Herbal Monograph
Lion's Mane
Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.
Hericiaceae (Russulales)
Premier neurotrophic mushroom for cognitive support, nerve regeneration, and brain health through NGF and BDNF...
Overview
Plant Description
Hericium erinaceus is a saprotrophic and weakly parasitic basidiomycete fungus that produces striking, unmistakable fruiting bodies (basidiocarps). The fruiting body is globose to irregularly shaped, typically 5-40 cm (2-16 inches) in diameter, consisting of a single compact mass from which cascade numerous long, soft, pendant spines (teeth) measuring 1-5 cm (0.5-2 inches) in length. These dangling spines give the mushroom its distinctive 'lion's mane' or 'waterfall' appearance and make it one of the most visually distinctive of all fungi -- virtually impossible to misidentify in the wild. When fresh and young, the fruiting body is pure white to cream, developing a yellowish to light tan or brownish discoloration with age. The flesh is white, firm yet tender when young, becoming increasingly tough and fibrous with maturity. The spore-bearing surface (hymenium) covers the exterior of each spine. The spore print is white to very pale cream. Basidia are club-shaped and four-spored. Basidiospores are subglobose to broadly ellipsoid, 5-7 x 4-5.5 micrometers, smooth, amyloid (staining blue-black in Melzer's reagent). Unlike reishi and many medicinal polypores, Lion's Mane has a pleasant, mild flavor often compared to lobster or crab when cooked, making it both a prized culinary mushroom and a medicinal species. The species epithet 'erinaceus' means 'hedgehog,' referring to the spiny appearance of the fruiting body.
Habitat
In the wild, Hericium erinaceus grows as both a saprotroph on dead wood and a weak parasite causing white rot on living or recently dead hardwood trees. It has a strong preference for American beech (Fagus grandifolia), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), and various oaks (Quercus spp.), though it also occurs on maple (Acer spp.), walnut (Juglans spp.), sycamore (Platanus spp.), and occasionally other hardwoods. It typically fruits from wounds, branch stubs, or hollows on standing living trees, or on recently fallen logs and large dead branches. Fruiting occurs in late summer through autumn (August-November in the Northern Hemisphere), often reappearing in the same location year after year. Lion's Mane is considered uncommon to rare in many parts of its range and is listed as a species of conservation concern in several European countries, including being designated as 'vulnerable' in the United Kingdom and protected in some German federal states.
Distribution
Hericium erinaceus has a wide distribution across temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It is found throughout North America (eastern United States and Canada, from the Great Lakes region southward), Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Scandinavia, and southern Europe), and Asia (China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Siberia). It is most abundant in the old-growth deciduous and mixed forests of China, Japan, and the eastern United States. Wild populations have declined in many regions due to loss of old-growth forest habitat, as the species preferentially colonizes large, mature hardwood trees. In China and Japan, where it is most extensively used medicinally and culinarily, virtually all commercial supply comes from cultivation rather than wild harvest.
Parts Used
Fruiting body (fresh or dried basidiocarp)
Preferred: Dried sliced fruiting body for decoction; hot-water or dual (water + ethanol) extract powder; fresh for culinary use
The fruiting body is the traditional medicinal and culinary part. It contains the full spectrum of bioactive compounds including hericenones (A-H), beta-glucan polysaccharides, ergosterol, and diterpenoids. Hericenones are found EXCLUSIVELY in the fruiting body, not in the mycelium. This is pharmacologically significant because hericenones are among the key compounds responsible for stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. The fruiting body also serves as a choice edible mushroom with a delicate flavor. Dried fruiting body is used for hot-water or dual extraction. Quality fruiting body products should contain minimal starch (< 5%) and measurable beta-glucan content (> 25%).
Mycelium (cultured mycelial biomass)
Preferred: Liquid-culture mycelium extract (preferred for erinacine content); mycelium-on-grain powder (lower potency but widely available)
Mycelium (vegetative fungal tissue) is produced commercially by liquid fermentation or solid-state cultivation on grain. Mycelium contains a distinct class of neuroactive compounds -- the erinacines (A-K) -- which are cyathane-type diterpenoids found EXCLUSIVELY in the mycelium, not in the fruiting body. Erinacine A has been shown to potently stimulate NGF synthesis and is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. This makes mycelial preparations complementary to fruiting body products. CRITICAL DISTINCTION: Mycelium grown by liquid fermentation (submerged culture) produces pure mycelial biomass with concentrated erinacines and no grain starch contamination. Mycelium-on-grain (MOG) products contain a mixture of mycelium and residual undigested grain substrate. Independent testing has shown that many commercial MOG products contain 50-70% starch by dry weight, dramatically diluting the concentration of active fungal metabolites. The 'mycelium vs. fruiting body' debate in the Lion's Mane supplement industry centers on this distinction.
Mycelial culture extract (ethanol extract of cultured mycelium)
Preferred: Standardized ethanol extract of liquid-cultured mycelium; capsules or tablets
Ethanolic extracts of cultured mycelium concentrate the lipophilic erinacine diterpenoids, which are the most potent NGF-stimulating compounds identified in Hericium erinaceus. Several clinical trials (including Mori et al. 2009 and Li et al. 2020) have used standardized mycelial culture extracts. The Japanese product 'Amyloban 3399' is a standardized ethanol extract of H. erinaceus mycelium containing concentrated hericenones and amycenone. Erinacine A-enriched mycelium extracts are increasingly available as standardized supplements. This preparation method avoids the grain starch dilution problem of MOG products while delivering the mycelium-specific neuroactive compounds.
Key Constituents
Hericenones (aromatic compounds from fruiting body)
Hericenones (especially C, D, and E) are one of two major classes of NGF-stimulating compounds in Lion's Mane (the other being erinacines from the mycelium). NGF is a neurotrophin essential for the survival, growth, differentiation, and maintenance of peripheral sensory and sympathetic neurons, as well as cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain -- the neuronal population most severely affected in Alzheimer's disease. By stimulating endogenous NGF production, hericenones may support neuronal survival and function without the bioavailability limitations of exogenously administered NGF (which does not cross the blood-brain barrier). This mechanism is the basis for Lion's Mane's reputation as a 'brain mushroom' and its investigation for neurodegenerative conditions. Hericenones are exclusive to the fruiting body, which is a critical consideration in product selection.
