Lion's Mane

    Written by:
    Giulia Guerrini

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    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.

    Lion's Mane is most often used for Brain Health. The Examine Database covers Alzheimer’s Disease, Anxiety, and 3 other conditions and goals.

    18 references on this page
    101 participants in 3 trials

    What is lion’s mane?

    Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom belonging to the Hericiaceae family, recognized by its soft pendant projections (spines) measuring 1–4 cm in length. Lion’s mane typically requires a substrate like dead wood to grow, but it can also be cultivated on other substrates such as artificial logs or in a liquid matrix for larger-scale production. Lion’s mane can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Its mature fruiting body has a fleshy, tough, and watery texture, and it’s known for its seafood-like flavor, reminiscent of crab, shrimp, or lobster.[5][6]

    Lion’s mane contains a range of bioactive compounds, including high-molecular-weight substances like polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucans) and low-molecular-weight compounds such as terpenoids, which usually require the use of solvents such as methanol or ethyl acetate to be extracted due to their limited solubility in water.[5][6]

    Notably, lion’s mane has been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia, but it was initially described in North America and later in Europe.[5]

    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 has gained recent popularity due to its potential neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, which may improve cognitive function and symptoms associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the existing clinical trial evidence supporting these claims remains limited.

    In one randomized controlled trial (RCT), individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease were given three 350 mg capsules daily of Hericium erinaceus mycelia enriched with 5 mg/g of erinacine (an active compound in lion’s mane) for 49 weeks. Although the group taking lion’s mane scored higher than the placebo group in the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) test compared to baseline, no significant differences were observed in other tests used to assess mild to moderate dementia (MMSE, CASI, and NPI).[2] Another clinical study, using 3 g of lion's mane powder in capsule form, showed notable improvements in cognitive function for individuals with general mild cognitive decline. Cognitive improvement relative to the control group was observed, with the degree of improvement increasing over time. However, cognitive function reverted to baseline levels 4 weeks after the discontinuation of lion’s mane treatment, suggesting the need for a continuous intake to maintain its effect.[1] Additionally, one RCT involving healthy participants taking 3.2 g of lion’s mane daily demonstrated improved scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test compared to the placebo group. Although this may indicate lion’s mane’s potential for preventing cognitive decline in older adults, other tests of cognitive function in this study did not yield similar results.[3]

    Lion’s mane is also being investigated for its potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Two studies, one involving menopausal women[4] and another including overweight or obese individuals,[7] reported improvements following supplementation with lion's mane. However, both studies had limitations in their design and targeted people belonging to specific demographic groups rather than the general population.[8]

    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 side effects of lion’s mane are still under investigation, but adverse effects have not typically been seen at the recommended dosage. The symptoms reported by study participants have included nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and skin rash.[2][1]

    How does lion’s mane work?

    Lion’s mane contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its properties. Notably, hericenones (primarily found in the mushroom’s fruiting body) and erinacines (concentrated in the mushroom’s mycelia) have been shown to stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) in astrocytes (a type of non-neuronal brain cell) located in the hippocampus.[9] NGF is responsible for regulating neuronal cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival in the brain, and increased NGF levels have been associated with improved neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. There are different types of hericenones, and most of them appear to contribute to the biosynthesis of NGF. Hericenone B has also demonstrated potential in preventing thrombosis (blood clots) and increasing blood flow, both of which play a role in dementia.[3][8] Additionally, lion’s mane has shown the capacity to enhance the myelination (production of myelin sheath) of neurons in vitro.[10]

    Another key compound in lion’s mane is beta-glucan. In vitro studies have suggested that beta-glucans may have two beneficial effects: a cholesterol-lowering effect and an antitumor effect. The latter is due to the activation of macrophages, which are crucial components of the innate immune system and which play a role in the neuroregeneration processes within the central nervous system.[3]

    Animal studies have also observed that lion’s mane might exhibit antidepressant-like effects by restoring depleted serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the hippocampi of restraint-stressed mice. However, the precise mechanism through which lion’s mane modulates the concentrations of these neurotransmitters remains unclear.[8]

    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]

    Examine Database: Lion's Mane

    Research FeedRead all studies

    Frequently asked questions

    What is lion’s mane?

    Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom belonging to the Hericiaceae family, recognized by its soft pendant projections (spines) measuring 1–4 cm in length. Lion’s mane typically requires a substrate like dead wood to grow, but it can also be cultivated on other substrates such as artificial logs or in a liquid matrix for larger-scale production. Lion’s mane can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Its mature fruiting body has a fleshy, tough, and watery texture, and it’s known for its seafood-like flavor, reminiscent of crab, shrimp, or lobster.[5][6]

    Lion’s mane contains a range of bioactive compounds, including high-molecular-weight substances like polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucans) and low-molecular-weight compounds such as terpenoids, which usually require the use of solvents such as methanol or ethyl acetate to be extracted due to their limited solubility in water.[5][6]

    Notably, lion’s mane has been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia, but it was initially described in North America and later in Europe.[5]

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

    The species name of Hericium erinaceus is from the Latin word erinaceus, meaning “hedgehog”. This name was first proposed by the scientist Bulliard, likely in reference to the cascading spines of lion’s mane, which resemble a hedgehog's quills. This resemblance is also reflected in various common names for lion’s mane, including the German name “Igel-Stachelbart” (hedgehog quill), and some English common names such as “bearded hedgehog” and “hedgehog mushroom”.[5]

    In Japan, lion’s mane is known as “yamabushitake”, which means “mountain priest”. This name originates from the traditional consumption of the mushroom by Japanese mountain monks known as “yamabushi”. In China, the mushroom goes by the name “猴頭菇” (Houtougu), which means "monkey head mushroom", reflecting its distinctive appearance.[5]

    What is the nutritional value of lion’s mane?

    Lion's mane, like most other medicinal mushrooms, is approximately 80–90% water, which decreases to 3–13% after drying. As a result, the fruiting bodies of medicinal mushrooms are generally low in calories (50–70% kcal/100 g).[11]

    The following table presents the nutritional values of lion’s mane (g/100 g dried mushrooms) in comparison to other commonly used medicinal and culinary mushrooms.[11]

    Common nameProtein (g/100 g)Carbohydrates (g/100 g)Lipids (g/100 g)Dietary fiber (g/100 g)Beta-glucans (g/100 g)
    Lion's mane22.3573.53.3-7.835.3
    Reishi13.3–23.642.8–82.33–5.814.814.3–23.6
    Chaga2.410.31.767.58.5
    Shiitake17.2–27.0938.1–66.01.26–2.9546.19–49.0920.0/25.3
    Cordyceps21.9–23.124.2–49.35.5–8.27.73.79

    The chemical composition of medicinal mushrooms can significantly vary due to multiple factors, including the mushroom’s strain or variety, its specific species, the cultivation conditions (e.g., air circulation, light, temperature, humidity, pH, and whether it’s cultivated in a controlled environment or in the wild), its maturity level, and the proportion of different parts of the mushroom relative to its total mass. Additionally, biological factors like the substrate or host it grows on and the presence of competing fungi in its habitat also influence its chemical composition.[5]

    Lion’s mane contains 16 different amino acids, including seven essential amino acids.[6]

    Lion’s mane also contains essential bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, which are classified as dietary fibers and are present in both the fruiting bodies and cells of the mushroom.[11]

    What are the main benefits of lion’s mane?

    Lion’s mane has gained recent popularity due to its potential neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, which may improve cognitive function and symptoms associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the existing clinical trial evidence supporting these claims remains limited.

    In one randomized controlled trial (RCT), individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease were given three 350 mg capsules daily of Hericium erinaceus mycelia enriched with 5 mg/g of erinacine (an active compound in lion’s mane) for 49 weeks. Although the group taking lion’s mane scored higher than the placebo group in the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) test compared to baseline, no significant differences were observed in other tests used to assess mild to moderate dementia (MMSE, CASI, and NPI).[2] Another clinical study, using 3 g of lion's mane powder in capsule form, showed notable improvements in cognitive function for individuals with general mild cognitive decline. Cognitive improvement relative to the control group was observed, with the degree of improvement increasing over time. However, cognitive function reverted to baseline levels 4 weeks after the discontinuation of lion’s mane treatment, suggesting the need for a continuous intake to maintain its effect.[1] Additionally, one RCT involving healthy participants taking 3.2 g of lion’s mane daily demonstrated improved scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test compared to the placebo group. Although this may indicate lion’s mane’s potential for preventing cognitive decline in older adults, other tests of cognitive function in this study did not yield similar results.[3]

    Lion’s mane is also being investigated for its potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Two studies, one involving menopausal women[4] and another including overweight or obese individuals,[7] reported improvements following supplementation with lion's mane. However, both studies had limitations in their design and targeted people belonging to specific demographic groups rather than the general population.[8]

    Does lion’s mane benefit metabolic health?

