How Does the Lion's Mane Mushroom Affect the Brain?

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

Recent studies in older adults with mild cognitive impairment have shown that consuming lion's mane mushroom powder significantly improves mental function. This remarkable fungus, known scientifically as Hericium erinaceus, has gained significant attention for its potential to support and enhance brain health.

Quick Summary

Lion's mane mushroom contains active compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, which can improve cognitive functions like memory, focus, and nerve regeneration.

Key Points

Stimulates Nerve Growth Factor: Lion's mane contains compounds called erinacines and hericenones that stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein vital for neuronal health.
Enhances Cognitive Function: Clinical trials in older adults with mild cognitive impairment showed that lion's mane improved mental function, memory, and cognitive performance.
Reduces Brain Fog: By improving focus and mental clarity, the mushroom can help alleviate brain fog.
Supports Neurogenesis: The active compounds promote the growth and repair of new nerve cells, particularly in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory.
Protects Against Neurodegeneration: Animal studies suggest it can protect against damage from amyloid-beta plaques and reduce inflammation, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Aids Mood and Anxiety: Research indicates that lion's mane may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, potentially through its anti-inflammatory effects and impact on hippocampal function.

The Science Behind Lion's Mane and Brain Health

Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique, edible fungus with a long history in traditional Eastern medicine. Modern scientific research is now providing insights into how its bioactive compounds, primarily hericenones and erinacines, exert beneficial effects on the brain. These compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier and play a critical role in brain health by stimulating the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF is a crucial protein that supports the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons in the brain.

The Role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

NGF is essential for neurogenesis—the process of forming new nerve cells—and for promoting neural communication and synaptic plasticity. The erinacines found predominantly in the mushroom's mycelium are particularly noted for their ability to stimulate NGF production. By boosting NGF, lion's mane can potentially enhance neural pathways, leading to improvements in cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and mental clarity. This is especially relevant in the context of age-related cognitive decline, where NGF levels naturally decrease.

Bioactive Compounds: Hericenones vs. Erinacines

Both the fruiting body (the visible mushroom) and the mycelium (the root-like structure) of lion's mane contain beneficial compounds, but their chemical compositions differ significantly. This distinction is crucial when choosing a supplement, as the benefits can vary depending on the source.


Feature	Hericenones	Erinacines
Primary Location	Fruiting Body	Mycelium
Key Action	Supports neuronal health and has antioxidant effects.	Powerful stimulant of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production.
Associated Benefits	Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory effects.	Promotes neurogenesis, enhances memory, and learning.
Best For	Overall neuronal health and cellular protection.	Maximizing NGF synthesis and promoting nerve regeneration.

Potential Cognitive Benefits and Research Findings

Improvement in Cognitive Function: A Japanese clinical trial with older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment found that consuming lion's mane powder for 16 weeks led to significant improvements in cognitive function scores. While these effects diminished after discontinuation, they demonstrate the potential for lion's mane to temporarily enhance mental performance.
Relief from Brain Fog: Anecdotal reports and some studies suggest that lion's mane can help clear "brain fog" by improving focus and concentration. The boost in NGF and enhanced neural communication likely contribute to this effect.
Protection Against Neurodegeneration: Animal studies have shown promising results, indicating that lion's mane extract may help protect against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's by preventing neuronal damage from amyloid-beta plaques. It may also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are contributing factors to brain aging.
Mood and Anxiety Support: Research in mice and a small study on menopausal women suggest that lion's mane can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to improve the function of the hippocampus, a brain region involved in emotions and memory.
Speeding Nerve Injury Recovery: Animal studies have found that lion's mane extract can speed up recovery from nerve injuries, such as damage to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves. This is attributed to its ability to stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells.

How to Use Lion's Mane

Lion's mane can be consumed in various forms, including supplements (capsules, powders, tinctures) and as a culinary mushroom. The form and usage can affect the concentration of active compounds like hericenones and erinacines.

Supplements: Available in powder or capsule form, supplements can provide a concentrated amount of active compounds. It is crucial to choose a high-quality product, ideally with standardized extracts for consistency.
Culinary Use: The mushroom can be cooked and eaten fresh, offering a subtle, seafood-like flavor. However, the therapeutic concentration of hericenones and erinacines may be higher in dedicated extracts.

Conclusion: A Natural Boost for Brain Function

While more large-scale human studies are needed to confirm all its potential benefits, the existing research on what the lion's mane mushroom does to the brain is highly encouraging. Its unique ability to stimulate NGF synthesis through bioactive compounds like hericenones and erinacines offers a promising natural pathway for supporting cognitive function, enhancing memory, and potentially protecting against age-related decline. As research continues, lion's mane stands out as a powerful nootropic with significant potential for long-term brain health.

Learn more about functional mushrooms and brain health here

Frequently Asked Questions

While some individuals report noticing benefits like improved focus within a few weeks, studies on cognitive impairment showed significant improvements after 16 weeks of consistent use. Effects tend to fade if supplementation is stopped.

Yes, hericenones are primarily in the fruiting body and have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, while erinacines are mainly in the mycelium and are known for stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Some supplements use one or both parts.

Lion's mane is generally considered safe for most people, though some individuals in clinical trials reported mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or a skin rash. Those with mushroom allergies should avoid it.

Preliminary research, primarily in animal models and a small human study, suggests that lion's mane may help reduce symptoms of mild anxiety and depression. Its anti-inflammatory properties and effect on hippocampal function are thought to play a role.

Factors can include individual health status, other medications being taken, and the specific form and concentration of the lion's mane product. Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance is recommended.

While promising, research is still in its early stages. Animal studies have shown a protective effect, but large-scale human trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Eating the fresh mushroom offers nutritional benefits, but concentrated supplements often contain higher, standardized amounts of the key active compounds (hericenones and erinacines) used in most scientific studies.