Lion's Mane Mushroom Information

Neuroprotective and Cognitive Benefits

Enhancement of Neurogenesis and Memory

A growing body of evidence supports the neurotrophic effects of Lion’s Mane, particularly its capacity to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis and promote neurogenesis. In a pivotal study, supplementation with Hericium erinaceus improved recognition memory and induced neurogenesis in the hippocampus and cerebellum of aging, frail mice, suggesting a role in mitigating age-related cognitive decline119. These findings were corroborated by additional animal studies demonstrating enhanced neurotransmission, increased neurotrophin expression, and improved locomotor performance1119.

Human Clinical Trials on Cognitive Function

The cognitive benefits of Lion’s Mane have been evaluated in several human studies. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving adults aged 50–80 with mild cognitive impairment, daily supplementation with Lion’s Mane mushroom powder for 16 weeks led to significant improvements in cognitive test scores compared to placebo. Notably, these gains diminished after cessation of supplementation, indicating the importance of continued intake for sustained effects29. Another recent pilot study in healthy young adults found that acute administration of Lion’s Mane improved reaction speed on cognitive tasks, while chronic supplementation over four weeks trended toward reduced subjective stress and improved mood, although effects on episodic memory were less pronounced2.

Mechanistic Insights: Neurotrophic Factors and Synaptic Plasticity

Mechanistic studies have elucidated that Lion’s Mane and its active compounds, such as erinacines and hericenones, promote neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. In vitro experiments revealed that these compounds stimulate NGF synthesis in astroglial cells and enhance neurite extension in neuronal cultures1217. Further, animal models demonstrated that Lion’s Mane increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activates ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which are critical for memory formation and neuronal survival1719.

Potential for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Given its neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties, Lion’s Mane is being investigated for its potential to prevent or ameliorate neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Preclinical studies have shown that supplementation with Lion’s Mane extracts can recover dopamine levels in the striatum, reduce oxidative stress markers, and protect against neurotoxin-induced neuronal damage in animal models of Parkinson’s disease419. These findings suggest a promising role for Lion’s Mane in the management of neurodegenerative conditions, warranting further clinical investigation.

Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Immune System Enhancement

Lion’s Mane exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects, as evidenced by both animal and human studies. Polysaccharide fractions isolated from the mushroom have been shown to enhance immune organ indices, stimulate splenocyte proliferation, increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, and boost interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in immunosuppressed mice83. These effects are accompanied by improved macrophage phagocytosis and restoration of immune balance, indicating potential applications in immunodeficiency and autoimmune conditions38.

Modulation of Inflammatory Pathways

The anti-inflammatory properties of Lion’s Mane are mediated through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and NF-κB) and upregulation of anti-inflammatory mediators (such as IL-10 and Foxp3)7. In rodent models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), administration of Lion’s Mane extracts led to decreased tissue damage, reduced myeloperoxidase activity, and normalization of cytokine profiles in the colonic mucosa7. These effects were partially attributed to the modulation of gut microbiota, with increases in beneficial bacteria and reductions in pathogenic species714.

Clinical Relevance for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders

Although most evidence to date comes from preclinical models, the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions of Lion’s Mane suggest potential benefits for individuals with autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, and disorders characterized by immune dysregulation379. Functional medicine practitioners have begun to incorporate Lion’s Mane into integrative protocols for managing autoimmunity, citing its ability to restore immune homeostasis and reduce neuroinflammation3.

Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties

Oxidative Stress Reduction

Lion’s Mane possesses potent antioxidant activities, primarily due to its high content of phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine411. In animal studies, supplementation with micronized Lion’s Mane mycelium led to significant reductions in markers of oxidative damage (such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls) and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and glutathione reductase (GRd)4. These effects were observed in both brain and liver tissues, indicating systemic antioxidant protection4.

Anti-Aging and Longevity Effects

The anti-aging potential of Lion’s Mane has been explored in preclinical models, where extracts rich in ergothioneine (a so-called “longevity vitamin”) prevented locomotor decline and reduced oxidative stress markers during aging11. These findings align with traditional uses of Lion’s Mane as a tonic for vitality and support its inclusion in functional foods aimed at promoting healthy aging11.

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health

Antidiabetic Effects

Lion’s Mane has demonstrated antihyperglycemic properties in animal models of diabetes. Purified polysaccharide fractions from Hericium erinaceus significantly lowered blood glucose levels, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, and protected against pathological damage in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys of diabetic mice6. These effects were attributed to the presence of functional groups in the polysaccharides that enhance their bioactivity6.

