Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus contains two families of bioactive compounds found almost nowhere else: hericenones (in the fruiting body) and erinacines (in the mycelium). In laboratory and animal studies these stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons — the mechanistic basis for the cognitive-support claims. Lion's Mane also appears to dampen NF-κB–driven neuroinflammation in preclinical models.¹

Cognitive support: the most-cited trial randomized older adults with mild cognitive impairment to ~3 g/day of fruiting-body powder for 16 weeks and found improved cognitive scores versus placebo — though the benefit faded after participants stopped taking it.¹³

Focus and stress (healthy adults): several small acute and short-term (28-day) studies in healthy young adults have shown faster processing speed or reduced subjective stress on some measures, with null results on others.²

Commonly 500–3,000 mg/day of fruiting-body powder or extract, often split. Clinical trials have used up to 3 g/day; benefits in the cognition studies appeared over weeks rather than acutely, and reversed after stopping. Look for fruiting-body sourcing with a stated beta-glucan content rather than mycelium-on-grain.¹²

Oral, as capsules, powders, or extracts; also eaten as a culinary mushroom.

Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

Human evidence is limited and inconsistent, and "extract" preparations vary widely (fruiting body vs. mycelium-on-grain, extract ratios), which makes cross-study comparison hard. Generally well tolerated; occasional GI upset or skin reactions have been reported. Talk to your provider before use, especially if you take other medications.