Erinacines (cyathane diterpenoids from mycelium)
Erinacines are arguably the most pharmacologically significant class of compounds in Lion's Mane, representing the strongest known natural stimulators of NGF and BDNF synthesis. Their mechanism -- stimulating the brain's own production of neurotrophic factors rather than attempting to deliver exogenous neurotrophins -- is a pharmacologically elegant approach to neuroprotection and neurorepair. Erinacine A's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is particularly significant, as it means orally ingested Lion's Mane mycelium extracts can potentially influence CNS neurotrophin levels. This class of compounds is the primary scientific rationale for investigating Lion's Mane in Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy, and other neurological conditions. Erinacines are exclusive to the mycelium, making mycelial preparations (especially liquid-culture extracts, NOT mycelium-on-grain) essential for obtaining these compounds.
Polysaccharides (beta-glucans and heteropolysaccharides)
Beta-glucan polysaccharides contribute the immunomodulating dimension of Lion's Mane's therapeutic profile, complementing the neurotrophic activity of hericenones and erinacines. Like other medicinal mushroom polysaccharides, they enhance innate and adaptive immune surveillance. Additionally, specific polysaccharide fractions from H. erinaceus have demonstrated neuroprotective and antioxidant effects that are mechanistically distinct from the NGF-stimulating activity of hericenones and erinacines. Hot-water extraction is the primary method for recovering polysaccharides. The gastroprotective activity of Lion's Mane -- used traditionally for stomach complaints -- may be partly mediated by polysaccharide fractions that protect gastric mucosa.
Diterpenoids and other terpenoids
The terpenoid fraction contributes to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity of Lion's Mane through mechanisms complementary to the primary hericenone and erinacine pathways. The recent discovery of hericene A (2021) demonstrates that Lion's Mane's neurotrophic activity involves multiple distinct molecular mechanisms, including both NGF and BDNF pathway activation.
Sterols and lipids
Ergosterol serves as both a bioactive constituent (vitamin D2 precursor) and an important analytical marker for product quality. Ergosterol content can be used to estimate the proportion of actual fungal tissue in a supplement product versus grain filler. Products with low ergosterol relative to their total mass likely contain substantial non-fungal material. Ergosterol peroxide contributes to the anti-inflammatory activity of Lion's Mane extracts.
Other bioactive compounds
These recently characterized compounds expand the known pharmacological complexity of Lion's Mane beyond the well-studied hericenone and erinacine classes. The identification of serotonin receptor-active isoindolinones provides a potential molecular basis for the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects observed clinically, complementing the neurotrophic (NGF/BDNF) mechanisms. This multi-target pharmacology -- spanning neurotrophic factor induction, serotonergic modulation, and neuroprotection -- may explain the broad neurological benefits reported for Lion's Mane.
Herbal Actions
The defining pharmacological action of Lion's Mane and the property that distinguishes it from virtually all other medicinal mushrooms and herbs. Hericenones (from fruiting body) and erinacines (from mycelium) potently stimulate the biosynthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in glial cells (astrocytes). NGF is essential for survival, maintenance, and regeneration of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (the population most affected in Alzheimer's disease) and peripheral sensory/sympathetic neurons. BDNF supports learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex. The NGF-stimulating mechanism was first demonstrated by Kawagishi et al. (1991) for hericenones and confirmed in multiple subsequent studies for erinacines. Erinacine A is the most potent natural NGF inducer identified to date and can cross the blood-brain barrier. In animal models, Lion's Mane extract promoted myelination, enhanced neurite outgrowth, accelerated nerve regeneration after crush injury, and reduced amyloid-beta plaque burden and tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease models. The Mori et al. (2009) RCT demonstrated functional cognitive improvement in humans with mild cognitive impairment.
[5, 12, 13, 14]Lion's Mane demonstrates cognitive-enhancing effects beyond its neuroprotective/neurotrophic actions. Clinical evidence includes Mori et al. (2009) RCT showing improved cognitive function scores (Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised) in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment after 16 weeks of supplementation. Brandalise et al. (2017) found enhanced recognition memory in mice. Saitsu et al. (2019) demonstrated improved cognitive function in healthy older adults. The nootropic mechanism likely involves multiple pathways: (1) enhanced NGF/BDNF supporting synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation, (2) increased hippocampal neurogenesis, (3) enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission, and (4) reduced neuroinflammation. Subjective reports from users consistently describe improved mental clarity, focus, and memory, consistent with the clinical trial findings.
[5, 9, 10]Modulates and balances immune function
Like other medicinal mushrooms, Lion's Mane contains immunomodulatory beta-glucan polysaccharides that activate innate immune cells via Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3. H. erinaceus polysaccharides enhance macrophage phagocytosis, increase NK cell cytotoxicity, promote dendritic cell maturation, and modulate T-helper cell cytokine production. The immunomodulating activity is well demonstrated in vitro and in animal studies. While immunomodulation is a secondary rather than primary action of Lion's Mane (compared to reishi, turkey tail, or maitake where it is primary), it contributes meaningfully to its overall therapeutic profile. Intestinal immune modulation may partly underlie the gastroprotective effects.
[1, 15]Lion's Mane has a documented traditional and modern use for gastrointestinal complaints, particularly gastritis and gastric/duodenal ulcers. Polysaccharide fractions demonstrate gastroprotective effects in animal models, inhibiting ethanol- and aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage. Gastroprotection involves multiple mechanisms: enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow, stimulation of mucus secretion, antioxidant protection of mucosal cells, and anti-inflammatory effects. H. erinaceus extract has shown in vitro activity against Helicobacter pylori, the primary causative agent of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, though clinical confirmation is limited. In vitro and animal studies also suggest benefit in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with H. erinaceus extracts reducing inflammatory markers and protecting intestinal epithelial cells.
[1, 2, 16]Reduces inflammation
Multiple compound classes in Lion's Mane demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity: polysaccharides modulate macrophage cytokine profiles, reducing pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 while enhancing anti-inflammatory IL-10; ergosterol peroxide inhibits NF-kB and COX-2; and erinacines exhibit anti-neuroinflammatory activity by inhibiting microglial activation. The anti-neuroinflammatory action is particularly relevant to the neuroprotective profile, as chronic microglial activation and neuroinflammation are central features of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. In animal models of ischemic brain injury, Lion's Mane extract reduced infarct volume and inflammatory marker expression.