Hypolipidemic and Cardioprotective Actions

Studies in hyperlipidemic rats have shown that ethanolic extracts of Lion’s Mane reduce serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)10. These changes were accompanied by improvements in cardiac risk factors and insulin hormone levels, suggesting a role for Lion’s Mane in the prevention and management of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease10.

Mechanisms Underlying Metabolic Benefits

The metabolic effects of Lion’s Mane are believed to arise from a combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme-inhibiting activities. For instance, inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, has been proposed as a mechanism for its cholesterol-lowering effects10. Additionally, the modulation of gut microbiota by Lion’s Mane may contribute to improved metabolic homeostasis and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome14.

Anticancer and Gastroprotective Properties

Inhibition of Tumor Growth

Hericium erinaceus extracts have demonstrated anticancer activity in vitro against a range of gastrointestinal cancer cell lines, including liver (HepG2, Huh-7), colorectal (HT-29), and gastric (NCI-87) cancers51316. In animal models, oral administration of Lion’s Mane extracts suppressed tumor growth and exhibited lower toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapeutic agents16. The anticancer effects are mediated by multiple mechanisms, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and enhancement of immune surveillance1618.

Active Compounds and Pathways

Erinacine A, a diterpenoid compound found in Lion’s Mane mycelium, has been shown to arrest the cell cycle in cancer cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated activation of stress response pathways, including JNK1/2 MAPKs, p70S6K, and mTOR1618. Proteomic studies have further identified downstream targets involved in cytoskeletal regulation and apoptosis, highlighting the multi-targeted nature of Lion’s Mane’s anticancer activity1618.

Gastroprotective Effects

In addition to its anticancer properties, Lion’s Mane has long been used to treat digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers and gastritis413. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Lion’s Mane extracts inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium implicated in ulcer formation), promote mucosal healing, and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract913. These findings support its traditional use as a gastroprotective agent and suggest potential applications in the management of inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal conditions79.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Digestive Health

Prebiotic Effects and Microbiome Modulation

Lion’s Mane contains polysaccharides that function as prebiotics, selectively promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus714. Human studies have shown that short-term supplementation with Lion’s Mane increases the diversity of gut microbiota, enhances the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, and reduces the presence of pathogenic species14. These changes are associated with improvements in blood markers related to liver and kidney function, as well as reductions in LDL cholesterol and uric acid14.

Implications for Immune and Metabolic Health

The modulation of gut microbiota by Lion’s Mane has far-reaching implications for immune function, metabolic health, and systemic inflammation. By promoting a healthy gut environment, Lion’s Mane may enhance immune surveillance, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and support overall well-being7914.

Studies cited: 

  1. Docherty, J. R., et al. (2023). The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Mood in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 15(22), 4820. [PMC10675414]1

  2. Frontiers in Nutrition Editorial. (2025). Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) on cognitive performance and mood in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, 1405796.2

  3. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. (2024). Lion's Mane - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.3

  4. Healthline Editorial Team. (2024). 9 Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects). Healthline.4

  5. Sciencedirect Review. (2024). A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health: Focus on Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus). Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, S0149763424000162.5

  6. Tsai-Teng, T., et al. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Journal of Biomedical Science, 23, 49.

  7. Nagano, M., et al. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231–237.

  8. Yao, Y., et al. (2015). Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. polysaccharides promote hippocampal neurogenesis via BDNF/TrkB pathway in mice. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 79, 296–304.

  9. Chiu, C. H., et al. (2018). Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its isolated erinacine A modulate monoaminergic neurotransmitter levels and alleviate depressive-like behaviors in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 224, 348–357.

  10. Vigna, L., et al. (2019). Efficacy of Hericium erinaceus supplementation on mood, anxiety, and pro-BDNF levels in overweight or obese individuals: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutrients, 11(12), 2971.

  11. Mori, K., et al. (2009). Improvement of mild cognitive impairment by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372.

  12. Saitsu, Y., et al. (2019). Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomedical Research, 40(3), 125–131.

  13. Docherty, J. R., et al. (2023). The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Mood in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 15(22), 4820. [PMC10675414]1

  14. UK and EU regulations on Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts, as referenced in Frontiers in Nutrition (2025), note that only fruiting body extracts are permitted in food products and supplements within these regions.