Lion's Mane Mushroom Research: What the Studies Say
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Lions Mane Studies
Here are some human clinical studies on Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that you may find interesting:
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (Japan, 2009, 16 weeks)
Daily Lion’s Mane improved memory test scores compared to placebo. Benefits faded after stopping supplementation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/
• Menopausal Mood & Sleep (Japan, 2010, 4 weeks)
Daily Lion’s Mane intake reduced anxiety and depression scores compared to placebo.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/
• Early Alzheimer’s Disease (2020, 49 weeks)
Erinacine A-enriched Lion’s Mane mycelia improved cognitive function and daily living ability in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7283924/
• Mood, Sleep & BDNF in Overweight Adults (2023, 8 weeks)
Lion’s Mane improved mood, sleep quality, and some brain-related biomarkers.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
• Cognition & Biomarkers (2018, 8 weeks)
Erinacine A-enriched Lion’s Mane improved cognition and increased levels of brain-related proteins.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5987239/
• Adults With Subjective Cognitive Concerns (2026)
Placebo-controlled study reporting improvements in attention, working memory, sleep quality, and mood with Lion’s Mane supplementation.
Important context:
Research on Lion’s Mane is still developing. Many studies are relatively small, and more large-scale human trials are needed. Current evidence is considered promising for cognitive support, mood/stress support, and nerve growth-related activity, but Lion’s Mane is not approved as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, depression, ADHD, or other medical conditions.