Lion’s Mane

Two small clinical trials suggested that Lion’s mane improved cognition, but they need to be confirmed by larger, long-term studies. Our search identified:

• 3 pilot clinical trials
• Several preclinical studies

Two small placebo-controlled clinical trials suggest that Lion’s mane may improve cognition in healthy patients or individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In one study, patients with MCI took 3 grams of Lion’s mane per day over 16 weeks. Lion’s mane improved performance on a cognitive test, but cognitive performance declined after the treatment period ended, suggesting that it may not have lasting benefits [1]. In the other study, healthy participants took Lion’s mane (3.2 grams per day) over 12 weeks and cognitive performance was measured with three tests [2]. Cognition improved on only one of the three tests during the treatment period. However, the cognitive test that showed improvement was designed to measure dementia, so it is unclear how relevant these results are to already healthy individuals. Both clinical trials were very small, and further evidence is needed to determine whether Lion’s mane is beneficial for reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Preclinical studies suggest that Lion’s mane may reduce inflammation and biological markers of Alzheimer’s (i.e., amyloid plaques), improve cognition, and increase the release of nerve growth factor, a protein that can increase the length of nerve cell processes [3; 4; 5; 6; 7].

For Dementia Patients

One small clinical trial in patients with Alzheimer’s disease suggested that Lion’s mane treatment over 49 weeks improved activities of daily living (e.g., personal hygiene, dressing, preparing food, etc.). However, there were no significant improvements in cognition compared to the placebo group, possibly due to the low number of patients in the study [8]. There is currently no evidence from large-scale randomized controlled trials that suggests that Lion’s mane supplements are safe or beneficial for dementia patients.

There is little published data on the safety of Lion’s mane. Clinical trials suggest it may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or skin rash [1; 8]. In addition, there is a case report of an individual who suffered from severe acute respiratory failure which was possibly related to consumption of Lion’s mane [9]. Overall, there is very little safety data concerning the use of Lion’s mane. There have not been any large-scale randomized controlled trials that suggest Lion’s mane supplements are safe for long-term use or that its benefits for cognitive health outweigh its risks.

NOTE: This is not a comprehensive safety evaluation or complete list of potentially harmful drug interactions. It is important to discuss safety issues with your physician before taking any new supplement or medication.

Lion’s mane is available over the counter as a supplement and as a food product. Clinical trials have tested up to 3 grams of Lion’s mane per day [1; 2]. These supplements were derived from the fruiting body of the mushroom. However, different studies have tested different preparations of the mushroom (e.g. the fruiting body, mycelium, etc.), and Lion’s mane supplements sold over the counter are prepared in different ways.

Find out more information on Lion’s mane at drugs.com

Full scientific report (PDF) on Cognitive Vitality Reports

1. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K et al. (2009) Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res 23, 367-372.
2. Saitsu Y, Nishide A, Kikushima K et al. (2019) Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomed Res 40, 125-131.
3. Tsai-Teng T, Chin-Chu C, Li-Ya L et al. (2016) Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. J Biomed Sci 23, 49.
4. Chen CC, Tzeng TT, Chen CC et al. (2016) Erinacine S, a Rare Sesterterpene from the Mycelia of Hericium erinaceus. J Nat Prod 79, 438-441.
5. Tzeng TT, Chen CC, Chen CC et al. (2018) The Cyanthin Diterpenoid and Sesterterpene Constituents of Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Ameliorate Alzheimer's Disease-Related Pathologies in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 19.
6. Mori K, Obara Y, Moriya T et al. (2011) Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid beta(25-35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. Biomed Res 32, 67-72.
7. Mori K, Obara Y, Hirota M et al. (2008) Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Biol Pharm Bull 31, 1727-1732.
8. Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH et al. (2020) Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci 12, 155.
9. Nakatsugawa M, Takahashi H, Takezawa C et al. (2003) Hericium erinaceum (yamabushitake) extract-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome monitored by serum surfactant proteins. Intern Med 42, 1219-1222.