[14, 15]Clinical and preclinical evidence supports mood-improving and anxiety-reducing effects. Nagano et al. (2010) RCT found that Lion's Mane cookies (containing H. erinaceus fruiting body powder) significantly reduced depression and anxiety scores in menopausal women compared to placebo over 4 weeks. The antidepressant mechanism likely involves multiple targets: (1) NGF and BDNF enhancement (BDNF deficiency is implicated in depression pathophysiology), (2) anti-neuroinflammatory effects (inflammation is linked to depression), (3) isoindolinone compounds with serotonin receptor activity, and (4) potential amygdala neurogenesis. Chiu et al. (2018) found that erinacine A-enriched H. erinaceus mycelium improved depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients with mood disorders.
[6, 8, 11]Kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
H. erinaceus extracts demonstrate modest antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi in vitro. Activity against Helicobacter pylori has clinical relevance for gastric health. Antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus (including some MRSA strains), Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species have been reported. Antifungal activity against Aspergillus and Candida species has been observed in vitro. The antimicrobial potency is modest compared to conventional antimicrobials and is considered a minor contributor to the overall therapeutic profile.
[1, 2]Prevents or slows oxidative damage to cells
Polysaccharide and phenolic fractions demonstrate antioxidant activity via multiple mechanisms: direct free radical scavenging, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The antioxidant activity is moderate compared to some other medicinal mushrooms and is considered a supporting mechanism underlying the neuroprotective, gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory primary actions rather than a primary therapeutic action in its own right.
[15]Therapeutic Indications
Nervous System
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and age-related cognitive decline
The strongest clinical evidence for Lion's Mane. Mori et al. (2009) conducted a 16-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT in 30 Japanese men and women aged 50-80 with diagnosed mild cognitive impairment. Subjects received 250 mg tablets (96% H. erinaceus dry powder) three times daily with meals, totaling 3000 mg/day of Lion's Mane. Cognitive function was assessed using the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised (HDS-R). The Lion's Mane group showed significantly improved cognitive function scores at weeks 8, 12, and 16 compared to placebo (P < 0.05). The improvement was dose-time dependent, with greater benefit at longer durations. However, scores declined 4 weeks after discontinuation, suggesting ongoing supplementation is needed for sustained benefit. This trial provides direct clinical evidence for NGF-mediated cognitive enhancement. Saitsu et al. (2019) subsequently demonstrated improved cognitive scores in healthy older adults supplemented with Lion's Mane tablets for 12 weeks.
[5, 9, 12]Neuroprotection and neurodegenerative disease support (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
Strong preclinical rationale but limited clinical data specifically for diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases. In animal models of Alzheimer's disease, H. erinaceus extract reduced amyloid-beta plaque accumulation, decreased tau hyperphosphorylation, and improved memory performance. Erinacine A-enriched mycelium reduced Abeta plaque size and number in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. In Parkinson's disease models, erinacine A protected dopaminergic neurons and reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) models, H. erinaceus delayed disease onset and extended survival. Li et al. (2020) conducted a 49-week open-label trial of erinacine A-enriched mycelium in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, finding significant improvements in cognitive scores, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and daily function, with neuroimaging (PET) showing stabilization or improvement in brain glucose metabolism. While promising, large-scale RCTs in diagnosed AD and PD populations are still needed.
[5, 7, 14]Depression and anxiety
Nagano et al. (2010) conducted a 4-week RCT in 30 menopausal women given cookies containing 0.5 g H. erinaceus fruiting body powder per cookie (4 cookies/day, totaling 2 g/day). The Lion's Mane group showed significantly reduced scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Indefinite Complaints Index (measuring anxiety and irritation) compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Chiu et al. (2018) showed that erinacine A-enriched mycelium (three capsules/day for 8 weeks) improved depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients with mood and sleep disorders. Mechanisms are multi-factorial: BDNF enhancement (BDNF deficit is linked to depression), anti-neuroinflammation, hippocampal neurogenesis promotion, and possible serotonergic modulation via isoindolinone compounds. Animal studies consistently show antidepressant-like effects in forced swim and tail suspension tests.
[6, 8, 11]Peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration
Preclinical evidence is compelling: in animal models of peripheral nerve crush injury, H. erinaceus aqueous extract significantly accelerated nerve regeneration, with earlier return of motor function and enhanced remyelination compared to controls. Erinacines promoted neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglion neurons in vitro. NGF stimulation is directly relevant to peripheral nerve repair, as NGF supports survival and regeneration of sensory and autonomic neurons. Clinical application for diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is rational based on mechanism but lacks RCT confirmation. Case reports and small observational series describe symptomatic improvement in neuropathic pain with Lion's Mane supplementation.
[2, 14, 17]Multiple sclerosis and demyelinating conditions (adjunctive)
Preclinical rationale based on observed promotion of myelination. In vitro, H. erinaceus extract promoted the maturation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (the cells responsible for CNS myelin production). In the cuprizone mouse model of demyelination, Lion's Mane extract accelerated remyelination during recovery. NGF and BDNF stimulation may support oligodendrocyte survival and myelin repair. This is a promising area of investigation but clinical data in MS patients is extremely limited. Should be considered as a complementary approach alongside standard neurological care, not as a replacement for disease-modifying therapies.
[14, 17]Post-stroke recovery and ischemic brain injury
In animal models of cerebral ischemia (stroke), H. erinaceus extract reduced infarct volume, decreased neuronal apoptosis, lowered inflammatory marker expression, and improved neurological function scores. The neuroprotective mechanism involves antioxidant activity, anti-neuroinflammation, and NGF/BDNF-mediated neuronal survival. Clinical application in stroke recovery is speculative at this stage but mechanistically plausible.
