Lion's Mane

Last Updated: October 30, 2023

Lion's mane, Hericium erinaceus, is a culinary and medicinal mushroom. Lion’s mane appears to have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties in the brain.

dosageDosage
examine-databaseExamine Database
research-feedResearch feed

Lion's Mane is most often used for

What is lion’s mane?

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom known for its soft spines and seafood-like flavor; it is commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications. It grows on substrates like dead wood and contains bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and terpenoids, and has a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Where do the many names of lion's mane come from?

What is the nutritional value of lion’s mane?

What are the main benefits of lion’s mane?

Lion's mane is noted for its potential neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, which may enhance cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions, though clinical evidence is limited. Some studies suggest improvements in cognitive function and reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, but the results vary and often require continuous intake to maintain benefits.

Does lion’s mane benefit metabolic health?

What are some other potential benefits of lion’s mane?

In what other context is lion’s mane used?

Does lion’s mane affect the gut microbiome?

What are the main drawbacks of lion's mane?

The main drawbacks of lion's mane include potential side effects such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and skin rash, although these adverse effects are not commonly observed at the recommended dosages and are still a topic of studies.

How does lion’s mane work?

Lion's mane contains bioactive compounds, particularly hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor in brain cells, which promotes neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Additionally, it may enhance myelination, exhibit antidepressant-like effects, and provide cholesterol-lowering and antitumor benefits through the activation of macrophages.

What are other names for Lion's Mane?
Note that Lion's Mane is also known as:
  • Hericium erinaceus
  • Monkey's Head
  • Houtou (infrequent)
  • Igelstachelbart
  • Pom Pom Blanc
  • Hedgehog Mushroom
  • Satyr’s Beard
  • Yamabushitake
  • Lion's Mane
  • lion's mane
Dosage information

Clinical studies investigating lion's mane mushroom have utilized dosages ranging from 1050–3000 mg, divided into three to four daily doses. Nevertheless, the optimal dose remains uncertain, and the minimum effective concentration may vary depending on the specific target system.[1][2][3][4]

Supplements Demystified: Get Our Unbiased, Evidence-Based Guide

Examine Database: Lion's Mane
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

Update History
2023-10-30 00:30:03

Small correction

minor

We slightly misreported a study finding (PMID: 32581767). We mistakenly said that lion's mane both improved and didn't improve scores on the IADL evaluation. It now (correctly) states that it improved IADL scores.

Written By

Giulia Guerrini

Reviewed By

Nick Milazzo

Research Breakdown

🚧 Under Renovation 🚧

The information in this section is slated for renovation — it will soon be transformed into a more usable (and readable!) form in the coming months. As such, the text in this section may be out of date and not up to Examine’s current standards for writing style.

References
  1. ^Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida TImproving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialPhytother Res.(2009 Mar)
  2. ^I-Chen Li, Han-Hsin Chang, Chuan-Han Lin, Wan-Ping Chen, Tsung-Han Lu, Li-Ya Lee, Yu-Wen Chen, Yen-Po Chen, Chin-Chu Chen, David Pei-Cheng LinPrevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled StudyFront Aging Neurosci.(2020 Jun 3)
  3. ^Saitsu Y, Nishide A, Kikushima K, Shimizu K, Ohnuki KImprovement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus.Biomed Res.(2019)
  4. ^Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki KReduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intakeBiomed Res.(2010 Aug)
  5. ^Thongbai et alHericium erinaceus, an amazing medicinal mushroomMycol Progress.(2015-09-16)
  6. ^Jiang S, Wang S, Sun Y, Zhang QMedicinal properties of Hericium erinaceus and its potential to formulate novel mushroom-based pharmaceuticals.Appl Microbiol Biotechnol.(2014-Sep)
  7. ^Vigna L, Morelli F, Agnelli GM, Napolitano F, Ratto D, Occhinegro A, Di Iorio C, Savino E, Girometta C, Brandalise F, Rossi PImproves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers?Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2019)
  8. ^Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LWTherapeutic Potential of for Depressive Disorder.Int J Mol Sci.(2019-Dec-25)
  9. ^Mori K, Obara Y, Hirota M, Azumi Y, Kinugasa S, Inatomi S, Nakahata NNerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells.Biol Pharm Bull.(2008-Sep)
  10. ^Kolotushkina EV, Moldavan MG, Voronin KY, Skibo GGThe influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro.Fiziol Zh (1994).(2003)
  11. ^Łysakowska P, Sobota A, Wirkijowska AMedicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review.Molecules.(2023-Jul-14)
  12. ^Grozier CD, Alves VA, Killen LG, Simpson JD, O'Neal EK, Waldman HSFour Weeks of Supplementation Does Not Impact Markers of Metabolic Flexibility or Cognition.Int J Exerc Sci.(2022)
  13. ^Abdulla MA, Fard AA, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Ismail SPotential activity of aqueous extract of culinary-medicinal Lion's Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in accelerating wound healing in rats.Int J Med Mushrooms.(2011)
  14. ^Hiwatashi K, Kosaka Y, Suzuki N, Hata K, Mukaiyama T, Sakamoto K, Shirakawa H, Komai MYamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.(2010)
  15. ^Yang BK, Park JB, Song CHHypolipidemic effect of an Exo-biopolymer produced from a submerged mycelial culture of Hericium erinaceus.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.(2003-Jun)
  16. ^Ghosh S, Nandi S, Banerjee A, Sarkar S, Chakraborty N, Acharya KProspecting medicinal properties of Lion's mane mushroom.J Food Biochem.(2021-Jun-24)
  17. ^Joseph M Rootman, Maggie Kiraga, Pamela Kryskow, Kalin Harvey, Paul Stamets, Eesmyal Santos-Brault, Kim P C Kuypers, Zach WalshPsilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controlsSci Rep.(2022 Jun 30)
  18. ^Xiao-Qian Xie, Yan Geng, Qijie Guan, Yilin Ren, Lin Guo, Qiqi Lv, Zhen-Ming Lu, Jin-Song Shi, Zheng-Hong XuInfluence of Short-Term Consumption of Hericium erinaceus on Serum Biochemical Markers and the Changes of the Gut Microbiota: A Pilot StudyNutrients.(2021 Mar 21)
Examine Database References
  1. Depression Symptoms - Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki KReduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intakeBiomed Res.(2010 Aug)
  2. Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms - I-Chen Li, Han-Hsin Chang, Chuan-Han Lin, Wan-Ping Chen, Tsung-Han Lu, Li-Ya Lee, Yu-Wen Chen, Yen-Po Chen, Chin-Chu Chen, David Pei-Cheng LinPrevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled StudyFront Aging Neurosci.(2020 Jun 3)
  3. Cognitive Decline - Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida TImproving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialPhytother Res.(2009 Mar)