Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Cognitive · Medicinal mushroom
Tier B
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) as B (6.4/10) based on weak-moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Mori 2009 Yamabushitake MCI trial (n=30) showed cognitive scale improvements at weeks 8-16 that reversed after discontinuation.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 500-3000 mg/day fruiting body extract; 1-5 g crude powder — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Mori 2009 Yamabushitake MCI trial (n=30) showed cognitive scale improvements at weeks 8-16 that reversed after discontinuation. Docherty 2023 showed acute Stroop task improvement in young adults. Evidence is suggestive but limited in scale. Water-and-alcohol dual extracts contain both polysaccharides and erinacines; comparative clinical outcome data by extract are absent.
Mechanism
Hericenones and erinacines stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis and promote neurite outgrowth; anti-inflammatory; modulates gut-brain axis
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
500-3000 mg/day fruiting body extract; 1-5 g crude powder
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) as Weak-Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B (6.4/10). Mori 2009 Yamabushitake MCI trial (n=30) showed cognitive scale improvements at weeks 8-16 that reversed after discontinuation.
- What safety findings are reported for Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)?
- Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (rare dermatitis/respiratory hypersensitivity) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)?
- 500-3000 mg/day fruiting body extract; 1-5 g crude powder This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) work?
- Hericenones and erinacines stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis and promote neurite outgrowth; anti-inflammatory; modulates gut-brain axis
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.