Research Snapshot
Lion's Mane
A synthesis of the peer-reviewed evidence for Lion's Mane across cognition, nerve support, memory and neuroprotection, graded by scientific consensus and reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Board.
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CognitionCan Hericium erinaceus improve cognitive function?
Evidence from 40 studies
What the research shows
Multiple randomized controlled human trials using Hericium erinaceus fruiting-body extracts and powders have reported improvements in cognitive function measures, ranging from acute dosing effects in healthy adults to sustained improvements over weeks in older adults with mild cognitive changes. This human evidence is further supported by a large body of consistent animal and mechanistic research showing neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, though sample sizes in human trials remain relatively small and further large-scale confirmation is warranted.”,
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Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan) | Saitsu Y, Nishide A, Kikushima K | 81 | 2019
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Double Blind Study
A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested oral Hericium erinaceus fruiting-body supplementation on cognitive function in adults. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) showed significant improvement and prevention of cognitive decline in the Hericium group compared to placebo, while other tests showed trends but not significance.
Nutrients | Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF | 37 | 2023
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Double Blind Study
This pilot RCT examined both acute (60 min) and chronic (28-day) effects of 1.8g Hericium erinaceus fruiting-body extract on cognitive function, stress, and mood in healthy young adults. Analysis revealed improvements in cognitive performance and mood measures following both acute and chronic supplementation compared to placebo.
Phytotherapy research : PTR | Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K | 256 | 2009
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Double Blind Study , Highly Cited
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) fruiting-body dry powder tablets to older adults with mild cognitive impairment for 16 weeks. The treatment group showed significantly greater improvement on a cognitive function scale (based on the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale) compared to placebo, with effects diminishing after discontinuation.
Frontiers in nutrition | Surendran G, Saye J, Binti Mohd Jalil S | 1 | 2025
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Animal Trial , Double Blind Study
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study examined the acute effects of a single 3g dose of standardized Hericium erinaceus fruiting-body extract (10:1) on cognition and mood in healthy young adults. The study directly measured immediate cognitive and mood changes following intake compared to placebo.
Nerve SupportCan Hericium erinaceus support nerve health?
Evidence from 13 studies
What the research shows
These studies suggest that Hericium erinaceus can support nerve health by promoting nerve regeneration, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and protecting against neurodegenerative conditions.
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International Journal of Molecular Sciences | P. Chong et al. | 74 | 2019
Highly Cited , Systematic Review
Lion's mane mushroom (H. erinaceus) promotes the expression of neurotrophic factors, which are associated with cell proliferation and nerve growth factors.
Frontiers in Nutrition | M. Chou et al. | 4 | 2022
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Animal Trial
The complex extract of chlorella and lion's mane mushroom improved depression behavior in animals and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
Annals of Innovation in Medicine | G. David et al. | n/a | 2023
Comprehensive Review
Lion's Mane has a positive impact on nerve recovery and is emerging as a potent dietary supplement.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration | M. Muhana et al. | 0 | 2023
Double Blind Study
Lion's Mane has shown anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and promoting neurite growth in various cell and animal models.
MemoryCan Hericium erinaceus support recognition memory?
Evidence from 10 studies
What the research shows
These studies suggest Hericium erinaceus can support recognition memory.
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Nutrients | M. Monica et al. | 0 | 2023
Randomized Control Trial (RCT)
Nordic Lion's Mane extract improved working memory, complex attention, and reaction time 2 hours post ingestion.
International journal of medicinal mushrooms | A. Fijalkowska et al. | 0 | 2023
Controlled experimental study
Lion's mane (HE) supplementation in mice led to long-term memory improvement.
Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters | S. Ryu et al. | 22 | 2020
In Vitro Trial
The neurotrophic constituents of lion's mane mushroom may support the potential use of memory improvement.
Journal of ethnopharmacology | S. Lee et al. | 13 | 2020
In Vitro Trial
Lion's mane mushroom has been traditionally used for memory impairment.
NeuroprotectionCan Hericium erinaceus support neuroprotection?
Evidence from 19 studies
What the research shows
These studies suggest Hericium erinaceus supports neuroprotection by stimulating nerve growth, regulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting neuronal survival and regeneration.
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International journal of biological macromolecules | Xirui He et al. | 129 | 2017
Highly Cited , Literature Review
H. erinaceus polysaccharides have been demonstrated to possess neuroprotection and neuroregeneration properties.
Molecules | Chun-Hsien Hsu et al. | 1 | 2023
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Animal Trial , In Vivo Experiment
Micronized Hericium erinaceus (HEM) showed excellent antioxidant efficacy and could recover dopamine levels in mice striatum.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences | Zeljka Rupcic et al. | 56 Citations 4 Influential | 2018
In Vitro Trial
Erinacines from Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) act on BDNF and NGF expression, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects.
Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association | I. Basko et al. | 0 | 2023
Literature Review
Lion's Mane (LM) has potential neuroprotective actions, including stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) and preventing and treating neurological conditions.
Reviewed by Experts
Every research snapshot is checked by our independent Scientific Advisory Board: physicians, botanists and pharmacology researchers who verify the evidence grading and its interpretation.
Kerry Hughes
M.Sc., RH(AHG), FDN-P
Ethnobotanist & herbalist; Berkeley Herbal Center; principal at EthnoPharm.
View full profile →Lance Dreher
PhD, Nutritional Counseling
Performance nutrition & conditioning; four decades of applied training science.
View full profile →Dr. Lindsey Faucette
DO, FAAFP
Board-certified in Family & Integrative Medicine; Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
View full profile →Francisco Chacon
PhD, Plant Biology
Botanical natural products & phytochemistry researcher, Penn State University.
View full profile →Meet the full Scientific Advisory Board →
How We Grade Consensus
For each benefit we retrieve the relevant peer-reviewed literature and classify every study by whether its findings support (Yes), partially or conditionally support (Possibly), or do not support (No) the claim. The donut shows the share of studies in each category; N is the number of studies analyzed for that benefit.
Grades reflect the weight and direction of the current evidence, not a guarantee of outcome, and the interpretation is verified by the Scientific Advisory Board.