[14]gastrointestinal
Chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers
Traditional Chinese use of Houtou for stomach complaints is well documented, and modern research provides supporting evidence. Polysaccharide fractions of H. erinaceus protect gastric mucosa against ethanol-, aspirin-, and stress-induced damage in animal models by enhancing mucosal blood flow, increasing mucus secretion, and reducing oxidative damage to gastric epithelial cells. In a clinical study by Xu et al. (1985), 414 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis were treated with H. erinaceus tablets, with a reported efficacy rate of 73.5%. While this early study lacked modern RCT design, the large sample size and positive outcomes are noteworthy. Gastroprotection is one of the best-supported traditional uses of this species.
[1, 2, 16]Helicobacter pylori infection (adjunctive)
In vitro studies demonstrate that H. erinaceus extracts inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for most cases of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. The mechanism appears to involve both direct antibacterial activity and enhancement of gastric mucosal defense. However, clinical trials specifically evaluating Lion's Mane as an adjunct to H. pylori eradication therapy have not been published. Currently, Lion's Mane should be considered a supportive rather than primary anti-H. pylori agent.
[1, 2]Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
In vitro and animal studies demonstrate that H. erinaceus extracts reduce intestinal inflammation, protect intestinal epithelial barrier function, and modulate gut microbiota composition. In a DSS-induced colitis mouse model, H. erinaceus polysaccharides reduced disease activity index, colonic inflammation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. The mechanism involves inhibition of NF-kB signaling, reduction of oxidative stress in intestinal tissue, and modulation of gut immune cells. Prebiotic effects on beneficial gut bacteria (particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species) have been reported. Clinical data in IBD patients is limited to case reports and small uncontrolled series.
[2, 15]Immune System
Immunomodulation and general immune support
H. erinaceus polysaccharides activate innate immune cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells, via beta-glucan receptor-mediated signaling. Sheng et al. (2017) reviewed the immunomodulatory polysaccharides of H. erinaceus and confirmed enhancement of phagocytosis, cytokine production (IL-1, IL-2, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma), and NK cell cytotoxicity. The immunomodulating activity also operates through the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), with intestinal immune modulation contributing to systemic immune effects. While immunomodulation is not the primary therapeutic focus of Lion's Mane (neurological benefits are more distinctive), the immune-supporting polysaccharides provide a meaningful secondary benefit.
[1, 15]Cancer support (adjunctive, immunomodulatory)
In vitro studies show that H. erinaceus polysaccharides and extracts exhibit cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines (gastric, hepatic, colon, leukemia). Mechanisms include immune-mediated anti-tumor activity (enhanced NK cell and macrophage function), direct cytotoxicity, inhibition of angiogenesis, and induction of apoptosis. Animal studies demonstrate tumor growth inhibition and metastasis reduction. However, clinical data specifically for Lion's Mane in cancer patients is extremely limited compared to reishi or turkey tail. Lion's Mane may be considered as part of a comprehensive medicinal mushroom protocol for immune support during cancer treatment, but it should not be used as a sole anti-cancer agent.
[1, 2, 15]Endocrine System
Diabetes management and blood sugar regulation (adjunctive)
In animal models of diabetes (streptozotocin-induced and genetic), H. erinaceus extracts reduced fasting blood glucose, improved glucose tolerance, increased serum insulin levels, and improved lipid profiles. Mechanisms include alpha-glucosidase inhibition (slowing carbohydrate digestion), enhancement of hepatic glucose metabolism, and protection of pancreatic beta cells from oxidative damage. H. erinaceus polysaccharides also improved diabetic neuropathy in animal models, addressing both the metabolic and neurological dimensions of diabetes. Clinical evidence is limited to animal studies and small observational reports. Diabetic patients on hypoglycemic medication should monitor blood glucose if adding Lion's Mane, due to potential additive effects.
[2, 15]Cardiovascular System
Hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular risk reduction (adjunctive)
Animal studies demonstrate that H. erinaceus extracts improve lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol. Mechanisms include inhibition of hepatic lipid synthesis and enhancement of cholesterol metabolism. Hericenone B has shown antiplatelet activity, inhibiting ADP-induced platelet aggregation. These cardiovascular effects are secondary to the primary neurological indications and are based primarily on preclinical evidence.
[1, 15]Energetics
Temperature
warm
Moisture
neutral
Taste
Tissue States
cold/depression, wind/tension, damp/stagnation
In traditional Chinese medicine, Houtou (Hericium erinaceus) is classified as sweet (gan), bland (dan), and neutral to slightly warm in temperature. The sweet, bland taste reflects its nourishing, tonic quality -- it builds and restores rather than strongly clearing or draining. The slight warmth supports digestive function and is consistent with its traditional use for stomach and spleen deficiency patterns. In Western herbal energetics, Lion's Mane is considered slightly warm, neutral in moisture (neither drying nor moistening), and fundamentally nourishing/trophorestorative to nervous tissue. It addresses cold/depressed tissue states (neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, nerve damage, depleted vitality), wind/tension states (anxiety, restlessness, neurological tremors), and to a lesser extent damp/stagnation in the digestive system (poor digestion, gastric inflammation). Its gentle, food-like nature makes it widely applicable across constitutional types -- it is neither too heating for constitutionally warm individuals nor too cooling for those who tend cold. This broad constitutional applicability, combined with its high safety profile, makes Lion's Mane suitable for long-term tonic use. CAVEAT: Herbal energetics are interpretive frameworks within Western herbalism and TCM, not standardized across all practitioners.
Traditional Uses
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
- Houtou Gu ('Monkey Head mushroom') used for strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach
- Treating chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and poor digestion
- Tonifying the five internal organs (wu zang), particularly stomach and spleen
- Supporting overall vitality and recuperation from illness or surgery
- Used in traditional cancer-supporting formulas, particularly for gastric and esophageal cancers
"In classical TCM, Hericium erinaceus (Houtou Gu or Hou Tou Gu, meaning 'Monkey Head mushroom') is classified as a stomach and spleen tonic, sweet and bland in taste, neutral to slightly warm in temperature. It is traditionally indicated for weak stomach and spleen, poor appetite, indigestion, gastric pain, and chronic gastritis. The Compendium of Chinese Medicinal Fungi (Zhongguo Yaoyong Zhen Jun, 1987) describes it as: 'Strengthens the spleen, aids digestion, calms the stomach, and settles the nerves.' Unlike reishi (Lingzhi), which has an extensive classical textual history spanning millennia, Houtou appears in relatively later Chinese medical texts, with its prominence rising significantly in the 20th century as cultivation became commercially viable and pharmacological research emerged."
