A 2021 study in Antioxidants offers some promising research of lion’s mane for people who’ve experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study found that both lion’s mane mushroom and coriolus versicolor (another type of mushroom also known as turkey tail) exhibit neuroprotective effects against the inflammation and oxidative stress often associated with TBI [6] D’Amico R, Salinaro AT, et al. Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Molecular and Biochemical Changes after Traumatic Brain Injury. Antioxidants. 2021;10(6):898. . Lion's mane dosages of 1-2 gm/day (1000 mg to 2000 mg per day) may have anticancer properties, as in vitro and animal studies suggested.

When using Lion's mane extracts, 250 mg to 750 mg per day should be adequate for fighting diabetes, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, reducing cancer risk, etc.

Side Effects

Li G, Yu K, Li F, Xu K, Li J, He S, Cao S, Tan G. Anticancer potential of Hericium erinaceus extracts against human gastrointestinal cancers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Apr 28;153(2):521-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.03.003 Chiu, C.-H., Chyau, C.-C., Chen, C.-C., Lee, L.-Y., Chen, W.-P., Liu, J.-L., ... Mong, M.-C. (2018, February). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium produces antidepressant-like effects through modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling in mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(2), 341

Dr. Watson takes a more conservative approach, recommending 250 to 500 milligrams up to three times a day with or without food. The brand she recommends, Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition, contains both mycelial biomass and the fruit body. Suggested serving: 1-5g to be taken daily. Best mixed into a drink such as a smoothie but can also be added to food.One 2010 study of rats fed a high fat diet and given daily doses of lion’s mane extract showed 27% lower triglyceride levels and 42% less weight gain after 28 days ( 28). Up to one-third of people living in developed countries experience symptoms of anxiety and depression ( 8, 9).

The potential benefits of lion’s mane mushroom are numerous and span physical, cognitive and mental health [2] Ghosh S, Nandi S, et alBanerjee A, Sarkar S, Chakraborty N. Prospecting Medicinal Properties of Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2021;45(8). . The mushroom is a source of natural bioactive compounds, which are health-promoting chemicals found in certain foods and plants. As a result, it exhibits disease-fighting properties, including anti-cancer, anti-microbial and antioxidant activity. Lion’s mane mushroom shows potential as a therapeutic diabetes supplement, but more research is needed to determine exactly how it might be used in humans. Summary Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54. doi:10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30 I have been taking the Lions Mane tincture for 3 weeks now in my morning coffee, which is the best way to take it in my opinion. I am not super keen on the taste and in coffee it pretty much disappears. In addition to killing cancer cells, lion’s mane extract has also been shown to slow the spread of cancer.However, research has found that lion’s mane mushroom extract may help speed recovery from these types of injuries by stimulating the growth and repair of nerve cells ( 15, 16). It may also help reduce the severity of brain damage after a stroke. A 250 mg tablet (96% dry powder) of this medicinal mushroom Hericium Erinaceus, can be administered three times a day for 16 weeks for improved cognitive functioning and brain health. Test-tube studies have also found that lion’s mane extract can help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream ( 29). Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves that travel throughout the body. These components work together to send and transmit signals that control almost every bodily function. Some people use lion’s mane for ADHD because of its potential to protect and enhance brain function. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this use. Is lion’s mane illegal? However, it’s important to note that most of the research has been conducted on animals or in test tubes. Therefore, more human studies are needed. SummaryThis dosage stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production and boosts cognitive function and memory. Nkodo A. A Systematic Review of in-vivo Studies on Dietary Mushroom Supplementation of Cognitive Impairment. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2019;3(1):14-021-19. There's no guarantee a supplement will be effective; however, consistency will help prove whether or not a supplement works. The most effective form of lion's mane will be the form you can take consistently. It's best to choose a supplement form you're willing to take regularly, whether powder, capsule, or liquid. Are Lion's Mane supplements worth it?