Lions Mane Mushroom
The Mind Mushroom
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a striking, shaggy mushroom long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support memory, focus, and longevity. Its nickname comes from its flowing, mane-like appearance—but it’s the brain that benefits most from this natural nootropic.
Lion’s Mane is especially popular for its reported effects on cognition, mood, and long-term brain health. Users often report sharper focus, mental clarity, and a lift in mood—without the overstimulation of caffeine or synthetic nootropics.
*The research below is provided for informational purposes only and does not refer to this specific product.
The Research:
Cognitive Function and Memory Support
Study: Mori, K., et al. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Journal: Phytotherapy Research
Key Takeaway: Participants with mild cognitive impairment showed significant improvements in cognitive scores after 16 weeks of Lion’s Mane supplementation.
Why it matters: Suggests Lion’s Mane may support memory and cognitive function in aging brains.
Mood and Anxiety Regulation
Study: Nagano, M., et al. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake.
Journal: Biomedical Research
Key Takeaway: Lion’s Mane significantly reduced scores for anxiety and depression in healthy women after four weeks.
Why it matters: Indicates Lion’s Mane may improve emotional well-being and resilience.
Nerve Growth and Neurogenesis
Study: Wong, K. H., et al. (2016). Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration.
Journal: International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms
Key Takeaway: Lion’s Mane stimulated nerve regeneration in animal models, likely due to enhanced NGF synthesis.
Why it matters: Supports the use of Lion’s Mane for neuroprotection and nervous system repair.
Neuroprotective Effects in Alzheimer’s Models
Study: Zhang, Z., et al. (2016). Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its isolated erinacine A protects against amyloid β-induced neurotoxicity.
Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Key Takeaway: Erinacine A reduced amyloid plaque accumulation and protected against neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease models.
Why it matters: Suggests Lion’s Mane may help protect the brain against neurodegeneration.
Safety and Tolerability
Study: Beshara, M., et al. (2019). The effects of four-week supplementation with Lion’s Mane mushroom on mood and sleep in healthy adults: A pilot study.
Journal: F1000Research
Key Takeaway: No significant adverse effects were reported; Lion’s Mane was well-tolerated in healthy adults.
Why it matters: Supports the safe use of Lion’s Mane in everyday supplementation.