Japanese traditional and folk medicine
- Yamabushitake (literally 'mountain monk mushroom') -- named for its resemblance to the hanging garments of Yamabushi mountain ascetic monks
- Used as a restorative tonic and medicinal food
- Supporting digestive health and stomach complaints
- Enhancing mental clarity and concentration for meditative practices (attributed folk use among Buddhist monks)
- General vitality tonic and longevity food
"In Japan, Hericium erinaceus is known as Yamabushitake, a name derived from the Yamabushi -- mountain-dwelling ascetic monks of the Shugendo sect who practice intense spiritual and physical austerities in the mountains of Japan. The mushroom's cascading white spines are said to resemble the suzukake, the distinctive fringed garments worn by these monks. A persistent folk tradition (difficult to trace to specific historical documents) holds that Yamabushi monks consumed this mushroom to enhance concentration and mental clarity during meditation practices. Whether historically accurate or apocryphal, this tradition aligns remarkably well with the modern scientific discovery of Lion's Mane's neurotrophic properties. In Japanese culinary tradition, Lion's Mane is prized as a delicacy often prepared by simmering in dashi broth or pan-frying in butter."
North American mycological and herbal traditions
- Identified and used by North American herbalists and mycologists from the late 20th century onward
- Incorporated into Western herbal practice primarily as a nervine trophorestorative and nootropic
- Used for cognitive support, nerve damage repair, and digestive health
- Featured in medicinal mushroom blends and formulas for brain health
- Culinary use as a gourmet mushroom with crab-like or lobster-like flavor and texture
"Lion's Mane entered the Western herbal pharmacopoeia primarily through the work of Christopher Hobbs (Medicinal Mushrooms, 1995/2003) and Robert Rogers (The Fungal Pharmacy, 2011), who documented its traditional Asian uses and emerging pharmacological research. Paul Stamets has been particularly influential in popularizing Lion's Mane for cognitive health in North America. The mushroom is now one of the most widely consumed medicinal mushrooms in the United States and is a standard offering in herbal supplement lines. Its dual identity as both a choice gourmet mushroom and a potent medicinal species has contributed to its rapid adoption in Western wellness culture."
Modern Research
Lion's Mane for mild cognitive impairment (landmark RCT)
Double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial of Hericium erinaceus dried powder in 30 Japanese men and women (aged 50-80) diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Subjects received 250 mg tablets containing 96% H. erinaceus dry powder, four tablets three times daily (total 3 g/day) for 16 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of observation without supplementation.
Findings: The Lion's Mane group showed significantly improved scores on the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised (HDS-R) at weeks 8, 12, and 16 compared to placebo (P < 0.05). The improvement was progressive and dose-time dependent -- greater improvement with longer supplementation. At week 16, the treatment group scored significantly higher than placebo. However, during the 4-week washout period after discontinuation, cognitive scores in the treatment group declined toward placebo levels, suggesting that continuous supplementation is necessary for sustained benefit. No adverse effects were reported. This is the seminal clinical trial establishing Lion's Mane as a potential cognitive enhancer in humans.
Limitations: Small sample size (n=30). Single-center Japanese study. Used the HDS-R rather than more internationally standardized cognitive assessments (MMSE, ADAS-Cog). 16-week duration may be insufficient to detect maximum benefit. Decline upon discontinuation raises questions about the nature of the effect (true disease modification vs. symptomatic enhancement). No biomarker data (NGF levels, neuroimaging) to confirm mechanism.
[5]
Lion's Mane for depression and anxiety in menopausal women
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of H. erinaceus cookies in 30 menopausal women. Subjects received cookies containing 0.5 g Lion's Mane fruiting body powder per cookie, with 4 cookies consumed daily (total 2 g/day) for 4 weeks.
Findings: The Lion's Mane group showed significantly reduced depression scores (CES-D, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and significantly reduced scores on the Indefinite Complaints Index (ICI), which measures irritation, anxiety, palpitation, and concentration difficulty, compared to placebo (P < 0.05). The authors suggested that the mechanism might involve NGF-enhancing effects rather than a direct estrogenic mechanism, as Lion's Mane is not known to have phytoestrogenic activity. Interestingly, the anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects were observed at a relatively modest dose (2 g/day) of crude fruiting body powder.
Limitations: Small sample size (n=30). Short duration (4 weeks). Specific to menopausal women; generalizability to other populations uncertain. Used cookies as delivery vehicle, introducing potential confounders. Self-reported outcome measures. No biochemical markers (BDNF, cortisol, serotonin) measured to elucidate mechanism.
[6]
Erinacine A-enriched mycelium for mild Alzheimer's disease
Open-label, prospective observational study of erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium (350 mg/capsule, three capsules daily) in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (MMSE 18-26) over 49 weeks. Neuroimaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed to assess brain glucose metabolism alongside cognitive testing.
Findings: After 49 weeks of supplementation, patients showed significant improvements in MMSE scores, IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) scores, and neuropsychiatric inventory scores (NPI, measuring behavioral symptoms). 18F-FDG PET imaging revealed stabilization or improvement in brain glucose metabolism in several cerebral regions, contrasting with the progressive hypometabolism typically seen in untreated Alzheimer's disease. The improvements were statistically significant and clinically meaningful. No serious adverse events were reported.
Limitations: Open-label design without placebo control (major limitation). Small sample size. Single-center Taiwanese study. Cannot establish causation without a controlled comparison group. The improvement in brain metabolism is intriguing but requires confirmation in double-blind RCTs with adequate sample sizes. 49-week duration is commendable but longer follow-up would be informative.
[7]
Erinacine A-enriched mycelium for depression, anxiety, and sleep quality
Clinical trial evaluating the effects of erinacine A-enriched H. erinaceus mycelium on mood and sleep disorders. Patients received three capsules daily of standardized mycelium extract for 8 weeks.
Findings: Significant improvements in binge eating disorder symptoms, depression scores, and anxiety scores compared to baseline and placebo. Sleep quality also improved. Quality of life measures showed meaningful enhancement. The authors attributed the effects to BDNF-enhancing, anti-neuroinflammatory, and serotonergic modulation mechanisms.
