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Lion's Mane Mushroom

Hericium erinaceus, Yamabushitake, Monkey Head Mushroom

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Meta Information

ID:lion-s-mane-mushroom
Name:Lion's Mane Mushroom
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Hericium erinaceus
  • Yamabushitake
  • Monkey Head Mushroom

Active Compound

Hericenones and Erinacines

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
oral
Scope:
  • systemic

Regulatory Status

  • us:dietary_supplement
  • eu:food_supplement

Indication

Focus:
healthspan
Description:
Cognitive optimization and neuroprotection to delay age-related cognitive decline.

Typical Protocol

  • Take 500mg to 3,000mg daily of a high-quality fruiting body or mycelium extract.
  • Ensure the extract is standardized for hericenones and erinacines for optimal neurotrophic effect.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
20
High Cost:
50
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Monthly cost for high-quality standardized extract; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Lion's Mane is an edible and medicinal mushroom containing hericenones and erinacines, compounds shown to stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). By promoting neurogenesis and myelination, it is hypothesized to protect against age-related cognitive decline and support overall brain health. While animal models show robust neuroprotective effects, human clinical trials remain small and preliminary.

Purpose

Supports cognitive function and neuroprotection via NGF and BDNF stimulation.

Card Summary

A medicinal mushroom extract used to stimulate nerve growth factor and protect cognitive health.

Drug Class

null

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
4.5
Justification:
Targeted cognitive benefits with plausible mechanisms, but lacks systemic healthspan impact.

Evidence

Grade:
B
Score:
5.5
Justification:
Supported by animal models and a few small human clinical trials.

Safety

Score:
2
Justification:
Generally recognized as safe with a long history of culinary use.

Flags

  • May cause mild gastrointestinal upset or nausea in some individuals.
  • Quality and standardization of extracts vary wildly between commercial manufacturers.
  • Theoretical risk of exacerbating asthma or allergies due to immune modulation.

Verdict

Promising neuroprotective supplement requiring larger human trials to confirm cognitive benefits.

Created

2026-05-01T17:19:55.966552Z

Ai Model

Gemini Pro (Low)