Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Snapshot
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal fungus known for supporting cognitive function, nerve health, and immune resilience.
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s Mane is an edible and therapeutic mushroom characterized by cascading white spines; it contains bioactive compounds such as hericenones and erinacines that cross the blood–brain barrier.
Where It Comes From
Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, Lion’s Mane grows on hardwood trees; cultivated fruiting bodies and mycelial extracts are available in powders, capsules, and teas.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Active constituents include hericenones (from fruiting body) and erinacines (from mycelium), which stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, along with polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals.
Health Benefits
Lion’s Mane supports neurogenesis and cognitive clarity; may reduce anxiety and depression; promotes immune system modulation; and supports gastrointestinal health via mucosal protection.
Recommended Dosage
Typical doses range from 500 mg to 3 g daily of fruiting body extract standardized to 20% polysaccharides; mycelial extracts (1–2 g) are used for nervous system support.
How to Use It
Take capsules or powders with water or add to beverages; use consistently for at least 4–8 weeks to observe cognitive or mood benefits.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals seeking natural cognitive enhancement, nerve health support, mood regulation, or immune resilience; suitable for aging populations or those under mental stress.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Generally well tolerated; rare reports of skin rash or digestive discomfort; consult a healthcare provider if on immunosuppressive or anticoagulant medications.
Final Thoughts
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a promising nootropic and adaptogenic fungus that supports brain health, mood, and immunity, backed by emerging clinical research.
Scientific Studies
Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceum) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009;23(3):367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634
Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa T. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231–237. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231
Li G, et al. Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in vitro. J Agric Food Chem. 2018;66(8):1829–1838. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b06304