Limitations: Moderate sample size. Specific patient population (primarily with binge eating and mood symptoms). Single erinacine A-enriched commercial product tested. Short duration (8 weeks).
[8]
Cognitive function in healthy older adults
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of H. erinaceus supplement tablets on cognitive function in healthy Japanese men and women aged 50 years and older over 12 weeks.
Findings: The Lion's Mane group showed significant improvements in cognitive function tests compared to placebo. Specifically, improvements were observed in verbal memory, visual memory, and overall cognitive composite scores. The results suggest that Lion's Mane supplementation may benefit cognitive function even in healthy (non-impaired) older adults, expanding the potential application beyond individuals with diagnosed cognitive impairment.
Limitations: Moderate sample size. Japanese population; cross-cultural generalizability uncertain. 12-week duration. Specific commercial product tested. No mechanistic biomarkers measured.
[9]
Nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation by hericenones and erinacines
Series of foundational biochemical studies identifying and characterizing the NGF-stimulating compounds in H. erinaceus. Kawagishi et al. (1991) first isolated hericenones C, D, and E from the fruiting body and demonstrated their ability to stimulate NGF synthesis in cultured astroglial cells. Subsequent studies by Kawagishi's group and others identified the erinacine series from the mycelium.
Findings: Hericenones C, D, and E from the fruiting body stimulated NGF synthesis in cultured rat astroglial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Erinacines A-I from the mycelium were subsequently found to be even more potent NGF inducers. Erinacine A demonstrated the strongest NGF-stimulating activity, increasing NGF mRNA expression and protein secretion at concentrations as low as 1 mM. In vivo studies confirmed that orally administered erinacine A increases NGF and BDNF levels in brain tissue (hippocampus and locus coeruleus) of treated animals. The blood-brain barrier permeability of erinacine A was confirmed, a critical finding for CNS applications.
Limitations: Initial NGF stimulation studies are primarily in vitro (cell culture). In vivo confirmation is in animal models. Direct measurement of brain NGF levels in humans after Lion's Mane consumption has not been performed (not feasible non-invasively). The assumption that oral Lion's Mane consumption leads to clinically meaningful CNS NGF elevation in humans is supported by indirect evidence (cognitive improvement in clinical trials) but not directly demonstrated.
Neuroprotective effects in animal models of neurodegeneration
Comprehensive body of preclinical research evaluating H. erinaceus extracts in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral nerve injury.
Findings: In Alzheimer's disease models (amyloid-beta injected mice and APP/PS1 transgenic mice): H. erinaceus extract reduced amyloid-beta plaque burden, decreased hyperphosphorylated tau, improved spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze), and reduced hippocampal neuronal loss. In Parkinson's disease models (6-OHDA and MPTP lesion models): erinacine A protected dopaminergic neurons, reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation, and improved motor function. In stroke models (middle cerebral artery occlusion): H. erinaceus extract reduced infarct volume, decreased neuronal apoptosis, and improved neurological deficit scores. In peripheral nerve crush injury models: H. erinaceus aqueous extract accelerated axonal regeneration, enhanced remyelination, and improved functional recovery (peroneal functional index).
Limitations: All evidence is preclinical (animal models). Doses used in animal studies may not directly translate to equivalent human doses. Different extract types and concentrations used across studies make comparison difficult. Positive results in animal neurodegeneration models frequently do not translate to clinical efficacy in human neurodegenerative disease.
Recognition memory enhancement in wild-type mice
Preclinical study by Brandalise et al. (2017) evaluating the effect of H. erinaceus supplementation on recognition memory in healthy (non-impaired) wild-type mice, with electrophysiological recordings to assess synaptic plasticity.
Findings: Mice supplemented with H. erinaceus extract showed significantly enhanced novel object recognition memory compared to unsupplemented controls. Electrophysiological recordings from hippocampal slices revealed enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) -- the cellular mechanism underlying learning and memory -- in treated animals. The authors concluded that Lion's Mane enhances cognitive function even in healthy, non-impaired subjects by boosting hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
Limitations: Animal study (mice); direct human translatability uncertain. Short study duration. Single dose tested. Electrophysiological data are from ex vivo hippocampal slices, not in vivo recordings.
[10]
Gastroprotective effects and gastrointestinal applications
Studies evaluating the gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activity of H. erinaceus polysaccharide fractions in animal models of gastric injury.
Findings: H. erinaceus polysaccharide extracts significantly protected against ethanol-induced and aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Protective mechanisms included: enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow, stimulation of gastric mucus secretion, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, antioxidant protection of mucosal cells (increased SOD, decreased MDA), and anti-inflammatory effects (reduced gastric tissue TNF-alpha and IL-6). In chronic atrophic gastritis models, H. erinaceus extract improved gastric mucosal integrity and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. In vitro activity against Helicobacter pylori was also demonstrated.
Limitations: Animal models of gastric injury may not fully recapitulate human gastric disease. No modern RCTs of Lion's Mane for gastritis or peptic ulcer in humans. The 1985 Chinese clinical study (Xu et al.) lacked modern RCT design. H. pylori inhibition is in vitro only.
Antidepressant-like effects and neurochemical mechanisms in animal models
Investigation of the antidepressant-like behavioral effects of H. erinaceus extract in mouse models of depression and the underlying neurochemical mechanisms.
Findings: H. erinaceus ethanol extract reduced immobility time in the forced swim test and tail suspension test (standard rodent models of depression-like behavior), comparable to the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine. Neurochemical analysis revealed that the antidepressant mechanism involved modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine), enhancement of BDNF expression in the hippocampus, and anti-neuroinflammatory effects (reduced hippocampal IL-6 and TNF-alpha). The results support a multi-target antidepressant mechanism distinct from single-target pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Limitations: Animal behavioral models of depression have uncertain translatability to human clinical depression. Chemical analysis of specific active compounds responsible for the antidepressant effect was not fully determined. Ethanol extract composition varies by preparation method.
