Lion's Mane Research Database
Comprehensive Scientific Studies on Hericium erinaceus
25+ peer-reviewed studies documenting Lion's Mane's cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and nerve growth factor stimulation properties.
Research Categories
Human Clinical Trials
Landmark human studies demonstrating Lion's Mane's cognitive benefits in real-world applications.
Mori et al. (2009) - Mild Cognitive Impairment
Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTKey Outcomes:
- 15% improvement in cognitive assessment scores
- Enhanced memory formation and recall
- Improved attention and concentration
- No significant side effects reported
Citation: Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367-372.
Nagano et al. (2010) - Depression & Anxiety
Randomized controlled trialKey Outcomes:
- 23% reduction in depression scores
- 18% reduction in anxiety scores
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced overall mood
Citation: Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety in 4 weeks after intake of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) powder. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231-237.
Saitsu et al. (2019) - Alzheimer's Disease
Open-label pilot studyKey Outcomes:
- 12% improvement in MMSE scores
- Reduced agitation and aggression
- Improved daily living activities
- Well-tolerated with no adverse effects
Citation: Saitsu, Y., Nishide, A., Kikushima, K., Shimizu, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2019). Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomedical Research, 40(4), 125-131.
Vigna et al. (2019) - Acute Cognitive Effects
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialKey Outcomes:
- Improved performance on pegboard test
- Enhanced cognitive flexibility
- No significant overall cognitive improvement
- Well-tolerated with no adverse effects
Citation: Vigna, L., Morelli, F., Agnelli, G. M., Napolitano, F., Ratto, D., Occhinegro, A., ... & Rossi, P. (2019). Hericium erinaceus improves mood and sleep disorders in patients affected by overweight or obesity: a clinical investigation. European Psychiatry, 56, 1-7.
Szućko-Kociuba et al. (2023) - Comprehensive Review
Systematic review and meta-analysisKey Findings:
- Strong evidence for NGF stimulation and neuroprotection
- Comprehensive safety profile with no significant adverse effects
- Multiple mechanisms of action identified
- Potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases
- Standardization processes needed for dietary supplements
Citation: Szućko-Kociuba, I., Trzeciak-Ryczek, A., Kupnicka, P., & Chlubek, D. (2023). Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(21), 15960.
Docherty et al. (2023) - Young Adults Cognitive Study
Double-blind, parallel groups, pilot studyKey Outcomes:
- Enhanced cognitive performance in young adults
- Reduced perceived stress levels
- Improved mood and emotional well-being
- Well-tolerated with no adverse effects
Citation: Docherty, S., Doughty, F. L., & Smith, E. F. (2023). 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, 15(22), 4842.
Lin et al. (2024) - Erinacerin W Discovery
In vitro and in vivo studyKey Findings:
- New compound Erinacerin W identified in Lion's Mane mycelium
- Strong immunomodulatory activity
- Neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress
- Potential for novel therapeutic applications
Citation: Lin, J. Y., Chen, Y. P., Lin, T. W., Li, T. J., Chen, Y. W., Li, I. C., & Chen, C. C. (2024). Discovery of a New Compound, Erinacerin W, from the Mycelia of Hericium erinaceus, with Immunomodulatory and Neuroprotective Effects. Molecules, 29(4), 812.
Gravina et al. (2023) - Gastrointestinal Benefits
Systematic review and clinical evidenceKey Findings:
- Strong evidence for gastrointestinal health benefits
- Anti-inflammatory effects in IBD tissue
- Centuries-old traditional use validated by modern science
- Potential for gut-brain axis modulation
Citation: Gravina, A. G., Pellegrino, R., Auletta, S., Palladino, G., Brandimarte, G., D'Onofrio, R., ... & Federico, A. (2023). Hericium erinaceus, a medicinal fungus with a centuries-old history: Evidence in gastrointestinal diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 29(20), 3048-3065.
Yanshree et al. (2022) - Alzheimer's Disease
Comprehensive review and analysisKey Findings:
- Strong evidence for memory enhancement in AD models
- Neuroprotective mechanisms identified
- Potential for slowing cognitive decline
- Safe and well-tolerated in clinical studies
Citation: Yanshree, Yu, W. S., Fung, M. L., Lee, C. W., Lim, L. W., & Wong, K. H. (2022). The Monkey Head Mushroom and Memory Enhancement in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells, 11(15), 2284.
Molecular Mechanisms
Studies investigating how Lion's Mane compounds interact with cellular pathways to produce cognitive benefits.
Kawagishi et al. (2008) - NGF Stimulation
In vitro cell culture studyKey Findings:
- Hericenones A-H stimulate NGF synthesis
- Erinacines A-I enhance NGF production
- Dose-dependent response observed
- No cytotoxicity at effective concentrations
Mori et al. (2008) - Neurogenesis
Animal studyKey Findings:
- 24% increase in new neuron formation
- Enhanced synaptic plasticity
- Improved spatial learning and memory
- Increased BDNF expression
Neuroprotection Studies
Research demonstrating Lion's Mane's protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases and brain damage.
Tsai-Teng et al. (2016) - Alzheimer's Protection
In vitro and animal studyKey Findings:
- Protection against beta-amyloid toxicity
- Reduced oxidative stress markers
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Enhanced cognitive performance in AD models
Zhang et al. (2016) - Stroke Protection
Animal studyKey Findings:
- Reduced brain damage after stroke
- Improved neurological function
- Enhanced neuroplasticity
- Reduced inflammation markers
Safety & Toxicology Studies
Comprehensive safety data demonstrating Lion's Mane's excellent safety profile.
Safety Profile (Multiple Studies)
Toxicology and safety analysisSafety Summary:
- Excellent safety profile across all studies
- No drug interactions reported
- Safe for long-term use
- Well-tolerated in all age groups
Research Summary
Evidence Level
Strong - Multiple high-quality human clinical trials with consistent positive results
Mechanism
Well-Understood - NGF stimulation, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection pathways identified
Safety
Excellent - No significant side effects reported in any clinical trial
Dosage
Established - 1-3g/day effective dose range with 2-16 week treatment duration
Bioactive Compounds
The science behind Lion's Mane's cognitive benefits
Hericenones
Water-soluble compounds that stimulate NGF production in the brain, supporting neuroplasticity and cognitive function.
Learn MoreErinacines
Fat-soluble compounds that can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis.
Learn MoreClinical Research
Scientific evidence supporting Lion's Mane benefits
Cognitive Function Study
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found significant improvements in cognitive function scores after 16 weeks of Lion's Mane supplementation.
NGF Production
Laboratory studies demonstrate that Lion's Mane compounds significantly increase nerve growth factor production in brain cells.
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