Top 6 Science-Backed Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion's Mane, or scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, is a type of mushroom commonly used in food and in medicine. They are widely used in Asian countries, as they are seen as an alternative medicine.

Lion’s Mane grows in temperate forests across North America, Asia, and Europe. They are common in late summer or autumn and are found on hardwoods, such as maple. They feed on dead trees, typically on wounds in said dead trees.

Lion’s Mane is part of the Hericium family of mushrooms. Hericium Erinaceus is simply one part of that family.

History of Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane has been used for over 2000 years in traditional medicine, specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. There have also been reports of monks taking it for mental focus in the past.

What makes Lion’s Mane Effective?

Beyond the vitamins naturally found in the mushroom, lion's mane has two active components: the fruiting body extract, which is commonly found in nootropic supplements, and the enriched mycelium. 

In the EU and UK, mycelium extracts are not permitted in food products or supplements, meaning most commercially available products use the fruiting body instead.

Research-Backed Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane has been studied extensively for a long time, and many conclusions have been drawn about the mushroom. Here are the most studied and credible benefits of Lion’s Mane.

1. Improved Memory

Improved memory is one of the primary effects people feel when they take Lion's Mane. But, is there any merit to these claims?

A 2023 study by La Monica and colleagues found that Lion's Mane did improve memory. The study contained 40 healthy men and women. The volunteers were instructed to take 1 gram of Lion’s Mane fruiting body extract. 

The study found that participants taking Lion's Mane had slightly improved memory during memory tasks. However, the effects observed were acute, and the authors noted that long-term supplementation may lead to better results.

2. Faster Reaction Time

Whether you are in training or competition, everyone knows reaction time is king. So what if we could improve it with supplementation?

Two studies from 2023, the same La Monica et al study, and Docherty et al (2023), found that reaction times were faster among participants who took Lion’s Mane.

Results of La Monica 2023, Improved Reaction Time

In the La Monica et al study, Lion’s Mane increased reaction time in a go/no-go test. The participants were made to either press the spacebar or refrain from pressing the spacebar depending on the signal. This was able to determine their reaction time and their accuracy.

The saturation time seemed to be delayed, showing a higher reaction time after 2 hours of taking the capsules. 

Results of Docherty 2023, Improved Reaction Time

In the Docherty et al study, they found a significant improvement in reaction time. The study consisted of 41 healthy adults aged 18-45 who took 1.8g of Lion's Mane through 3 capsules. They took reaction times directly after the first dosage and 60 minutes later.

Although the sample size was small, the study did find a clear improvement 60 minutes later. The Lion’s Mane group showed around a 7% increase post dose, and the placebo group showed no improvement at all.

I personally know many people who feel like their minds are lagging on the mats. According to these studies, Lion's Mane could improve this.

3. Improved Complex Attention

Another observed effect of Lion’s Mane was improved complex attention, which in this case, was holding old information while getting new information.

The La Monica et al study showed participants cards with colored shapes on them. They were asked to compare the current card shown with the one shown immediately before it. This was done to test the participants' working memory. 

The results of the study showed Lion’s Mane to produce slight, gradual improvements in complex attention.

4. Reduced cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer's patients

In a narrative review by Cornford & Charnley (2025), there was evidence that Lion’s Mane has the potential to be a treatment for Alzheimer’s patients.

They looked across 3 human trials and 13 animal trials. The human trials placed participants into either a Lion's Mane group or a placebo group. Participants in the Lion's Mane group showed cognitive improvement at weeks 8, 12, 16, and 20 during assessments, with over 70% of them being labeled 'notably improved’.

In their findings, they saw positive results across several assessments, including behavioural, histological, and biochemical in both animal and human studies.

5. Reduced stress

In the Docherty et al study, where they observed a faster reaction time after taking Lion’s Mane, they also tested the mental state of participants. 

As seen in the chart above, the participants who took Lion's Mane had a lower baseline stress score compared to those who took the placebo. The Lion’s Mane group showed roughly a 20% reduction in their stress levels by day 29. Keep in mind this was a small sample size, but still, the results are promising.

This matches what practitioners of traditional Asian medicine have been saying for centuries. Lion's Mane has long been used for mental wellbeing and mental clarity.

6. Stimulates Nerve Growth Factor

Before talking about this study, it's important to explain what Nerve Growth Factor is. 

What is Nerve Growth Factor

NGF is a protein found in your body responsible for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. When there is not enough NGF, neurons struggle to survive, which is linked to conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Results on Stimulating Nerve Growth Factor

A 2024 review by Opanuga and Hossain found that Lion’s Mane actually stimulates NGF synthesis. They reviewed both animal and human studies. 

Once again, we look at the two parts of Lion's Mane, the Mycelium and the fruiting body extract. Both of these components help NGF in different ways. Firstly, Mycelium was found to directly stimulate NGF synthesis. Secondly, the fruiting body works alongside the mycelium to further boost NGF production and protect neurons from damage.

Although most of the studies reviewed were animal studies, the human trials did show promising results. The authors signaled that more clinical trials should be done to see the full potential of Lion's Mane

Side Effects and Safety

Lion’s Mane is widely described as safe for consumption; however, there are a few groups that should be careful with Lion’s Mane. People who struggle with allergies, especially those concerning mushrooms, should definitely check with a doctor before taking Lion's Mane, as well as anyone pregnant. Another thing to note is that dietary supplements in the US do not go through the same regulatory process as medicine or food. 

Some participants in clinical trials did report mild stomach discomfort and nausea; however, these were very rare.

Dosage Guide Lion’s Mane

The amount of Lion’s Mane was varied in the studies we went over; however, here's what it looked like in each one. 

In La Monica et al. (2023), they used 1g of Lion’s Mane, and they saw improved results in reaction time and working memory at the 1 to 2-hour mark.

In the Docherty et al. (2023) study, they used 1.8g of Lion’s Mane daily for 28 days and saw improvements in mood and reaction times.

One thing to keep in mind is that more doesn’t always mean better when it comes to dosing with Lion’s Mane. Make sure to start slow and see how your body reacts before increasing the dosage. 

Conclusion/TL;DR

Lion’s Mane is a mushroom used in many traditional Asian medicines dating as far back as 2000 years ago. In conclusion, the studies have found these properties of Lion’s Mane reliably.

1. Improved memory
2. Faster reaction time + Performance speed
3. Improved Complex Attention
4. Reduced cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer's patients
5. Reduced stress
6. Stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

As always, you should do your own research on the topic and decide if Lion’s Mane is right for you. There have been promising studies in the last couple of years on this topic, and I have no doubt we will learn much more in the coming years as well.

References:

1. Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. 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. Nutrients. 2023; 15(22):4842. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842
2. La Monica MB, Raub B, Ziegenfuss EJ, Hartshorn S, Grdic J, Gustat A, Sandrock J, Ziegenfuss TN. Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion’s Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance. Nutrients. 2023; 15(24):5018. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245018
3. Cornford N, Liu S, Charnley M. Hericium erinaceus: A possible future therapeutic treatment for the prevention and delayed progression of Alzheimer’s disease? – A Systematic Review. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2024;83(OCE4):E273. doi:10.1017/S0029665124005111
4. Opanuga IO, Hossain MF. Exploring the Cognitive and Other Unique Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom: A Systematic Review. Am J Nat Med Facts. 2024;1(3):1-6.
5. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2634. PMID: 18844328.