[11]
Preparations & Dosage
hot-water-extract
Strength: 5-15 g dried fruiting body per 500-750 mL water
Dried Lion's Mane fruiting body is sliced thinly or coarsely powdered. Add 5-15 g of dried material to 500-750 mL of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20-40 minutes. Unlike the extremely woody reishi, Lion's Mane fruiting bodies are softer and extract more readily, so shorter decoction times are adequate. Strain and drink. The resulting tea has a mild, slightly sweet, pleasant flavor -- far less bitter than reishi decoction. A second extraction from the same material is possible with reduced yield.
5-15 g dried fruiting body per day, decocted in 2-3 cups of water. Drink throughout the day in 2-3 divided doses.
1-2 times daily
May be used long-term. The Mori et al. (2009) trial noted that cognitive benefits diminished upon discontinuation, suggesting that sustained supplementation is needed for continued benefit.
Not well-studied in children. For adolescents over 12: half adult dose under practitioner guidance.
Hot-water extraction efficiently recovers polysaccharides (beta-glucans) and water-soluble compounds from the fruiting body. However, the lipophilic hericenones (key NGF-stimulating compounds in the fruiting body) are poorly extracted by water alone. A dual extraction (water + ethanol) is preferred for maximum neurotrophic activity. For pure immune-supporting polysaccharide benefits, hot-water extraction is sufficient. Lion's Mane tea has a pleasant, mild taste that does not require sweetening or flavoring, unlike the intensely bitter reishi decoction.
dual-extract-tincture
Strength: 1:5, 60-70% ethanol for hydroalcoholic phase; combined with aqueous decoction
Prepare both a hydroalcoholic extract and a hot-water extract, then combine. Ethanol extraction: macerate dried, finely chopped fruiting body at 1:5 ratio in 60-70% ethanol for 4-6 weeks with daily agitation. Press and filter. Water extraction: simmer the marc (post-alcohol extraction residue) or fresh dried fruiting body in water for 2-4 hours. Strain and reduce. Combine the two extracts. Some manufacturers perform sequential dual extraction on the same starting material.
2-4 mL (40-80 drops) two to three times daily
Two to three times daily
May be used long-term for sustained neurotrophic and cognitive support
Not recommended for children due to alcohol content
Dual extraction is the PREFERRED preparation method for capturing the full spectrum of Lion's Mane's bioactive compounds. The ethanol phase extracts lipophilic hericenones and terpenoids, while the hot-water phase extracts polysaccharides. This approach is critical because the two most important classes of neuroactive compounds (hericenones and polysaccharides) have different solubility profiles. Commercial 'double extract' or 'dual extract' Lion's Mane tinctures follow this principle. Verify that the product specifies both extraction methods.
capsule-fruiting-body-extract
Strength: Crude powder: 500 mg per capsule. Extract: varies by concentration; common DER 4:1 to 10:1. Standardize to >= 25% beta-glucans.
Dried fruiting body, finely powdered or concentrated via hot-water or dual extraction, encapsulated in vegetarian capsules. Quality products specify: (1) fruiting body source, (2) extraction method, (3) beta-glucan content (minimum 25%), and (4) absence of grain fillers. Standardization to beta-glucan content is preferred over crude 'polysaccharide' standardization, which may include starch.
Crude fruiting body powder: 1-3 g daily (2-6 capsules of 500 mg). Extract powder (hot-water or dual-extracted, 4:1 to 10:1 concentration): 500 mg to 1500 mg daily. The Mori et al. (2009) RCT used 3 g/day of 96% pure dried fruiting body powder.
Divided into 2-3 doses daily, ideally taken with meals
Long-term use recommended based on the Mori et al. finding that benefits diminish upon discontinuation
Not established. Adolescents: half adult dose under practitioner guidance.
Fruiting body capsules are the most widely available form and the closest match to the Mori et al. (2009) clinical trial protocol (which used dried fruiting body powder). Key quality considerations: (1) Verify fruiting body source -- avoid products that blend fruiting body with mycelium-on-grain without disclosure. (2) Beta-glucan-specific testing (Megazyme assay) is preferable to generic 'polysaccharide' testing. (3) Products with > 5% starch content likely contain grain filler. (4) Fruiting body products contain hericenones but NOT erinacines. For maximum neurotrophic benefit, consider combining fruiting body and mycelial extract products.
capsule-mycelium-extract
Strength: Erinacine A-enriched: standardized to erinacine A content (varies by product). General mycelial extract: varies.
Standardized extract of H. erinaceus mycelium, typically from liquid fermentation (submerged culture) rather than mycelium-on-grain. The most clinically studied mycelial preparation is erinacine A-enriched mycelium. Capsules should specify erinacine content or standardization.
Erinacine A-enriched mycelium: 1050 mg/day (350 mg per capsule, three capsules daily) based on Li et al. (2020) Alzheimer's disease trial. Amyloban 3399 (standardized Japanese mycelial extract): per manufacturer dosing. General mycelial extract: 1-3 g/day depending on concentration.
Three times daily with meals
Long-term use. Li et al. (2020) used 49 weeks of continuous supplementation.
Not established
Mycelial extracts are specifically indicated when erinacine content is the therapeutic priority -- i.e., for neurological applications where blood-brain barrier penetration and potent NGF/BDNF stimulation are desired. CRITICAL: Distinguish between (1) liquid-culture mycelium extract (pure mycelium, concentrated erinacines, no grain starch) and (2) mycelium-on-grain (MOG) products (mycelium + residual grain, diluted active compounds, inflated polysaccharide values from starch). For neurological indications, liquid-culture mycelium extracts or erinacine A-enriched preparations are strongly preferred over MOG products. Combining mycelial extract (for erinacines) with fruiting body extract (for hericenones) provides the most comprehensive neurotrophic profile.
culinary-food
Strength: Whole fresh or dried fruiting body used as food
Fresh Lion's Mane fruiting bodies are a prized culinary mushroom. Slice into 1-2 cm thick steaks or tear into chunks. Dry-sauté in a hot pan until golden on both sides (the fruiting body releases significant moisture; cooking off this water before adding fat improves texture and flavor). Add butter or olive oil and continue cooking until golden-brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic, thyme, or lemon. The cooked texture is firm, meaty, and often compared to lobster or crab.
100-300 g fresh fruiting body per serving (culinary portion). Fresh weight is approximately 90% water; equivalent dried weight is 10-30 g.
