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Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) through hericenones and erinacines — supports cognition, nerve repair, and brain health.
What the evidence says
Most Lion's Mane studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2008–2026 with a typical study size of 34 participants.
Based on 44 studies · 8 RCTs · 7,246 total participants
Confidence
HighBy outcome
See full supplement plans that include Lion's Mane.
Lion's Mane has an evidence score of 7/10 — strong evidence based on 43 indexed studies. Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) through hericenones and erinacines — supports cognition, nerve repair, and brain health.
The commonly studied dose of Lion's Mane is 500-3000mg daily. Research points to an estimated optimal dose around 2500mg, with a minimum effective dose near 1000mg. Individual response varies — start low and adjust.
The best time to take Lion's Mane is in the morning. Taking it with food is preferred. Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) contains hericenones (in the fruiting body) and erinacines (in the mycelium) that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis.
Omega-3
Probably helpsEssential fatty acids critical for brain health, mood regulation, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Likely helpsAcetylated carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier to fuel mitochondrial energy and donate acetyl groups for acetylcholine synthesis.
Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 39 studies · how we score
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Lion's Mane is a medicinal mushroom with unique compounds (hericenones and erinacines) that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. This makes it particularly interesting for cognitive health, nerve regeneration, and potentially neuroprotective effects. Benefits may take 4+ weeks to manifest.
Increases nerve growth factor production
May support growth of new brain cells
May support nerve insulation repair
How Lion's Mane works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
500-3000mg daily
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Fruiting body extract (1:1 or higher) | Recommended |
| 💊Dual extract (water + alcohol) | Alternative |
| 🧪Powder | Alternative |
CRITICAL: Use fruiting body extract, NOT 'mycelium on grain' which is mostly starch. Look for 1:1 extract ratio or higher. Beta-glucan content should be listed.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken any time of day. Morning is common for cognitive benefits throughout the day. Some take divided doses.
You can get lion's mane from these foods and drinks. Doses are typical per-serving estimates — actual content varies by brand, brew, cooking, etc.
3000 mg per 3 ozs
3 oz fresh, sautéed. The supplement is a concentrated extract (typically 500–1000 mg per dose).
Based on limited RCT data showing improved Stroop task performance in young adults and cognitive function in older adults. Effects are gradual and develop over weeks. Bioavailability varies significantly between forms (fruiting body > dual extract > mycelium on grain).
Improved memory and mental clarity
Reduced anxiety and improved mood
Benefits develop slowly over weeks
Insufficient safety data; not recommended
May be particularly beneficial for age-related cognitive decline
May have mild antiplatelet effects — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy
May lower blood sugar
Tip: Take with food; reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue if occurs; may indicate mushroom allergy
Both support neuroplasticity and memory
Synergistic cognitive enhancement
Both support brain structure and function
Comprehensive brain health support
Both mushroom-derived compounds supporting brain health
Comprehensive neuroprotection
Lion's mane promotes nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis for neurogenesis, while sage inhibits AChE to maintain acetylcholine levels — together they support both structural brain health and neurotransmitter function.
Comprehensive cognitive support through neurogenesis (lion's mane) and cholinergic enhancement (sage)
Lion's Mane is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are digestive discomfort, skin rash (allergic). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Mushroom allergy; Bleeding disorders (may affect clotting).
L-Theanine
Likely helpsTea-derived amino acid that boosts alpha brain waves for calm, focused alertness — synergizes with caffeine to reduce jitteriness.
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