Lion’s Mane for Cognition, Stress Support, and Gut Health

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Antioxidants, Cognitive Health, Digestive Health, Recent Articles, Stress

Written by Taylor Woosley, Science Writer. Discover how this medicinal mushroom has been used for centuries to boost cognitive function, enhance digestive health and promote overall wellness.

basket of mushroomsLion’s mane mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, is a distinctive fungus that features cascading white spines, resembling a lion’s flowing mane. This edible mushroom is native to North America, Europe, and Asia and typically grows on decaying hardwood trees. Its unique appearance and culinary appeal have made it increasingly popular among health enthusiasts and chefs.

Historically, Lion’s mane mushroom has been highly regarded in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures. It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to promote overall wellness, boost cognitive function, and enhance digestive health. Ancient texts document its use for stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, highlighting its long-standing significance in holistic healing practices.

Nutritional Composition

A notable nutrient found in Lion’s mane mushroom is beta-glucan, a type of dietary fiber linked to several health benefits. It is also rich in antioxidants, such as phenols and polysaccharides. These antioxidants help protect the body against harmful free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells.

Lion’s mane has some of the highest concentrations of the unique compound L-ergothioneine. While the physiological role of L-ergothioneine has not been fully elucidated, it is believed to function as an adaptive antioxidant and is proposed as a “longevity vitamin” but further research is needed1.

Furthermore, Lion’s mane mushroom is a robust source of vitamins and minerals. It contains essential vitamins like B1, B2, and B3, which are important for energy production, nerve function, and healthy skin. Additionally, Lion’s Mane mushroom provides minerals such as potassium, zinc, and selenium, which play vital roles in various bodily functions.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

One of the key benefits of Lion’s mane is its positive impact on memory and focus. Studies on Lion’s mane have shown that its extract contains bioactive components, specifically hericenones and erinacines, that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier; stimulate the growth of nerve cells; and support the production of nerve growth factors in the brain2. These factors play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and focus.

Furthermore, Lion’s mane is believed to play a significant role in neuroprotection and nerve regeneration. As we age, our brain cells can become damaged or lose their ability to regenerate. The bioactive compounds in Lion’s mane may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. This protective effect not only aids in preserving cognitive function but may also facilitate the repair and regeneration of damaged neurons3.

Stress & Mood Support

Mood and anxiety disorders are complex and prevalent disorders that disrupt basic functions of individuals’ lives and are among the leading causes of disability worldwide4. Lion’s mane mushroom has garnered interest for its potential benefits in supporting mental health, particularly in enhancing mood and alleviating elevated levels of stress hormones5.

Research suggests that Lion’s mane may play a role in alleviating symptoms of depression. Scientific evidence supporting these claims is continually emerging. For instance, a study published in Antioxidants found that Lion’s Mane may promote the synthesis of neurotrophic factors and enhance the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, in part by acting as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors6. Another study indicated that daily consumption of Lion’s mane extract resulted in beneficial improvements in mood through significantly ameliorating anxiety levels7. These findings highlight the potential of Lion’s Mane Mushroom as a natural adjunct to mental health care.

Digestive Health

Gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which reside in our gastrointestinal tract. These microorganisms help with digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Imbalances in gut microbiota are linked to various digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and leaky gut syndrome.

Studies on Lion’s mane have shown that it has the potential to modulate the composition of gut microbiota8. It contains bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and hericenones that may stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria8. This can help restore balance to the gut microbiota and promote a healthy digestive system.

Furthermore, Lion’s mane has shown promise in alleviating symptoms associated with digestive disorders. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the gut, easing symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea9. Additionally, Lion’s mane may enhance the production of mucus in the stomach and intestines, which can protect the digestive lining and prevent irritation10.

Major phenolic compounds found in the mushroom, primarily proteocatechuic acid and p-coumaric acid, are shown to exert antibiofilm activities11. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Lion’s mane on digestive health, its potential benefits make it an intriguing natural remedy for those seeking digestive support.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

References:

  1. Uffelman CN, Doenges KA, Armstrong ML, et al. Metabolomics Profiling of White Button, Crimini, Portabella, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Oyster, and Shiitake Mushrooms Using Untargeted Metabolomics and Targeted Amino Acid Analysis. Foods. Aug 8 2023;12(16)doi:10.3390/foods12162985
  2. Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. 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 Study. Nutrients. Nov 20 2023;15(22)doi:10.3390/nu15224842
  3. Lewis JE, Poles J, Shaw DP, et al. The effects of twenty-one nutrients and phytonutrients on cognitive function: A narrative review. J Clin Transl Res. Aug 26 2021;7(4):575-620.
  4. Xia F, Kheirbek MA. Circuit-Based Biomarkers for Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Trends Neurosci. Nov 2020;43(11):902-915. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2020.08.004
  5. Chou MY, Ho JH, Huang MJ, et al. Potential antidepressant effects of a dietary supplement from the chlorella and lion’s mane mushroom complex in aged SAMP8 mice. Front Nutr. 2022;9:977287. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.977287
  6. Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Polzella M, Fabrizi C, Fornai F. Potential Antidepressant Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). Mar 12 2020;9(3)doi:10.3390/antiox9030234
  7. Li TJ, Lee TY, Lo Y, et al. Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorate anxiety induced by continuous sleep disturbance in vivo. BMC complementary medicine and therapies. Dec 5 2021;21(1):295. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03463-3
  8. Hetland G, Tangen JM, Mahmood F, et al. Antitumor, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiallergic Effects of Agaricus blazei Mushroom Extract and the Related Medicinal Basidiomycetes Mushrooms, Hericium erinaceus and Grifola frondosa: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Nutrients. May 8 2020;12(5)doi:10.3390/nu12051339
  9. Xie XQ, Geng Y, Guan Q, et al. Influence of Short-Term Consumption of Hericium erinaceus on Serum Biochemical Markers and the Changes of the Gut Microbiota: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. Mar 21 2021;13(3)doi:10.3390/nu13031008
  10. Zhuang H, Dong H, Zhang X, Feng T. Antioxidant Activities and Prebiotic Activities of Water-Soluble, Alkali-Soluble Polysaccharides Extracted from the Fruiting Bodies of the Fungus Hericium erinaceus. Polymers (Basel). Oct 20 2023;15(20)doi:10.3390/polym15204165
  11. Darmasiwi S, Aramsirirujiwet Y, Kimkong I. Antibiofilm activity and bioactive phenolic compounds of ethanol extract from the Hericium erinaceus basidiome. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. Apr-Jun 2022;13(2):111-116. doi:10.4103/japtr.japtr_1_22