Lion's Mane Mushroom: Benefits, Evidence and How to Take It
Lion's Mane Mushroom: Benefits, Evidence and How to Take It
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a large, white, shaggy mushroom that looks remarkably like its namesake. Used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries, it's now attracting serious scientific interest for its effects on cognition-related research and neurological health.
The NGF Connection
Lion's Mane's most remarkable property is its ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production. NGF is a protein that promotes the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. It plays a critical role in neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt.
Two compounds in Lion's Mane — hericenones (found in the fruiting body) and erinacines (found in the mycelium) — have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate NGF synthesis. This is unusual — most supplements cannot cross the blood-brain barrier effectively.
Clinical Evidence for Cognitive Benefits
A 2009 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Japan found that adults aged 50–80 with mild cognitive impairment who took 3g of Lion's Mane daily for 16 weeks showed significant improvements on the Hasegawa Dementia Scale compared to placebo. Crucially, the improvements reversed when supplementation stopped, suggesting the mechanism was ongoing rather than permanent — and therefore that continued supplementation is required.
A more recent 2020 study found that Lion's Mane improved cognition-related research and mood in healthy young adults, suggesting benefits extend beyond those with existing cognitive decline.
Neuroprotective Effects
Animal research has shown Lion's Mane reduces amyloid-beta plaque accumulation (associated with Alzheimer's) and promotes hippocampal cell proliferation. Combined with its NGF-stimulating properties, it's one of the most promising natural neuroprotective agents studied.
How We Use Lion's Mane
Our Shilajit Complex includes Lion's Mane as part of its cognitive and wellbeing stack alongside Himalayan Shilajit, Reishi, Ashwagandha and Maca Root. This combination supports energy, cognition-related research and stress resilience through complementary mechanisms.
Written by Dr Chun Tang, MBChB, MRCGP — founder of Little Ox and practising UK GP.