Can be consumed daily as part of a regular diet when available
No limitation as a food
Suitable as a food for children who eat mushrooms, in age-appropriate portions
Regular culinary consumption of Lion's Mane provides a baseline intake of bioactive compounds in their whole-food matrix. While cooking partially degrades some heat-sensitive compounds, beta-glucan polysaccharides are heat-stable and hericenones are lipophilic (fat-soluble) and may be more bioavailable when cooked with fats. Culinary use is complementary to, rather than a replacement for, concentrated extracts for therapeutic applications. Dried Lion's Mane can also be rehydrated and used in soups, stews, and broths. Home cultivation is increasingly popular using commercially available fruiting kits.
Safety & Interactions
Class 1
Can be safely consumed when used appropriately (AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook)
Contraindications
Although allergic reactions to Hericium erinaceus are very rare, individuals with confirmed allergy to Lion's Mane or other closely related fungi should avoid use. Persons with known mushroom allergies should exercise caution when first trying Lion's Mane, starting with a small test dose.
Drug Interactions
| Drug / Class | Severity | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents (warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel) (Anticoagulants / Antiplatelet agents) | theoretical | Hericenone B has demonstrated inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. The clinical significance of this antiplatelet activity at typical oral supplement doses is uncertain, but a theoretical risk of additive antiplatelet effects exists when combined with pharmaceutical anticoagulants or antiplatelets. |
| Antidiabetic medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas) (Hypoglycemic agents) | theoretical | H. erinaceus polysaccharides demonstrate alpha-glucosidase inhibition and modest blood glucose-lowering effects in animal models. Additive hypoglycemia is theoretically possible when combined with pharmaceutical antidiabetic agents. |
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
insufficient data
Lactation
insufficient data
No clinical studies of Hericium erinaceus during pregnancy or lactation have been conducted. Lion's Mane has a long history of culinary use in East Asia (where it is consumed as a food mushroom), and there are no traditional reports of reproductive toxicity or teratogenicity. Animal studies have not shown reproductive toxicity at reasonable dose levels. The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) classifies it as Class 1 (safe when used appropriately) without a specific pregnancy contraindication, but the absence of human pregnancy safety data means that therapeutic doses of concentrated Lion's Mane supplements are best avoided during pregnancy and lactation as a precautionary measure. Occasional dietary consumption of culinary Lion's Mane (as a food) is likely low-risk.
Adverse Effects
References
Monograph Sources
- [1] Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Culture. Botanica Press, Santa Cruz, CA. 3rd edition, 2003 (originally published 1995) (1995)
- [2] Rogers R. The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA (2011)
- [3] Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2nd edition (2013)
- [4] Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT (2003)
Clinical Studies
- [5] 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 (2009) ; 23 : 367-372 . DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2634 . PMID: 18844328
- [6] Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res (2010) ; 31 : 231-237 . DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.31.231 . PMID: 20834180
- [7] Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, Chen WP, Lu TH, Lee LY, Chen YW, Chen YP, Chen CC, Lin DP. Prevention of early Alzheimer's disease by erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelia pilot double-blind placebo-controlled study. Front Aging Neurosci (2020) ; 12 : 155 . DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155 . PMID: 32581767
- [8] Chiu CH, Chyau CC, Chen CC, Lee LY, Chen WP, Liu JL, Lin WH, Mong MC. Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium produces antidepressant-like effects through modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3beta signaling in mice. Int J Mol Sci (2018) ; 19 : 3150 . DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103150 . PMID: 30326600
- [9] Saitsu Y, Nishide A, Kikushima K, Shimizu K, Ohnuki K. Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomed Res (2019) ; 40 : 125-131 . DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.40.125 . PMID: 31413233
- [10] Brandalise F, Cesaroni V, Gregori A, Repber M, Romano C, Orrù G, Botta L, Ferrini C, Rossi P. Dietary supplementation of Hericium erinaceus increases mossy fiber-CA3 hippocampal neurotransmission and recognition memory in wild-type mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2017) ; 2017 : 3864340 . DOI: 10.1155/2017/3864340 . PMID: 28167971
- [11] Ryu SH, Hong SM, Khan Z, Lee SK, Vishwanath M, Turber A, Yoon SJ, Lee DH, Lee JK, Kim KJ. Neurotrophic isoindolinones from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Bioorg Med Chem Lett (2021) ; 31 : 127714 . DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127714 . PMID: 33220373
Traditional Texts
- [12] Kawagishi H, Ando M, Sakamoto H, Yoshida S, Ojima F, Ishiguro Y, Ukai N, Furukawa S. Hericenones C, D and E, stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF)-synthesis, from the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Tetrahedron Lett (1991) ; 32 : 4561-4564 . DOI: 10.1016/0040-4039(91)80039-9
- [13] Li IC, Lee LY, Tzeng TT, Chen WP, Chen YP, Shiao YJ, Chen CC. Neurohealth properties of Hericium erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines. Behav Neurol (2018) ; 2018 : 5802634 . DOI: 10.1155/2018/5802634 . PMID: 29951133
- [14] Tsai-Teng T, Chin-Chu C, Li-Ya L, Wan-Ping C, Chung-Kuang L, Chien-Chang S, Chi-Ying HF, Chien-Chih C, Shiao YJ. Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. J Biomed Sci (2016) ; 23 : 49 . DOI: 10.1186/s12929-016-0266-z . PMID: 27350344
Pharmacopeias & Reviews
- [15] Sheng X, Yan J, Meng Y, Kang Y, Han Z, Tai G, Zhou Y, Cheng H. Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology. Food Funct (2017) ; 8 : 1020-1027 . DOI: 10.1039/c7fo00071e . PMID: 28266682
- [16] Wang M, Konishi T, Gao Y, Xu D, Gao Q. Anti-gastric ulcer activity of polysaccharide fraction isolated from mycelium culture of lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes). Int J Med Mushrooms (2015) ; 17 : 1055-1060 . DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v17.i11.50 . PMID: 26853960
- [17] Wong KH, Naidu M, David RP, Bakar R, Sabaratnam V. Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review). Int J Med Mushrooms (2012) ; 14 : 427-446 . DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v14.i5.10 . PMID: 23510212
Last updated: 2026-03-02 | Status: review
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