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Top 7 Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom You Should Know About

By Patrick Dougherty

With its distinctive, cascading and shaggy spines, Lion's Mane Mushroom has been prized for centuries in traditional medicine, cuisine, and cultural practices, particularly in East Asia. In this ultimate guide, we're covering everything you need to know about lion's mane: Its history in cuisine and herbalism, modern uses for brain health, emerging areas of study for immune support and more. Let's get to it!

Key Takeaways

  • Renowned as a culinary delicacy, lion's mane mushroom has a mild, seafood-like flavor and a meaty texture, making it a popular ingredient in plant-based cooking.
  • It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Japanese herbalism (Kampo) to support various aspects of wellness.
  • Modern research suggests the mushroom's polysaccharides, especially hericenones and erinacines, may be its most helpful compounds for supporting brain health.
  • Lion's mane is available in various forms in dietary supplements, such as powders, capsules, and liquid extracts. It may be in single-ingredient or multi-ingredient (stacks) supplements.
  • Lion's mane mushroom is considered one of the best nootropics for cognition and brain health

Top 7 Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom

  1. Some researchers suggest lion’s mane may help cognitive function and memory by raising nerve growth factor (NGF).
  2. Researchers have suggested lion’s mane may help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, potentially due to its support in neurogenesis.
  3. Enhanced focus and mental clarity: Lion's Mane may support focus, concentration, and mental performance, particularly under stress
  4. In early clinical studies, some researchers have suggested Lion's Mane may hold potential for helping with age-related brain issues and mild cognitive impairment.
  5. Lion's Mane mushroom contains beta-glucans and polysaccharides suggested to support a healthy and balanced immune system response.
  6. Lion's mane has also been linked to gut health by supporting the integrity of the intestinal lining and encouraging healthy gut bacteria (the microbiome).
  7. Antioxidant properties: Lion's Mane contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative damage, supporting overall health and longevity.

We'll discuss these various benefits throughout this lion's mane mushroom guide.

How to Use Lion’s Mane

  • Available in fresh, dried, powdered, and extract forms, lion’s mane can be incorporated into meals, teas, or taken as a supplement.
  • Common Lion's mane dosages for supplementation range from 500 mg to 3,000 mg per day, depending on the intended use and product concentration.
  • Lion’s mane is generally well-tolerated, with minimal reported side effects and no addiction risk. However, individuals with mushroom allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution.
  • Always consult with your doctor before starting any dietary supplements, including lion's mane mushroom supplements.

Best Supplement with Lion's Mane mushrooms

  • The best Lion's Mane supplement is actually a stack: Mind Lab Pro® (MLP®). It has 11 brain-boosting nootropics total, including 500 mg of organic lion's mane extract. Mind Lab Pro for 30 days has been linked to cognitive and memory benefits in well-designed human clinical research trials.

What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

What is lion’s mane mushroom? A cluster of lion’s mane mushrooms are growing on a fallen tree.

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a distinctive, shaggy, white fungus resembling a lion’s mane, traditionally used in East Asian herbalism for its potential benefits to brain and gut health.

Known for its mild, sweet, seafood-like flavor and meaty texture, it is both a culinary delicacy and a popular nootropic supplement for enhancing cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Lion’s mane mushroom grows naturally on hardwood trees such as oak, beech, and maple, often found on decaying or dying wood in temperate forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives in shaded, moist environments, typically emerging in late summer through fall.

Learn more about Lion's Mane habitat

There are two forms of Lion's Mane out there:

  1. Lion's mane mycelium: Like all fungi, lion’s mane starts as a network of mycelium: a web of "threads" that absorbs nutrients from their surroundings help to decompose organic material.
  2. Lion's mane fruiting body: The mycelium is the foundational part of lions mane, but the shaggy white fruiting body that grows above ground is what people harvest.

Cultivators can grow lion’s mane indoors or outdoors on hardwood sawdust or logs, mimicking its natural habitat to produce the distinctive, cascading spines that characterize this unique mushroom.

Learn more about Lion's Mane growth

Did you know? Lion's mane supplements can be made of mycelium, fruiting body or a combination of both. Quality is important. Some lower quality products include mycelium grown in grains that may end up in the finished product -- negatively impacting both potency and effectiveness.

Lion’s mane’s unique combination of culinary appeal, rich history, and emerging nootropic potential makes it a versatile and fascinating addition for both diet and wellness routines.

