Our dog's brain are important in controlling the daily functioning of their bodies. Medicinal mushrooms are brain-loving fungi that have shown benefits across the board in improving brain health and even delaying the processes that lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

Cognitive-Related Problems:

• Anxiety
• Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration/ Trauma repair
• Neurologic inflammation
• Neurodegenerative conditions
• Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Granulomatous Meningoencephalopathy (GME)
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• AD/PD
  

Due to the formation of gelatinous fruit bodies, the Tremella species belong to the family known as jelly mushrooms.

The Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TPS) have proven to have positive biological effects, in the following...

Key Factors:

• Anti-tumorigenic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Memory reparation
• Cancer-therapy side-effect
• Modulation of the immune system
• Anti-aging
• Skin hydration

Tremella’s polysaccharides and beta-d-glucans also stimulate the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the brain and liver. SOD is the ultimate free radical scavenger and in the case of our brain health, it helps support the overall cognitive function and protect against oxidative stress.

Tremella mushroom is rich in vitamin D which is thought to play an important role in supporting our mood, serotonin levels and melatonin regulation – and we all know how important quality sleep is for rejuvenating our brain and entire body. So, if you haven't been able to catch as much vitamin D promoting time in the sun as you’d like Tremella could be your backup plan.

Lion’s Mane has a long history of being used as a brain-boosting supplement.

A healthy brain is one in which neurons get the nutrition they need to thrive and can transmit nerve impulses quickly.

Certain compounds, when extracted and isolated from Lion’s Mane, have qualities that may protect neurons and nerves in the body. The unique neuroprotective effects of these Lion’s Mane compounds are speculated to shield the brain from normal mild cognitive decline associated with aging

Key Factors:

• Nootropic (enhances cognition)
• Mental and neurological support
• Anti-aging
• Hepatoprotection
• Liver Support
• Anti-cholesterol and hyperlipidemia
• Cognitive support
• Calming
• Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration/ Trauma repair
• Neurologic inflammation
• Neurodegenerative conditions
• Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Granulomatous Meningoencephalopathy (GME)
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• AD/PD

 Animal studies show that Lion’s Mane compounds can help promote the growth of nerve tissue and support motor function. These benefits are linked to increased production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a compound that maintains the health of neurons in our brains.

Animal tests indicate compounds from Lion’s Mane may support nerve impulse transmission as well as support short and long-term memory. Interestingly, the same compounds were found to counter oxidative stress on the brain.

Animal studies have shown Lion’s Mane to support healthy neuron production in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that regulates emotions. This may support a positive mood and relieve occasional stress.

Cordyceps has been used for centuries for its wonderful energy-enhancing, anti-aging, and health-promoting properties.

It’s ability to increase energy, improve lung capacity, decrease inflammation, and promote heart health has caught the attention of athletes. This could be very beneficial for our athletic dogs as well as our seniors, as we all want our dogs to age gracefully and have a quality of life to the end.

Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities have also been reported to contribute to its neuroprotective effects. A recent study to assess its activity against cognitive dysfunction shows that a Cordyceps extract could improve spatial memory in cognitive disorders induced by beta-amyloid plaques.  Similar to Tremella’s effect on ChAT, Cordyceps was also found to increase expression of this enzyme and delay progression of memory losses seen in various neurodegenerative disorders.

Key Actions:

• Energy support
• Enhances Energy and Activity
•  Anti-aging
• Stamina/Exercise performance/Agility trials and Competition
• Increases cellular ATP energy stores
• Combats fatigue from Stress
• Immune Support
• Anti-Cancer
• Anti-viral (cordycepin)
• Anti-bacterial (cordycepin)
• Anti-fungal (cordycepin)
• Cardiovascular support
• Mild platelet aggregation inhibition
• Thrombus formation inhibitor
• Mildly hypotensive
• Vasodilator
• Reduces heart rate
• Reduces experimentally induced arrhythmias
• Reduces blood lipids like cholesterol
• Liver – Lung – Kidney Support
• Improves detoxification
• Reduces hepatic inflammation and fibrosis
• Improves kidney function has been used in combination with dialysis successfully
• Supports asthma and COPD patients

Although there is no cure, the choices we make for our pets can help keep their brains healthy as they age. Keeping our pets physically active and mentally stimulated, along with nutrient-dense fresh food choices, can help to keep their brains as young as their bodies! Adding medicinal mushroom supplements into the diet, such as the ones mentioned in this article, can help to further enhance a healthy lifestyle by providing the body with natural sources of anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antioxidant, and neurotrophic factors.