Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane is a mushroom that may support cognitive function. In a randomised study of 41 healthy adults, 1.8 grams per day sped up performance on an attention task. Another randomised study in healthy adults found no effect.
What the research shows
Mixed or small evidence. The effect is uncertain.
Docherty (2023) calls its own trial a pilot: 41 healthy adults, a faster Stroop task after a single 1.8 g dose and a borderline drop in perceived stress after 28 days, alongside measurements that showed nothing. Surendran (2025) repeated the acute measurement in 18 people and found no difference on the composite measures for cognition and mood; two of the authors work for a company that sells lion's mane. The most cited study, Mori (2009), covers 30 Japanese adults aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment, comes from the mushroom grower itself, and the effect disappeared four weeks after they stopped.
Who it makes sense for: Anyone willing to try 1 to 1.8 g a day who knows the strongest evidence sits with older adults who have memory complaints. At the few hundred milligrams a pre-workout usually delivers, expect nothing.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Origin
NaturalLion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom that grows on hardwood trees in North America, Europe, and Asia. It has been eaten in Chinese and Japanese cuisine for centuries. It's named for its white, cascading tendrils.
Safety
A food with a long history of use and a good safety profile. Studies in healthy adults use 1 to 1.8 grams per day, more than many supplements contain. Sample sizes are small, 18 to 41 participants, and results vary. Allergic reactions are rare but possible with a mushroom allergy.
For comparison
Lion's Mane is one of the few mushrooms associated with nerve growth. It contains hericenones and erinacines, compounds that may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Think of it as a nootropic in mushroom form.
Dosage by weight and gender
The typical Lion's Mane extract dose is 500mg-3g per day (Mori et al., 2009). Body weight doesn't affect dosing. There are no gender-specific recommendations. The cognitive effect builds over weeks of daily use. Note the difference between extract (concentrated) and powder (less potent).
Frequently asked questions
What does Lion's Mane do?
Lion's Mane may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which could contribute to better memory and focus. In pre-workouts it's added for mental clarity. Mori et al. (2009) found improved cognitive function in elderly after 16 weeks of use.
Is Lion's Mane dangerous?
No, Lion's Mane is an edible mushroom with an excellent safety profile. It has been eaten in Asia for centuries. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Consult a doctor if using blood thinners, as it may affect blood clotting.
How much Lion's Mane per day?
500mg-3g extract per day, depending on concentration. Pre-workouts usually contain 300mg-1g. Preferably choose an extract standardized for hericenones and erinacines. The effect builds over weeks, it's not an acute stimulant.
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot StudyDocherty S et al. (2023)Funded by: Sempera Organics leverde het proefproduct en had volgens de belangenverklaring geen rol in opzet, analyse of publicatie; uitgevoerd aan Northumbria University.
- Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane mushroom) on cognition and mood in healthy younger adults: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled studySurendran G et al. (2025)Funded by: Twee auteurs zijn in dienst van Beyond Alcohol Ltd., dat dranken met lion's mane verkoopt; de overige auteurs verklaren geen commerciële belangen.
- Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialMori K et al. (2009)Funded by: Eerste auteur werkt bij het Mushroom Laboratory van Hokuto Corporation, de champignonkweker achter het preparaat.
Pre-workouts with Lion's Mane
No products found with this ingredient
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.