Traditional Herbalism

Lion’s Mane is used in traditional herbalism. Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are shown before a parchment with writing in Chinese.

Traditional herbalism practitioners have long used lions mane mushroom for promoting longevity, enhancing mental clarity, and soothing gastrointestinal concerns.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), lion’s mane is known as hou tou gu (monkey head mushroom) and has been used for its purported beneficial effects for overall health, particularly the brain, digestive system, and immune function.

In Japanese herbalism, the mushroom is called yamabushitake and is associated with neurological and gut health. Its reputation as a "nerve tonic" is deeply rooted in its historical usage to assist with issues related to the nervous system and cognitive decline.

Spiritual Significance

Lion’s Mane has spiritual significance in Asia. Yamabushi Buddhist monks are crossing a red bridge in a beautiful natural setting in rural Japan.

In Japan, Lion's Mane is closely associated with Buddhist monks, particularly the yamabushi (mountain ascetics), who sought enlightenment through nature and rigorous training. In fact, the mushroom’s name, yamabushitake, reflects this connection. It is believed that its calming effects on the mind and body aligned with meditative practices, making it a symbol of mental clarity and focus.

Culinary Traditions

Lion’s Mane culinary traditions. Several shaggy lion’s mane mushrooms are on a black plate sitting on a bamboo mat.

Beyond its medicinal uses, lion’s mane has long been appreciated as a culinary delicacy in China, Japan, and Korea. Its tender, seafood-like texture and subtle umami flavor make it a popular ingredient in soups, stir-fries, and vegetarian dishes. Some dishes featuring Lion's mane include:

  • Lion’s Mane Stir-Fry (China): Lion’s mane mushroom combined with all sorts of ingredients, including garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vegetables like bok choy or bell peppers.
  • Lion’s Mane Soup, or Hou Tou Gu Tang (China): Lion’s mane mushroom, chicken or vegetable broth, ginger, goji berries, and herbs like ginseng or Chinese dates.
  • Tempura Lion’s Mane (Japan): Lion’s mane mushroom, tempura batter (flour, egg, water), dipping sauce (soy sauce, mirin, dashi), and vegetable oil.
  • Mushroom Hot Pot or Beoseot Jeongol (Korea): Lion’s mane, other mushrooms, tofu, vegetables (zucchini, onion, spinach), gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and garlic.
  • Lion’s Mane Coconut Curry (Thailand): Lion’s mane mushroom, coconut milk, curry paste, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and vegetables like eggplant or sweet potato.
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Rendang (Indonesia): Lion’s mane mushroom, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, chili, turmeric, and spices like cinnamon and star anise.

These lion's mane mushroom recipe notes highlight its versatility, its ability to absorb flavors and its unique texture, which pairs well with a variety of traditional and modern culinary styles.

As a food, Lion’s mane mushrooms' good taste and wholesome nutrition come at a price: They are relatively expensive compared to common mushrooms like button or shiitake.

Lion's mane is becoming easier to find in the U.S., though, especially in health food stores, specialty grocery stores, and farmers' markets. It is not yet a common item in mainstream supermarkets.

Fresh lion’s mane is more likely to be available in areas with a strong interest in gourmet or functional foods, while dried or powdered forms are widely accessible online and in natural health stores.

Symbolism in Asian Cultures

The mushroom's unique appearance and health-promoting properties have made it a symbol of vitality, strength, and resilience in various Asian cultures. In folklore, lion’s mane is sometimes linked to mental sharpness and wisdom, further solidifying its association with brain health.

Modern Rediscovery

Today, lion’s mane is experiencing a global resurgence, with its traditional uses inspiring modern research into its nootropic and neuroprotective properties. This blend of ancient wisdom and scientific exploration continues to elevate its status as both a functional food and a potent nootropic herb with great potential for human health. Let's take a look at how it is supposed to work.

What Does Lion’s Mane Mushroom Do?

What Does Lion’s Mane Mushroom Do? A shaggy lion’s mane mushroom is shown growing on a split log.

Lion’s mane mushroom, especially active compounds called hericenones and erinacines, appear to raise levels of beneficial nerve growth factor (NGF). The exact biomechanics remain unclear.(1)

Lion’s Mane mushroom’s NGF-boosting properties position this natural brain-booster as a healthy, effective support supplement for structural brain support, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity.

