Lion's Mane

evidence score

nootropic

153 studies

Hericium erinaceusyamabushitakemonkey head mushroom+2 more

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom that stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis through hericenones (fruiting body) and erinacines (mycelium). NGF promotes neuronal survival, axon regeneration, and synaptic plasticity. Clinical evidence supports benefits for mild cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, and potentially neurodegeneration. Effects accumulate over weeks. Quality of extract (fruiting body vs. mycelium, beta-glucan content) significantly impacts potency.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

1000 mg

500 mgRange3000 mg

Frequencydaily (split 2x/day)

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Pharmacology

Half-lifeNot well characterized; benefits accumulate over weeks via NGF upregulation

Onset2-4 weeks for cognitive effects; 4-8 weeks for full benefit

DurationEffects may persist weeks after cessation via sustained NGF elevation

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

Level B — Moderate

153 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~44/100

Quality(30%)~40/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Lion's Mane is currently categorized as a nootropic compound.

Evidence is moderate (67/100): promising signal from 153 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Hericenones and erinacines stimulate NGF and BDNF synthesis, promoting neuroplasticity, myelination, and neuroprotection

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level C: Neuroprotection in the age of emerging infections: The untapped power of medicinal mushrooms.
Level C: Beyond Neurotrophins: A Proposed Neurotrophic-Epigenetic Axis Mediated by Non-Coding RNA Networks for
Level C: Recent Advances in Erinacine A: Preparation, Biological Activities, and Biosynthetic Pathway.