Lion’s Mane is a medicinal mushroom shown to support brain function to enhance memory, focus, and mood. It’s found on hardwood trees and owes its name to the white, cascading growth resembling a lion's mane. It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to balance Yin and Yang and improve the flow of vital energy. Researchers today are identifying bioactive compounds in Lion’s Mane mushrooms that can stimulate nerve growth, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve immunity.

Considered a delicacy in Asian cuisine, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been enjoyed raw, cooked, or dried and steeped in teas for ages. It has gained popularity globally in recent years thanks to its rich umami taste similar to seafood. Many vegans use it to replace crab and lobster in dishes. For those more interested in their medicinal rather than culinary benefits, Lion’s Mane is available in tablets, powders, and tinctures. 

Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Thanks to an abundance of biologically active compounds found within, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been shown to improve immune response, accelerate metabolism, and slow down the aging process. Their nerve regenerating properties show great potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases and support cognitive and mental health. Studies have also shown the ability of Lion’s Mane to balance the gut, improve cardiovascular health, and regulate blood sugar.  

Cognitive and Mental Health

Lion’s Mane Mushroom is best known for its effects on the brain, proving to be not only good for the mood, but also good for the mind. Clinical studies have measured Lion’s Mane’s ability to protect healthy nerves and promote nerve outgrowth and regrowth, which are known to increase cognitive functioning. In Asia, Lion’s Mane has been used to treat cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic stroke. 

In recent years, extensive research on medicinal mushrooms has been conducted to assess their potential for treating depression and anxiety as safer alternatives to pharmaceutical therapies. A 2019 study from China demonstrated that Lion’s Mane extract effectively restored the depleted levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brains of stressed animals. This implies that Lion’s Mane may be a complementary or alternative medicine for the treatment of mental health conditions. 

Gut Health

Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of digestive diseases, Lion’s Mane mushroom has recently shown beneficial effects on the digestive tract, especially the gut lining. In one study, Lion’s Mane protected the gut by reducing H. pylori, the bacteria that causes ulcers.

Immune Health

By supporting the gut, Lion’s Mane mushroom enhances immunity as well.  A strong immunity starts in the gut, and Lion’s Mane has shown to benefit bacteria in the intestines that activate the immune system. 

Cardiovascular Health

Results from a 2014 Malaysian study look promising for people with cardiovascular disease and those who are at risk of stroke. In the study, Lion’s Mane mushroom lowered cholesterol levels and helped prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream.  These findings suggest that Lion’s Mane can help prevent plaque in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke and improving heart health overall. 

Metabolic Health

Lion’s Mane mushroom may help lower blood sugar levels. Lion’s Mane has shown to block the digestion of carbs by blocking an enzyme in the lower intestine, effectively lowering glucose levels.  

How much Lion’s Mane should I take?

While Lion's Mane mushrooms have been consumed for medicinal purposes since ancient times, there is no standard dosage. The safest, most beneficial amount depends on factors like your age, overall health, and the condition being treated. Recommended doses of Lion’s Mane can vary based on whether it is used as a therapeutic treatment or a preventative supplement. For example, some researchers recommend 3 to 5 grams per day to improve cognition. In a 2020 study, people with mild Alzheimer’s disease symptoms showed significantly improved cognitive function after taking three 350-mg Lion’s Mane capsules daily for 49 weeks.  In another example of a therapeutic dosing, participants took three 400-mg capsules daily for eight weeks and noted improved scores in relief of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. 

Most Lion’s Mane manufactures recommend 500 mg twice a day up to four times a day with a maximum of four grams. Talk with your healthcare provider about the right dosage for you. OLO's THE ZONE contains a low 66 mg/mL dose of Lion’s Mane and combines Vitamin B₁₂ for an added cognitive boost. We recommend taking 1-2 mL of THE ZONE once or twice daily to boost stamina and focus.

What are the side effects of Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s Mane mushroom is generally well tolerated. In one clinical study, mild stomach discomfort and diarrhea were reported in some participants when one gram of Lion's Mane mushroom was taken three times a day over 16 weeks. No other adverse reactions were reported. 

Anyone with allergies or sensitivities to mushrooms should avoid Lion’s Mane. Due to lack of research, pregnant or lactating women should consult with their healthcare provider before considering Lion’s Mane. It is generally recommended that the elderly and children avoid excessive consumption of mushrooms. Additionally, individuals taking medications or herbs should exercise caution when using mushrooms due to the potential for interactions with their bioactive compounds.

If you are interested in the health benefits of Lion’s Mane mushroom, consult with your physician. Whether you forage in the woods, visit your local produce market, or purchase a tincture off the shelf or online, Lion’s Mane may be the perfect addition to your wellness routine for increased focus and clarity.

‍

Resources

Research Studies

‍

1. Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec25;21(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31881712/  

2. Grozier CD, Alves VA, Killen LG, Simpson JD, O'Neal EK, Waldman HS. Four Weeks of Hericium erinaceus Supplementation Does Not Impact Markers of Metabolic Flexibility or Cognition. Int J Exerc Sci. 2022 Oct 1;15(2):1366-1380. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36582308/  

3. Wong JY, Abdulla MA, Raman J, Phan CW, Kuppusamy UR, Golbabapour S, Sabaratnam V. Gastroprotective Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract against Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24302966/  

4. Rupcic Z, Rascher M, Kanaki S, Köster RW, Stadler M, Wittstein K. Two New Cyathane Diterpenoids from Mycelial Cultures of the Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus and the Rare Species, Hericium flagellum. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Mar 6;19(3):740. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29509661/   

5. Li W, Lee SH, Jang HD, Ma JY, Kim YH. Antioxidant and Anti-Osteoporotic Activities of Aromatic Compounds and Sterols from Hericium erinaceum. Molecules. 2017 Jan 11;22(1):108. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28085076/  

6. Łysakowska P, Sobota A, Wirkijowska A. Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review. Molecules. 2023 Jul 14;28(14):5393. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37513265/  

7. Friedman M. Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds. J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Aug 19;63(32):7108-23 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26244378/  

8. Rahman MA, Abdullah N, Aminudin N. Inhibitory effect on in vitro LDL oxidation and HMG Co-A reductase activity of the liquid-liquid partitioned fractions of Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Persoon (lion's mane mushroom). Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:828149. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24959591/  

9. Wong JH, Ng TB, Chan HHL, Liu Q, Man GCW, Zhang CZ, Guan S, Ng CCW, Fang EF, Wang H, Liu F, Ye X, Rolka K, Naude R, Zhao S, Sha O, Li C, Xia L. Mushroom extracts and compounds with suppressive action on breast cancer: evidence from studies using cultured cancer cells, tumor-bearing animals, and clinical trials. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2020 Jun;104(11):4675-4703. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32274562/#full-view-affiliation-1 

10.  Li W, Zhou W, Kim EJ, Shim SH, Kang HK, Kim YH. Isolation and identification of aromatic compounds in Lion's Mane Mushroom and their anticancer activities. Food Chem. 2015 Mar 1;170:336-42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25306354/ 

11.  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. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7283924/ 

General Information 

12.  Lion’s Mane Mushroom - Uses, Side Effects  https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1536/lions-mane-mushroom  

13. Alexandra Perez, Erica Julson, June 29, 2023 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom#safety-and-side-effects  

14. Wilson, Lindsay, Eight Powerful Mushrooms You Should Know About https://www.naturalgrocers.com/health-hotline-article/magic-mushrooms-no-not-kind 

15. Lion's Mane Mushroom; 2022 https://www.drugs.com/npp/lion-s-mane-mushroom.html#18844328