The Relationship Between Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Cognition

The Relationship Between Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Cognition. Illustration of nerves firing.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) assists with the growth of nerve cells, or neurons, the basic cellular units of nervous tissue.

Along with BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), another key brain-building factor, NGF plays a key role in various cognitive functions such as memory and learning.

Specifically, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is involved in the following cognitive pathways:

  • Promotes growth, development, and survival of brain cells
  • Differentiates “blank” stem cells into specialized neurons
  • Organizes and maintains neurons throughout the nervous system
  • Regulates synaptic plasticity and other key structural activities related to memory and learning

Lion's mane mushrooms are most highly regarded for NGF support. When we look at NGF's far ranging impact on brain function, it's easy to see why Hericium erinaceus supplementation is rapidly gaining popularity.

Lion’s mane is associated with nerve growth factor. A hand is holding a lion’s mane mushroom at a market.

Healthy levels of NGF may be associated with:

Neural Regeneration: NGF promotes the growth and repair of neurons, helping to heal from cellular damage caused by aging and stress, as well as supporting brain injury recovery. These processes, including neurogenesis (creation of new brain cells) are key for nervous system health.

Neuroplasticity: By fostering the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, NGF enhances neuroplasticity, a key mechanism for learning, memory, and adapting to new experiences. This adaptability allows the brain to reorganize itself throughout life.

Cell-to-Cell Signaling: NGF improves communication between neurons, enabling efficient signaling that powers everything from basic sensory functions to complex cognitive tasks.

Brain Cell Replication: Healthy NGF levels encourage the replication of brain cells, replacing old or damaged neurons and maintaining cognitive reserves. This helps mental sharpness as we age.

Neuroprotection: NGF shields neurons from damage caused by inflammation, oxidative stress, and other harmful factors. This protective role is vital for preserving brain health and proactively addressing cognitive decline.

    Suboptimal NGF levels may be associated with:

    Memory and Cognitive Issues: Low NGF levels can disrupt neural connectivity and plasticity, making it harder to form new memories or retrieve stored information. This can lead to noticeable memory impairments and difficulty recalling important details, impacting daily activities.

    Mood Disturbances: NGF plays a role in regulating mood by modulating neurotransmitters. Insufficient NGF levels can lead to imbalances in mood-related chemicals, contributing to persistent sadness, “blue moods,” or difficulty maintaining a positive outlook.

    Age-Related Cognitive Decline: As people age, lower NGF levels are associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition characterized by reduced memory and cognitive processing. MCI can serve as an early warning sign of more serious neurodegenerative problems.

      By supporting NGF levels, Lion's Mane mushroom supplements and foods may help address these issues and promote brain health over time.

      Possible Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits. Illustration of a glowing brain suspended above an open palm.

      By promoting such a foundational brain health factor as NGF, lion’s mane mushroom’s benefits are potentially wide-reaching.

      There’s no denying the long-term advantages of healthy ongoing NGF activity, hence many seeking cognitive enhancement or brain health support are interested in lion’s mane mushroom. It may very well be the best mushroom nootropic available.

      In addition to (and a result of) NGF activity, according to researchers, health benefits of Lion’s Mane supplementation may include:

      Cognitive Function Enhancement

      Oral intake of lion’s mane mushroom has shown promising potential in improving both cognitive function and mood.

      Lion's mane for mild cognitive impairment

      In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving men and women aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment, researchers investigated the effects of lion’s mane at a dosage of 750 mg daily over a 16-week period. Cognitive performance was measured using the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) before supplementation and at intervals during the study.

      Participants in the lion’s mane group demonstrated a significant increase in cognitive performance compared to the placebo group, though scores declined sharply after supplementation stopped. The researchers concluded: “Yamabushitake [lion’s mane] is effective in improving mild cognitive impairment.”(2)

      Cognitive function enhancement. A chart demonstrating improvement in cognitive function linked with Lion’s mane in clinical research.

      Lion's mane for depression and anxiety support

      Lion's mane for depression and anxiety support. Emoji faces ranging from sad to happy are suspended above an open hand.

      In addition to its cognitive benefits, lion’s mane may also support mood regulation.

