Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Also known as: Hericium erinaceus, Yamabushitake, Hou Tou Gu, monkey head mushroom, bearded tooth mushroom, lions mane, lion's mane extract
Lion's mane is an edible tooth fungus whose fruiting body and mycelium contain hericenones and erinacines alongside beta-glucan polysaccharides. It is the most studied mushroom for cognitive outcomes: a 2009 Japanese trial in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and a 2023 pilot in young adults both used oral powder or extract for several weeks. Formulators use it in focus, memory, and mood products. Fruiting-body extracts are typically standardized to beta-glucans, whereas mycelium-on-grain powders can carry substantial starch from the growth substrate, so the source material should be stated on the label.
Research summary
Hericenones and erinacines are studied for stimulation of nerve growth factor synthesis in cell and animal models; beta-glucans are thought to act on gut-associated immune tissue.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | 500–1,000 mg | 3,000 mg | — |
Doses are for a concentrated fruiting-body extract; whole-powder trials used up to 3 g per day. Commonly taken once daily with food. Cognitive trials ran 8 to 16 weeks, so effects are expected to build gradually rather than acutely. Extract ratio (for example 8:1) and beta-glucan content vary widely between suppliers, so match by standardized beta-glucan when substituting.
Standardization: ≥25% beta-glucans (fruiting-body hot-water or dual extract)
Source material: fruiting body
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Mild, slightly savory taste; works in flavored powders and is sold commercially in gummies. Mycelium-on-grain powders are bulkier per unit of active than fruiting-body extracts.
Formulation notes
No notable formulation interactions. Ensure suppliers specify fruiting body versus mycelium and provide beta-glucan (not total polysaccharide) assays, because starch from grain substrate inflates polysaccharide numbers.
Sources
- Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. (Mori 2009)PubMed
- The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. (Docherty 2023)PubMed
- Examine.com — Lion's ManeExamine
Related ingredients
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Amino acidAn acetylated form of carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than carnitine itself and donates acetyl groups for acetylcholine synthesis.
Typical: 500–2,000 mg
L-Theanine
Amino acidAn amino acid found naturally in green tea that promotes a calm, focused state without sedation.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Ginkgo Biloba Extract
NootropicA leaf extract from the ginkgo tree standardized to flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, long used in memory and circulation formulas.
Typical: 120–240 mg
Rhodiola Rosea Extract
BotanicalA root extract from an arctic and alpine plant, standardized to rosavins and salidroside, that is used in energy, focus, and stress formulas.
Typical: 200–600 mg
Magnesium L-Threonate
MineralA magnesium salt of L-threonic acid, a vitamin C metabolite, developed at MIT as a form that raises brain magnesium in animal models.
Typical: 100–144 mg