Leeuwenkop pharmZ is a startup focused on developing and promoting the use of lion’s mane mushrooms, for supply to upmarket restaurants in Cape Town and surrounds.

Lion’s mane aka Hericium erinaceus can be used as a replacement for crustaceans in restaurants. As a fresh product it can be used in the place of crab crayfish and lobster, thereby providing a vegan option to health conscious patrons. Compounds in this mushroom include hericenones and erinacines which have been proven to boost nerve growth factor in the brain. These compounds can reverse age or injury induced neuro-degeneration and thereby positively affect mental health and well-being.