      In a study that included thirty female subjects, participants were randomly assigned to eat cookies containing 0.5g (500 mg) of powdered lion’s mane or a placebo for four weeks. Researchers reported that the women who took lion’s mane reported significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to the placebo group. Based on this result, researchers suggested a potential role for lion’s mane in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Researchers concluded that “[lion’s mane] intake has the possibility to reduce depression and anxiety and these results suggest a different mechanism from NGF-enhancing action of H. erinaceus.”(3)

      In addition to NGF-boosting properties, some researchers suggest Lion’s Mane mushroom may also possess anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that lion's mane may help alleviate symptoms associated with major depressive disorder by interacting with nerve growth factor.(4)

      The combination of NGF enhancement and inflammation regulation potentially explains why lion’s mane is also associated with improvements in depression and anxiety, which are linked to chronic inflammation.

      These findings seem to align with results from lab and animal studies, which highlight lion’s mane's potential to support both mood and cognitive function, including mild cognitive impairment associated with aging.

      Post-Injury Recovery

      As the brain and body develop during infancy, NGF plays an important role in healthy development. Beyond full maturation, NGF is still important to brain health maintenance and recovery — even repair after an injury to the brain.

      • In one key study on the protective effects of lion’s mane mushroom performed on an animal model of ischemic stroke, lion’s mane demonstrated a decrease in size of stroke-related injury by 44%.(5) These findings pair well with another animal study that observed a reduction in recovery time by 23-41% with lion’s mane when given to rats with nerve injury.(6)

      Did you know? One pilot study from Japan has suggested potential for Lion's mane mushroom to help with cognitive decline concerns related to mild Alzheimer's disease, but far more research is needed to approach making such claims. It's important to remember that only a doctor can manage Alzheimer's.(7)

      Research: Lion's Mane Nootropic Stack Supplement

      Research Lion's Mane Nootropic Stack Supplement. Three scientists wearing lab coats inside a laboratory are discussing a beaker and taking notes.

      Mind Lab Pro is a popular nootropic supplement designed to support cognitive performance, mental clarity, and overall brain health. It combines a blend of carefully chosen herbal supplement ingredients, each with unique benefits for the brain.

      One of its standout components is organic Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) extract. Lion’s Mane plays a key role in driving the overall benefits of Mind Lab Pro, contributing 500 mg of brain nourishment to the formula's research-backed benefits across two human clinical trials.

      • In one study, researchers reported that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro for 30 days experienced significant improvements (when compared to those taking placebo) in performing information processing tasks involving simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT) and anticipation; all of which are rooted in focus, attention and quick thinking. Researchers concluded MLP® may be especially promising for adults working in high-pressure environments that require fast and arate decision-making.(8)
      • A second study found that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro may enhance memory. The study demonstrated significant improvements across all memory functions that were tested, including auditory, visual, visual working, immediate and delayed recall memory. Researchers concluded that the most extraordinary benefits associated with MLP® were in the areas of immediate and delay-recall memory, linking these functions to practical day-to-day functionality such as remembering names, places and locations of objects like car keys.(9)

      Stacking Lion's mane with other nootropics appears to be a force multiplier. Pre-made stack supplements like Mind Lab Pro that include sufficient dosages of Lion's Mane are good Hericium erinaceus supplement options for those who want broader-range nootropic benefits.

      Did you know? Beyond its reputation as a nootropic brain-booster, some researchers in early clinical trials have hypothesized lion's mane may have some immune-modulating, inflammation-regulating effects.(10)

      Lion's Mane Mushrooms Dosage Notes

      Lion's Mane Mushrooms Dosage Notes. A wooden spoon full of lion’s mane mushroom tendrils is surrounded by capsules on a wood table.

      How much Lion’s Mane should you take?And how much Lion's mane is too much? Let's do a quick rundown of lion's mane dosage ranges.

      • Lion’s mane supplements typically provide between 250 mg and 2,500 mg, depending on individual needs and desired effects.
      • Beginners can start with 500-1,000 mg per day to gauge tolerance and watch for side effects.
      • For nootropic benefits like improved focus, memory, mood, and brain health, a daily dose of 500-1,500 mg is often suggested.
      • Older adults managing mild cognitive decline may benefit from higher doses of 2,000-3,000 mg daily, as supported by some studies.

      However, clinical trials are somewhat lacking on lion’s mane mushroom, so there is no definitive “best recommended” lion’s mane mushroom dosage yet.

        Learn more about Lion's Mane Mushroom Dosage

        It is crucial to choose a high-quality lion's mane supplement and check product labels for the source of the ingredient to ensure you are getting the mushroom itself and not just mycelium.