    In one study involving college students, there were no observed changes in markers of metabolic flexibility and cognitive function after 4 weeks of supplementation with twice-daily lion’s-mane-enriched muffins containing 5 g of supplement per muffin, alongside physical and cognitive tests. However, the study’s size, as well as the form and dosage of the supplement, might have affected these results. The study authors note the need to establish a minimum effective dose for lion’s mane.[12]

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

    In vitro and animal studies observed additional benefits associated with lion’s mane supplementation; although clinical research has not yet confirmed these findings.

    In a study using topically wounded rats and lion's mane water extract, it was observed that the accumulation of immune cells in the wound was reduced in the lion's mane group compared to the control.[13]

    Additionally, lion’s mane fruiting body extract was found to reduce triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic rats and increase the expression of several genes involved in fat metabolism, thus mitigating weight gain during a high-fat diet.[14] On the other hand, the mycelium of lion’s mane appeared to have cholesterol-reducing properties.[15]

    Finally, one in vitro study showed that lion’s mane extract displayed antioxidant activity, likely due to its phenolic component. It also exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with specificity for certain bacteria depending on the extraction solvent used. Furthermore, the ethanolic extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxic activity against lung adenocarcinoma cells.[16]

    In what other context is lion’s mane used?

    Lion's mane supplements are occasionally used alongside microdosing of psychedelic therapy, specifically with psilocybin-containing “magic mushrooms”, in the hope of achieving a synergetic effect on the brain. Niacin (vitamin B3) is also sometimes added to this combination due to its vasodilation properties, which are believed to enhance the bioavailability of both lion’s mane and hallucinogenic components in magic mushrooms (psilocybin). However, there aren’t many studies available on the potential benefits of taking lion’s mane with psychedelics; the few studies that have examined this combination have not reported a significant impact on mental health beyond what is observed with psychedelics alone.[17]

    Does lion’s mane affect the gut microbiome?

    Not much research has been done in this area. One small, single-blinded RCT found that short-term lion’s mane supplementation led to a change in the relative abundances of the bacterial species in the gut microbiomes of the participants who took lion’s mane. Some of the bacteria whose abundances changed include Bifidobacterium longum, Bacteroides caccae, Streptococcus thermophilus, and some bacteria (e.g., Roseburia and Faecalibacterium) known for producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additionally, lion’s mane appeared to temporarily increase both the richness and evenness of the participants’ gut microbiota, with some retention effect after the treatment ceased.[18] This means that more species of gut bacteria were detectable after supplementation with lion’s mane, but no specific species or group of bacteria stood out, and it’s not clear whether there were actually more species present after supplementation, or whether the total abundance was simply raised so that more species passed the threshold of detection. Furthermore, participants in this study already had high levels of alpha-diversity, so even if there was a significant increase in diversity, this does not translate into a clinically relevant improvement. Finally, it’s important to highlight that this study involved only 13 participants, so more extensive clinical trials are necessary to further explore the potential benefits of lion’s mane on gut health.

    What are the main drawbacks of lion's mane?

    The side effects of lion’s mane are still under investigation, but adverse effects have not typically been seen at the recommended dosage. The symptoms reported by study participants have included nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and skin rash.[2][1]

    How does lion’s mane work?

    Lion’s mane contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its properties. Notably, hericenones (primarily found in the mushroom’s fruiting body) and erinacines (concentrated in the mushroom’s mycelia) have been shown to stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) in astrocytes (a type of non-neuronal brain cell) located in the hippocampus.[9] NGF is responsible for regulating neuronal cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival in the brain, and increased NGF levels have been associated with improved neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. There are different types of hericenones, and most of them appear to contribute to the biosynthesis of NGF. Hericenone B has also demonstrated potential in preventing thrombosis (blood clots) and increasing blood flow, both of which play a role in dementia.[3][8] Additionally, lion’s mane has shown the capacity to enhance the myelination (production of myelin sheath) of neurons in vitro.[10]

    Another key compound in lion’s mane is beta-glucan. In vitro studies have suggested that beta-glucans may have two beneficial effects: a cholesterol-lowering effect and an antitumor effect. The latter is due to the activation of macrophages, which are crucial components of the innate immune system and which play a role in the neuroregeneration processes within the central nervous system.[3]

    Animal studies have also observed that lion’s mane might exhibit antidepressant-like effects by restoring depleted serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the hippocampi of restraint-stressed mice. However, the precise mechanism through which lion’s mane modulates the concentrations of these neurotransmitters remains unclear.[8]

    Update History

    Research Breakdown

    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)