Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus, also known as Yamabushitake) is a medicinal mushroom that supports mood, general wellbeing, and overall cognition.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits

Pure Nootropics provides Nammex medicinal mushroom extract, using only 100% organic whole fruiting bodies which are rigorously tested and guaranteed pure.

• May provide mood support (ref)*
• Supports overall cognitive health (ref)*

Lion’s Mane is emerging as a subject of interest in the medical community, but thus far, there has not been a large amount of research or trials conducted with humans, except for those studies referenced above.*

 The following are examples of dynamics associated with Lion’s Mane through the animal model and may not be representative of the effects in the human body:

• May enhance nerve-growth factor (ref)*
• May promote healthy blood sugar (ref)*
• May promote increased energy levels (ref)*

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Mode of Action

As a mushroom, the primary active compounds are polysaccharides or beta-glucans.  The fruiting body of the mushroom contains the highest content of the B-glucan polysaccharides.  The polysaccharides stimulate the immune system and have antioxidant properties (1).

Lion’s Mane Mushroom may provide mood support and promote general wellbeing, as demonstrated in one of the very few human studies available to date (2)* .  Lion’s Mane Mushroom may also support overall cognitive health and may improve cognitive function (3), as demonstrated in one of the very few human studies available as well.*

The studies in animal models may not be representative of Lion’s Mane’s effects in the human body, but have shown promise in the area of possibly enhancing nerve-growth factor (4), possibly promoting healthy blood sugar (5), and may promote increased energy levels (6).  More research is needed in these areas.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract Powder and Capsules Dosage

Pure Nootropics’ Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract Capsules provide 500 mg per 1 capsule.  Suggested use for adults is 2 capsules by mouth once daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. The major difference between our 8:1 Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract capsules and our 1:1 Lion’s Mane Mushroom capsules is that the 8:1 is a dual extract (water and ethanol) meant to get certain beneficial compounds out of the mushroom that are not water soluble, specifically hericenones and erinacines. Hericenones and erinacines are a hot topic of study as they have been shown to increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in rats. The 1:1 extract is a hot water extract that is high(er) in polysaccharides (than the 8:1) and is recommended for overall well-being, whereas the 8:1 is more suitable for cognitive support.

Pure Nootropics’ Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract Powder provides 1000 mg per (4) level 1 cc scoops (provided with purchase).  Suggested use of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract Powder for adults is 1 serving by mouth daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.  (Due to variations in powder density, scoop measurements may fluctuate.  We suggest purchasing a scale for measuring accurately. A scale allows users to better track progress and response to each dose. Scales are available for purchase through Pure Nootropics).

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder Side Effects and Toxicity

Lion’s Mane Mushroom consumed orally is well tolerated (please see below for information regarding drug interactions). When used orally and appropriately, it is considered possibly safe for short-term use.  The safety of long-term use is not known due to insufficient research and clinical studies.  Side effects seem to be limited to mild gastrointestinal discomfort (7).

Note:  There are some interactions with pharmaceutical medications such as anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (some of which are aspirin, Plavix, Fragmin, Lovenox, heparin, Ticlid, Warfarin, and others) and may interact with anti-diabetes drugs (some of which include Amaryl, DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase, insulin, metformin, Actos, Avandia and others).  Interactions with herbs and supplements used for anticoagulant/antiplatelet that may interact with Lion’s Mane include angelica, clove, garlic, danshen, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, and others.  Interactions with herbs and supplements that may interact with anti-diabetes drugs include fenugreek, devil’s claw, garlic, guar gum, Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, horse chestnut, and others. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are taking any medications, herbs or supplements prior to beginning supplementation with Lion’s Mane. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing (7).

Toxicity for Lion’s Mane in humans has not been established, however, in animal research, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level was greater than 3 grams/kg daily by mouth for 28 days (7).

For further information, please see our References Tab above.