        Different Forms of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

        Different Forms of Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Closeup of shaggy lion’s mane.
        • Raw Lion’s Mane: many enjoy straight-up uncooked lion’s mane mushroom, which is tasty — though oddly seafood-like.
        • Plain Powder: scoopable lion’s mane powder that may be added to water, coffee, juice, smoothies, etc.
        • Lion’s Mane Extract: a more potent form of lion’s mane supplying (ideally) a full spectrum concentrate of this mushroom’s bioactive constituents Lion’s Mane Std. Extract: depending on the supplement, lion’s mane extract may be standardized anywhere from 30% to 50% (or more) polysaccharides, namely hericenones and erinacines.
        • Lion’s Mane Tea: as lion’s mane mushroom increases in popularity, you’re apt to see more consumable-type forms of this awesome mushroom, such as lion’s mane teas, liquid drink mixes, etc.

        Note that the ideal lion’s mane mushroom form supplies a full spectrum of lion’s mane’s bioactive constituents at a potent bioavailable concentration.

          Of course, consuming Lion’s Mane Mushroom itself will deliver benefits, but not to the same extent or as quickly as using a full spectrum, concentrated extract. This is why we recommend using a smaller dose of a much more potent extract.

          Lion's Mane Mushroom FAQ

          Q: Should you take Lion's Mane every day? Yes, you should take Lion’s Mane every day if you want to see the biggest improvements in learning, focus, and memory function. Daily supplementation of Lion’s Mane offers potential health benefits, such as improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation. Using Lion’s Mane daily produces the biggest increases in NGF, and thus the biggest increases in neuron growth. Most of the clinical trials showing significant results from Lion’s Mane supplements used a full spectrum mushroom extract daily for several weeks. In our experience, this is exactly how to get the most out of Lion’s Mane.

          Q: Are there any side effects with Lion's Mane Mushroom? Either as food or as a supplement, Lion’s Mane mushroom is widely consumed and generally considered safe. Both in clinical research and anecdotal reporting, lion’s mane mushroom has little to no significant reports of side effects; however, some reviews have noted rare adverse reactions, namely, occasional gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort.

          Q: Are there other benefits? Some studies suggest that lion’s mane may help manage blood sugar levels, but it's far too early to tell. Further research is needed to confirm its potential to help lower blood sugar levels. Benefits for gut health and immune function have more evidence, but also still require more research to make any meaningful health claims.

          Q: How do you cook lion's mane mushrooms? To cook lion’s mane mushroom, slice it into thick pieces and sauté in a hot pan with a little oil or butter until golden brown, allowing it to release its natural moisture and develop a meaty texture. It pairs well with garlic, herbs, and seasonings, and can be added to stir-fries, soups, or enjoyed as a standalone dish. How long to cook lion's mane mushroom depends on the size of the mushroom; typically it takes about 5-10 minutes to be done, golden brown and slightly crispy.

          Q: How to clean lion's mane mushrooms? To clean lion's mane mushroom, gently brush off dirt with a soft brush or paper towel, trim the woody base, and lightly rinse only if necessary to avoid soaking.

          Q: What does lion's mane mushroom taste like? Lion’s mane mushroom has a mild, savory flavor often compared to seafood, such as crab or lobster, with a slightly meaty and tender texture.

          Q: How to store lion's mane mushrooms? Store lion’s mane mushrooms in a paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel inside the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent excess moisture buildup. With this approach you can keep your lion's mane fresh for about 5-7 days.

          Q: Where can I buy lion's mane mushrooms? You can purchase raw and dried lion's mane mushrooms at specialty grocery stores, health food markets, farmers' markets, and online retailers. You can buy the best lion's mane supplement Mind Lab Pro right here.

          Best Supplement With Lion's Mane: Mind Lab Pro®

          Best Supplement With Lion's Mane: Mind Lab Pro. Four MLP bottles sit atop a blue wall.

          If you are looking to purchase lion's mane, consider Mind Lab Pro®: today's top nootropic stack supplement.

          Organic lion's mane mushroom is one of the formula's featured ingredients, playing a key role in promoting nerve growth factor. So if you're looking to take lion's mane for brain and cognitive benefits, specifically, this might be the perfect formula for you.

          Mind Lab Pro® works as a whole-brain optimizer.

          That means it enhances several different brain pathways at the same time.

