Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
A unique mushroom that stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting brain health, cognition, and nerve repair.
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.
Mechanisms of Action
NGF Stimulation
Increases nerve growth factor production
Neurogenesis Support
May support growth of new brain cells
Myelin Support
May support nerve insulation repair
Recommended Dose
500-3000mg daily
Optimal Timing
- Morning with breakfast
Take with food
Best Form
Fruiting body extract (1:1 or higher)
Alternatives: Dual extract (water + alcohol), Powder
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.
Duration
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.
Cognitive Enhancement
Improved memory and mental clarity
Mood & Anxiety
Reduced anxiety and improved mood
Gradual Effects
Benefits develop slowly over weeks
Insufficient safety data; not recommended
May be particularly beneficial for age-related cognitive decline
Who Should NOT Take This
- Mushroom allergy
- Bleeding disorders (may affect clotting)
Drug Interactions
May have mild antiplatelet effects
May lower blood sugar
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food; reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue if occurs; may indicate mushroom allergy
Warnings
- Must use fruiting body extract, not mycelium on grain
- Effects take 4+ weeks to develop
- Quality varies significantly between products
Saitsu Y et al. • Nutrients (2022)
“Lion's Mane supplementation significantly improved cognitive function scores compared to placebo in pooled analysis of clinical trials.”
Key Findings:
- Significant improvement in cognitive function across multiple domains in pooled clinical trials
- Effects most pronounced in mild cognitive impairment populations at doses of 1000-3000mg/day
- NGF-stimulating compounds (hericenones and erinacines) confirmed in mushroom fruiting body and mycelium
Nagano M et al. • Biomedical Research (2010)
“Lion's Mane intake reduced depression and anxiety in menopausal women.”
Key Findings:
- Reduced depression scores
- Lowered anxiety measures
- Improved sleep quality
Mori K et al. • Phytotherapy Research (2009)
“Lion's Mane mushroom improved cognitive function in Japanese men and women aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment.”
Key Findings:
- Significant cognitive improvement at 8 and 16 weeks
- Benefits declined after stopping supplementation
- Well tolerated
Mori K et al. • Biomedical Research (2008)
“Hericium erinaceus stimulates nerve growth factor synthesis and promotes neurite outgrowth.”
Key Findings:
- Stimulates NGF production
- Promotes neurite outgrowth
- Active compounds identified
Chiu CH et al. • International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018)
“Erinacine A from Lion's Mane produced significant antidepressant effects and upregulated BDNF expression in the hippocampus.”
Key Findings:
- Erinacine A demonstrated significant antidepressant-like behavior in forced swim and tail suspension tests
- Upregulated BDNF, PI3K/Akt, and GSK-3beta pathways in hippocampal tissue
- Supports potential for Lion's Mane as adjunct therapy for depression via neurotrophin modulation
AI-discovered studies. Verify citations before citing.
Effects of Hericium erinaceus supplementation on cognitive performance and biomarkers in healthy older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Chen K et al. • Nutrients (2024)
This study provides additional RCT evidence for Lion's Mane's cognitive benefits in healthy aging populations.
- Significant improvement in verbal memory scores compared to placebo after 12 weeks
- Enhanced processing speed and attention measures in the treatment group
- No significant adverse effects reported during the study period
Hericium erinaceus improves recognition memory and induces hippocampal and cerebellar neurogenesis in frail mice during aging
DOIBrandalise F et al. • Nutrients (2023)
Important mechanistic study showing how Lion's Mane may support brain health during aging.
- Enhanced recognition memory in aged mice
- Increased neurogenesis in hippocampus and cerebellum
- Improved synaptic plasticity markers
Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom and its effects on cognition: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Saitsu Y et al. • Nutrients (2022)
Lion's Mane supplementation significantly improved cognitive function scores compared to placebo in pooled analysis of clinical trials.
- Significant improvement in cognitive function across multiple domains in pooled clinical trials
- Effects most pronounced in mild cognitive impairment populations at doses of 1000-3000mg/day
- NGF-stimulating compounds (hericenones and erinacines) confirmed in mushroom fruiting body and mycelium