Kawagishi H, Shimada A, Shirai R, Okamoto K, Ojima F, Sakamoto H, et al. Erinacines A, B and C, strong stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF)-synthesis, from the mycelia of Hericium erinaceum. Tetrahedron Lett. 1994 Mar 7;35(10):1569–72.
Lion's mane
The edible mushroom Hericium erinaceus grows on hardwood trees in many parts of the world. Its long, dangling and dense network of spines is the reason for its popular name in the culinary and nootropic world: Lion’s mane. The mushroom contains a variety of bioactive compounds including erinacines, which have been linked to stimulation of nerve growth factor synthesis (1), alkaloids, and lactones (2).
Mood
Lion’s mane is mainly used for its mood-lifting properties. In a randomised, placebo-controlled trial, four-week supplementation in healthy females led to a decrease in a validated depression score (3). A trend towards lower frequency of anxiety complaints was also observed.
Safety Evidence
Apart from some complaints of GI upset at higher doses, no safety concerns have been identified in human studies (4).
Read More About the Science
1
2
Friedman M. Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds. J Agric Food Chem [Internet]. 2015 Aug 19 [cited 2022 Sep 28];63(32):7108–23. Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914
3
Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res [Internet]. 2010 Aug [cited 2022 Sep 28];31(4):231–7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/
4
Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res [Internet]. 2009 Mar [cited 2022 Sep 28];23(3):367–72. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/