          As a result, Mind Lab Pro® can do what no other nootropic stack can do, unlocking benefits for:

          Mind Lab Pro® Supplies 500 mg of Premium Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom

          This lion's mane dosage is in range of human lion's mane clinical research studies.

          Because Mind Lab Pro is a clean, safe supplement, it can be taken as a single serving for lion's mane mood support (500 mg); or double-dosed to hit the 1000 mg lion's mane dosage that has been associated with longer-range brain health benefits.

          Let's take a look at the full list of Mind Lab Pro®'s 11 ingredients:

          Mind Lab Pro® is Backed By Research.

          Mind Lab Pro® is one of the only nootropic supplements on the market that has been the subject of rigorous clinical human trials, including double-blind placebo-controlled research.

          The studies show MLP may improve brain function across several key memory and cognitive function markers, including benefits like:

          1. Significant improvements in cognitive test scores related to information processing tasks involving simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT) and anticipation.(8)
          2. Significant improvements across all memory functions that were tested, including auditory, visual, visual working, immediate and delayed recall memory.(9)

          Mind Lab Pro® is Clean and Safe.

          Mind Lab Pro is the best formula of its kind because it is high quality, across the board:

          • Research-backed nootropic ingredients, including top-shelf organic lion's mane mushroom extract, that have been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in multiple human clinical trials
          • No artificial colors, no preservatives, no GMO, no gluten, no caffeine or stimulants, no soy and no synthetic additives.
          • Premium vegan NutriCaps®: Clean, clear pullulan naturally fermented from tapioca; no unsafe or synthetic capsule ingredients.

          This unique formula's quality delivery and clean label helps each nootropic contained in each capsule to reach their full cognitive function potential without adverse effects.

          Summary

          Lion's mane mushroom has been a culinary staple and health-promoting herb in eastern traditions for thousands of years. With over 2,000+ fungus species used in traditional herbal health practices, most “medicinal mushrooms" are typically appreciated for their immune support benefits. However, Lion’s Mane mushroom is unique in that it seems to more directly improve brain health — and by that token: brain performance.

          By stimulating nerve growth factor, Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements help keep your nervous system structurally intact, well beyond the natural dip in NGF we all inevitably experience with age. In turn, lion's mane may help with memory deficits, brain fog, mood and other cognitive concerns. Beyond the brain, it may help with gut health, immune function and more.

          Sure, there are plenty of other awesome effective mushrooms for general health and fitness upkeep. But none benefit cognitive performance quite as well as lion’s mane mushroom. If you’re curious to see this fungus in action, start with Hericium erinaceus intake of about 500-750mg (eaten raw or as a supplement). Add it to your daily routine, and give the mushroom at least 30 days before evaluating its effects.

          References

          1. Lai PL et al. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013; 15(6): 539-54.
          2. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2634. PMID: 18844328.
          3. Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7.
          4. Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 25;21(1):163. doi: 10.3390/ijms21010163. PMID: 31881712; PMCID: PMC6982118.
          5. Lee KF et al. Protective effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its isolated erinacine A against ischemia-injury-induced neuronal cell death via the inhibition of iNOS/p38 MAPK and nitrotyrosine. Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Aug 27; 15(9): 15073-89.
          6. Wong KH et al. Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Following Crush Injury to Rat Peroneal Nerve by Aqueous Extract of Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae). Evid based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 580752.
          7. Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, Chen WP, Lu TH, Lee LY, Chen YW, Chen YP, Chen CC, Lin DP. Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020 Jun 3;12:155. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155. PMID: 32581767; PMCID: PMC7283924.
          8. Utley A, Gonzalez Y, Imboden CA. The Efficacy of A Nootropic Supplement on Information Processing in Adults: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res 49(1)-2023. BJSTR. MS.ID.007746
          9. Abbott-Imboden C., Gonzalez Y., Utley A. (2023). Efficacy of the nootropic supplement Mind Lab Pro on memory in adults: Double blind, placebo-controlled study. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, e2872. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2872
          10. Chau SC, Chong PS, Jin H, Tsui KC, Khairuddin S, Tse ACK, Lew SY, Tipoe GL, Lee CW, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Hericium erinaceus Promotes Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Regulation of Metabolites in an Animal Model of Cerebellar Ataxia. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 23;24(7):6089. doi: 10.3390/ijms24076089. PMID: 37047062; PMCID: PMC10094689.

          These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

          This article is an opinion and explanation of current research given by the author. It is not an expression of a medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as such.

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