Mori et al. (2009) Study Analysis
Landmark Clinical Trial: Cognitive Enhancement in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) - Double-blind, Placebo-controlled RCT
Full 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.
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2634 | PubMed ID: 18844328
Participants
- Total: 30 Japanese adults
- Age Range: 50-80 years (mean: 69.4)
- Gender: 19 men, 11 women
- Condition: Mild cognitive impairment
- MMSE Score: 22-26 (baseline)
- Exclusion: Dementia, severe illness
Intervention
- Dosage: 250mg tablets, 3x daily
- Total Daily: 750mg
- Extract Type: Standardized H. erinaceus
- Standardization: ≥0.5% hericenones
- Placebo: Identical appearance
- Administration: With meals
Study Design
- Type: Double-blind RCT
- Duration: 16 weeks treatment
- Follow-up: 4 weeks post-treatment
- Randomization: 1:1 ratio
- Primary Outcome: MMSE score
- Assessment: Every 4 weeks
Primary Results
Treatment Group
Placebo Group
Significance
Treatment Duration
Timeline of Improvements
- Week 8: First significant improvement observed (+1.1 points, p < 0.05)
- Week 12: Continued improvement (+1.8 points, p < 0.01)
- Week 16: Maximum improvement achieved (+2.2 points, p < 0.001)
- Week 20: 4 weeks post-treatment, decline to +0.3 points (not significant)
Clinical Significance
This study represents a breakthrough in functional food research, being the first to demonstrate measurable cognitive improvements with Lion's Mane in humans. The 2.2-point MMSE improvement is considered clinically meaningful, as changes of 1-2 points can reflect significant functional differences in daily life.
The reversibility of benefits after discontinuation suggests that continuous supplementation may be necessary to maintain cognitive improvements, which is consistent with the proposed mechanism of ongoing nerve growth factor support.
Safety Profile
- Adverse Events: None reported in any participant
- Laboratory Values: No changes in blood chemistry or hematology
- Compliance: 100% adherence rate throughout study
- Tolerability: Excellent, no dropouts due to side effects
What This Means for You
This landmark study provides strong evidence that Lion's Mane can support cognitive function in adults experiencing mild cognitive changes. The study showed improvements in memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance after 8-16 weeks of consistent use. While individual results may vary, this research suggests that Lion's Mane may be particularly beneficial for maintaining cognitive health as we age.
Lion's Mane Products
Experience the cognitive benefits supported by this research.
The Functional Lyfe Focus Tincture - 4000mg
Lion's Mane cognitive enhancement for mental clarity and concentration.
Lyfe Mushroom Focus Gummies
Delicious chewable gummies featuring Lion's Mane for enhanced cognitive function.