENEFITS

Abstract The health benefits of mushrooms are gaining popularity, but their hidden potential remains a mystery due to limited research. There are over 270 species of mushrooms known to possess various therapeutic properties. Mushrooms from the Basidiomycete class, one of which is Hericium (Lion's Mane), have been used in cooking for centuries by various peoples around the world in the form of extracts, concentrates or powder. Nowadays, they are grown in laboratories under strict control. With the advancement of technology, active substances – polysaccharides – have been isolated from them, which have strong immunostimulating and anticancer properties. Objective: To investigate how familiar people are with medicinal mushrooms and specifically Lion's Mane. Methods: Documentary method - literature review of the problem. Sociological method - development of a questionnaire and conducting an anonymous survey; Statistical method - the data were processed with MS Excel and the results were presented in graphical images. Results: Although a large portion of respondents are unfamiliar with the products (87%), most would choose them as a means of treatment (82%) and would trust their effectiveness, especially if prescribed by a doctor (92%). Conclusion: In the long term, however, scientists believe that the intake of "Lion's Mane" may play a crucial role in preventing the listed diseases. Its widespread use has immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.