Hericium erinaceus, or simply Lion’s Mane to those who don’t speak Latin, is a species of mushroom which has seen a dramatic growth in popularity over the years.
Studies show that the fungus species “shows promise in improving cognitive function” [1], overall mental wellbeing and, when cooked, tastes quite like seafood!
In a study by the National Library of Medicine in 2023, Lion’s Mane appeared to provide an immediate, albeit small, cognitive boost in healthy adults, aged 18-45, just 60 minutes after a 1.8g dosage; while a trend towards lowered stress was also found following a 28-day supplementation.
If you want to get all science-y, then you’ve come to the right blog (deep breath).
Although human trials regarding Lion’s Mane are quite limited, the species shows promise in helping to promote Hippocampal Neurogenesis in adult mice, a process which forms new granule cells (a type of neuron) and is vitally important for learning, memory and mood control; the absence of which has been shown to be a key factor leading to growing signs of anxiety and depression. [2]
Also, various studies, such as those conducted by the MDPI, show that Lion’s Mane is also sought to have a benefit on some mental symptoms of menopause, such as:
- brain fog
- fatigue
This is driven by improved neuron growth provided by the mycochemicals in the mushroom species. This growth promotes cognitive function and energy levels, which help to directly combat the negative effects found during menopause. [3]
Docherty, S., Doughty, F.L. and Smith, E.F. (2023) 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, 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. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10675414/
Eisch, A.J. and Petrik, D. (2012) Depression and hippocampal neurogenesis: A road to remission?, Depression and Hippocampal Neurogenesis: A Road to Remission? Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3756889/.
Venturella, G. et al. (2021) Medicinal mushrooms: Bioactive compounds, use, and clinical trials, MDPI. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22020634.
