Lion's Mane
An edible mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that is the only known natural compound proven to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in the brain. This makes Lion's Mane uniquely valuable for neurogenesis, nerve repair, and long-term brain health. Effects build over weeks of consistent use rather than being felt acutely. Studied for cognitive decline, neuropathy, and depression.
Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) occupies a unique position in the nootropic landscape as the only known natural compound that stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in the brain. NGF is a protein essential for the survival, maintenance, and regeneration of neurons — particularly in the hippocampus and cortex, the regions most important for memory and higher cognition.
The bioactive compounds responsible for NGF stimulation are hericenones (found in the fruiting body/mushroom cap) and erinacines (found in the mycelium/root structure). There is ongoing debate about whether fruiting body extracts, mycelium extracts, or dual extracts are superior. The current evidence suggests that erinacines are more potent NGF stimulators, but hericenones also contribute and have better studied antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dual-extract products that contain both are increasingly popular.
Unlike most nootropics, Lion's Mane effects are not acute — you will not feel different after a single dose. The neurogenesis and nerve repair processes it stimulates take weeks to months to produce noticeable cognitive changes. Most users report improvements in memory, verbal fluency, and mental clarity beginning at 4-8 weeks of daily use. This makes it a long-term brain health investment rather than a performance tool for immediate cognitive demands.
Dosage
Standard: 500-3000 mg daily of fruiting body extract. For NGF stimulation: look for extracts containing both hericenones (from fruiting body) and erinacines (from mycelium). Dual-extract products provide both. Take consistently for 4+ weeks for noticeable effects.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Bioactive compounds (hericenones, erinacines) accumulate with daily use; effects are cumulative
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder, tincture, whole mushroom). Extracts standardized for beta-glucans and/or hericenones are preferred.
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Mechanism of Action
Lion's Mane contains two classes of bioactive compounds: hericenones (A-H, found in the fruiting body) and erinacines (A-I, found in the mycelium). Both stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) in astrocytes and neurons — hericenones may act through enhancement of NGF gene expression, while erinacines cross the blood-brain barrier and directly induce NGF. NGF binds to TrkA receptors and is essential for the survival, maintenance, and regeneration of cholinergic neurons, particularly in the hippocampus and basal forebrain. This promotes neurogenesis, dendritic arborization, and remyelination of nerve fibers. Lion's Mane also reduces neuroinflammation through inhibition of NF-κB signaling and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. It may enhance BDNF expression and support the gut-brain axis.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement worldwide. Edible mushroom with long history of culinary use in Asia. Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, itching (possibly from NGF stimulation).
Serious
Allergic reactions in people with mushroom allergies.
Rare
Exacerbation of asthma symptoms, skin rash.
Compare Lion's Mane With
Research Papers
9Published: April 8, 2025
AI Summary
Despite promising findings, clinical validation remains limited. Future research should prioritize large-scale clinical trials, the standardization of extraction methods, and the elucidation of pharmacokinetics to facilitate its integration into evidence-based medicine.
Published: November 19, 2023
AI Summary
Given the bioactive properties and limited work to date, Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane) shows promise in improving cognitive function and mood. However, much of the human research has concentrated on chronic supplementation in cognitively compromised cohorts.
Published: May 22, 2024
AI Summary
It has gained interest in the neurodegenerative disease field because of its mechanisms of action; these include anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and promoting neurite growth demonstrated in various cell and animal models. We support further research in ALS disease models and clinical trials to study its efficacy.
Published: August 18, 2015
AI Summary
The reported health-promoting properties of the mushroom fruit bodies, mycelia, and bioactive pure compounds include antibiotic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antifatigue, antihypertensive, antihyperlipodemic, antisenescence, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties and improvement of anxiety, cognit...
Published: December 5, 2023
AI Summary
AMT significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the number of attempts during Serial 7s, total score, number of correct responses, total number of responses, and reaction time during N-Back and improved Go stimulus reaction time, but it reduced the percentage of correct responses in the No-go stimulus response during Go/No-go.
Published: November 2, 2023
AI Summary
The active compounds in the mushroom, such as erinacines and hericenones, have been the subject of research, providing evidence of their neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study is to analyze the protective and nourishing effects of H. erinaceus on the nervous system and present the most up-to-date research findings related to this topic.
Published: November 25, 2013
AI Summary
The extract also enhanced the neurite outgrowth stimulation activity of NGF when applied in combination. The aqueous preparation of H. erinaceus had neurotrophic but not neuroprotective activities.
Published: July 14, 2022
AI Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) significantly impairs the life of an individual both cognitively and behaviorally. Mice given H. erinaceus spent significantly more time in the open arms of and made more head dips in the elevated zero maze (EZM) (p < 0.05).
Published: April 9, 2025
AI Summary
Animal studies have suggested that Lion's Mane mushroom [Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.] can enhance cognitive function and mood due to its bioactive metabolites, including erinacines and hericenones. However, despite being an ingredient used both culinarily and therapeutically in the East, and mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lion's Mane used for?
An edible mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that is the only known natural compound proven to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in the brain. This makes Lion's Mane uniquely valuable for neurogenesis, nerve repair, and long-term brain health. Effects build over weeks of consistent use rather than being felt acutely. Studied for cognitive decline, neuropathy, and depression.
What are the side effects of Lion's Mane?
Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, itching (possibly from NGF stimulation). Serious: Allergic reactions in people with mushroom allergies. Rare: Exacerbation of asthma symptoms, skin rash.
How is Lion's Mane administered?
Lion's Mane is administered via oral (capsules, powder, tincture, whole mushroom). extracts standardized for beta-glucans and/or hericenones are preferred..
What is the half-life of Lion's Mane?
The half-life of Lion's Mane is Bioactive compounds (hericenones, erinacines) accumulate with daily use; effects are cumulative.
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