Lion’s Mane Mushrooms and Brain Health
A little summation of this fascinating mushroom and the state of scientific research
Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has long been a culinary and medicinal staple in Asia, but in recent years, it has captured the imagination of researchers worldwide. With its shaggy white appearance resembling a lion’s mane, this mushroom is more than just a striking visual—it’s packed with compounds that may enhance brain health. Scientists are buzzing about its potential to support memory, cognition, and even protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The team at North Spore has been following the science around lion’s mane since its inception and late last year we attended the world’s preeminent medicinal mushroom conference in Bari, Italy, the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference. Here’s a little summation of this amazing mushroom and the state of lion’s mane science.
What makes lion’s mane so special? It’s all about its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for brain cell growth and maintenance. Think of NGF as the brain’s fertilizer—helping neurons thrive, form new connections, and even repair damage. That’s why this mushroom has become a hot topic in the world of neuroplasticity and brain health. With the potential to boost memory and protect the brain from aging, it’s no wonder people are paying attention.
Scientists have zeroed in on two key bioactive compounds in lion’s mane: hericenones and erinacines. These compounds, found in different parts of the mushroom, can cross the blood-brain barrier and are thought to fuel neuronal regeneration. The fact that lion’s mane has been safely consumed as food for centuries only adds to its appeal. Could this natural remedy be a game-changer for cognitive health?
One of the most talked-about studies on lion’s mane focused on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often seen as a precursor to Alzheimer’s. Conducted in Japan, the study tracked 30 participants between the ages of 50 and 80 who took lion’s mane supplements for 16 weeks. By the end, those taking lion’s mane showed noticeable improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group. But there was a catch—when they stopped taking the supplement, their cognitive scores declined again. This suggests that the benefits of lion’s mane might only last as long as you keep taking it.
Another study explored whether lion’s mane could enhance memory in healthy adults with no signs of cognitive decline. Over 12 weeks, participants took daily lion’s mane supplements, but the results were underwhelming. While there was a slight boost in one memory test, the overall cognitive benefits weren’t groundbreaking. This suggests that lion’s mane might be more effective for people experiencing some level of cognitive impairment rather than those with already sharp memory and focus.
Researchers have also tested lion’s mane in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. In one pilot study, patients took an erinacine A-enriched lion’s mane extract for nearly a year. Those in the lion’s mane group maintained better cognitive function and improved their ability to perform daily tasks compared to those taking a placebo. While the cognitive improvements weren’t statistically significant, the better day-to-day functioning hinted at real-world benefits. The study was small, though, and scientists emphasize the need for larger trials to confirm these findings.
But lion’s mane isn’t just about memory—it might also have a role in mental health. One small study examined its effects on menopausal women struggling with anxiety and depression. After four weeks of eating lion’s mane-enriched cookies, the women reported feeling less anxious and irritable, with improved focus. While preliminary, these results suggest that lion’s mane could influence mood and emotional well-being, possibly by supporting overall brain function.
So, what’s happening in the brain when someone takes lion’s mane? The answer lies in its ability to promote nerve regeneration. Studies show that lion’s mane triggers NGF production, helping neurons grow and repair themselves. In lab experiments, neurons exposed to lion’s mane extract extended their branches more extensively, forming new connections crucial for learning and memory. In animal studies, mice given lion’s mane supplements grew more new neurons in the hippocampus—a brain region essential for memory.
Lion’s mane also appears to help combat some of the damaging processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest it may reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, the toxic clumps of protein that interfere with brain function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, calming overactive immune cells in the brain that can contribute to cognitive decline. In other words, lion’s mane doesn’t just stimulate brain growth—it also helps clear out the bad stuff that can lead to neurodegeneration.
Beyond memory and aging, lion’s mane has shown promise in neurological injury models. In animal studies, it has been found to protect dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson’s disease, reduce brain damage after strokes, and even promote the repair of nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries. These findings suggest that lion’s mane may have broader neuroprotective benefits beyond just boosting cognition.
Despite all this promise, there are still some big questions. Most human studies on lion’s mane have been small—typically involving fewer than 50 participants—and short in duration. We still don’t know the optimal dose for cognitive benefits or whether certain extracts work better than others. Additionally, while animal studies have shown dramatic effects, humans are much more complex. Until larger clinical trials are conducted, it’s hard to say just how powerful lion’s mane really is.
That said, lion’s mane is generally considered safe. It’s been eaten as food for centuries, and clinical studies report minimal side effects. A few people have experienced mild digestive discomfort or skin rashes, and there has been a rare case of an allergic reaction, but overall, it’s well tolerated. Those with mushroom allergies should be cautious, but for most people, lion’s mane appears to be a low-risk supplement.
So, should you rush out and buy lion’s mane supplements like the ones that North Spore produces? It depends. If you’re looking for a scientifically proven way to supercharge your brain, the evidence, though supportive, isn’t quite conclusive. But if you’re interested in a natural, low-risk supplement that seems to support brain health and protect against cognitive decline, lion’s mane is certainly worth considering adding to your routine. At the very least, it’s a fascinating example of how nature might hold keys to brain health that we’re only beginning to understand. I take lion's mane daily and have noticed changes in my sharpness and mood. Is that just anecdotal evidence? Definitely, but I’ll be continuing to take it as a supplement.
The wonderful thing about mushrooms is that they are both medicine and food. Don’t love the idea of taking a pill or lion’s mane supplement? You can always grow it and consume it for its nutrition instead. Maybe that dietary addition will end up helping protecting your mind.
As research into lion’s mane continues, we may soon learn just how powerful this mushroom really is. If future studies continue to confirm its benefits, lion’s mane could become even more of the go-to supplement for brain support, especially for aging populations. Until then, it remains an enticing, if not yet fully proven, ally for the mind.
Sources
Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving cognitive function with Hericium erinaceus: a double-blind placebo-controlled study on older adults. Phytotherapy Research.
Saitsu, Y., Kubo, A., Niikura, T., et al. (2021). Neuroprotective effects of lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.
Zhang, C. C., Li, C., Chen, S., et al. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium delays Alzheimer’s progression in animal models. Neuroscience Letters.
Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., et al. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by Hericium erinaceus intake in menopausal women. Biomedical Research.
Wang, L., Zhang, Z., Zhao, L., et al. (2019). Lion’s mane mushroom and neurogenesis: Stimulating nerve growth factor and neurite outgrowth. Molecular Brain Research.