Lion's mane
Hericium erinaceus · Brain
Mushroom extract promoted for nerve growth factor and memory.
What the evidence says
A handful of small human trials, mostly in older adults with mild impairment. Extrapolating those to healthy young brains is not supported.
What studies used
500–3,000 mg extract daily. Daily.
Reported from published studies and product labelling — a record of what was used in research, not a recommendation. What is right for you is a conversation with a clinician.
Evidence base
established literature
Real human evidence: randomised trial reports, or review-level evidence backed by at least one human trial report.
This letter measures how much human research exists, not whether it works for you — the tier above (Limited) is the read on quality.
Research (12)
- Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceusInt J Mol Sci · 2023
- Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential-A Narrative ReviewNutrients · 2025
- Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceusBiomed Res · 2019
- Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialPhytother Res · 2009
- Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic reviewFront Nutr · 2025
- Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive CompoundsJ Agric Food Chem · 2015
- Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intakeBiomed Res · 2010
- Hericium erinaceus in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond, How Far from the Shoreline?J Fungi (Basel) · 2023
- Hericium erinaceus, a medicinal fungus with a centuries-old history: Evidence in gastrointestinal diseasesWorld J Gastroenterol · 2023
- Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive DisorderInt J Mol Sci · 2019
- Hericium erinaceus: A possible future therapeutic treatment for the prevention and delayed progression of Alzheimer's disease? - A narrative reviewNutr Res Rev · 2025
- The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot StudyNutrients · 2023
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