Lion’s Mane is an edible and medicinal mushroom traditionally used in East Asia as a health tonic and food, and is now widely cultivated across North America, Europe, and Asia.[1] Modern research has focused on its potential to support brain and nerve health, mood, and overall vitality through a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (β-glucans) and small molecules known as hericenones and erinacines.[1,2]

Preclinical studies show that extracts and isolated compounds from Lion’s Mane can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis and promote neurite outgrowth, supporting neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity in cell and animal models.[2–4] These findings suggest a role for Lion’s Mane in maintaining normal nervous system structure and resilience, but most of this work remains experimental.[3,4]

Small human trials have reported improvements in measures related to mild cognitive impairment, mood, and stress in specific groups when Lion’s Mane was consumed regularly over several weeks, although sample sizes are modest and results are not yet conclusive.[5–7] Additional research points to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, metabolic, and gut-related effects, largely in preclinical models, with limited but growing human data.[1,2,8]