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Do Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Have Memory-Boosting Properties?

There's a lot of buzz about the memory-boosting potential of lion’s mane mushrooms. We took a closer look at what the science says about the effects of Hericium erinaceus on memory. 

We were impressed with what we found in the clinical research.

Here are our findings on lion’s mane and memory. To learn more about this amazing mushroom, read our in-depth guide to lion’s mane.

Article Jumplinks:

Is lion's mane good for your brain?

Does lion's mane help with brain fog?

Does lion's mane improve memory?

What are the negative effects of lion's mane?

How can you take lion's mane for memory?

What is Lion’s Mane?

Hericium erinaceus, lion’s mane mushroom, Santa’s beard, smart mushroom: this shaggy fungus goes by many names. Lion’s mane grows on dead trees in late summer and early fall in Europe, Asia, and North America. This mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and is considered one of the healthiest mushrooms in the world.

Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane

“H. erinaceus had significant anxiolytic effects and increased locomotor activity.” (Rodriguez, et. al.)

Lion’s mane seems to have a host of benefits, including decreasing anxiety, slowing dementia, increasing nerve growth factors, and repairing nerve cells. It appears to ease neuropathic pain, fight some types of cancer, and improve mental clarity and cognitive health.

Some of the potential benefits of lion’s mane include:

  • reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
  • reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
  • relieves nerve pains
  • improves cognitive functions and overall brain health
  • protects against mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
  • lowers blood sugar levels
  • encourages apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells
  • improves immune function
  • reduces nerve damage in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS)

To learn more about these and many other benefits of Hericium erinaceus, take a look at our article on health benefits of lion’s mane.

Bioactive Compounds Found in Lion’s Mane

Hericium erinaceus contains an abundance of bioactive compounds, such as:

  • polysaccharides
  • polypeptides
  • beta-glucans
  • prebiotic fibers
  • digestive enzymes
  • hericenones
  • erinacines

Lion’s Mane and Memory

The lion’s mane mushroom seems to aid in memory, focus, and overall cognition. Although human research on the topic of lion’s mane and memory is still scarce, the available studies and the newest brain research seem to confirm that this mushroom species can improve memory significantly.

For example, a 2023 study, done by Frederic Meunier and Dr. Ramon Martinez-Marmol at The University of Queensland Brain Institute found that compounds in lion’s mane played a role in enhancing memory and preventing cognitive decline. These researchers found that lion’s mane mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth.

According to this study, active compounds in the lion’s mane mushroom improved neuron growth in the central and peripheral nervous systems and enhanced neurotrophic activity in the brain, which resulted in improved memory formation.

Research on disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia indicates that this mushroom can boost memory, and may even be able to restore cognitive function. 

Mechanism of action of H. erinaceus in Alzheimer's disease


Source: https://restorativemedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/lions-mane.pdf

Read our article on lion’s mane and Alzheimer’s disease to get the latest information on the topic.

Does Lion’s Mane Support Brain Health?

Hericium erinaceus’s protective influence on the brain is widely documented, especially in animal studies. Lion's mane mushrooms have been shown to lessen memory loss in mice and prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer's disease.

Lion’s Mane Neurogenesis Properties

Active compounds found in lion’s mane mushrooms, mainly hericenones and erinacines, seem to promote brain neurogenesis. These compounds, commonly found in the fruiting bodies of the lion’s mane mushroom, boost nerve growth factor (NGF) proteins, which in turn aid in nerve regeneration and even the formation of new neurons.

Lion's mane and memory

study explains that “hericenones and erinacines are low-molecular weight compounds that easily cross the blood–brain barrier” and concluded that these compounds “exhibit the activity of promoting NGF synthesis.”

To learn more, read our article on the neurogenesis potential of lion’s mane mushrooms.

Neurogenesis and Memory

An animal study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food examined the effects of lion’s mane on depression and anxiety and concluded that these medicinal mushrooms aid in the reduction of mental health issues by promoting neurogenesis within the hippocampus.

Hippocampal neurogenesis, in turn, improves memory. The hippocampus plays a major role in learning and memory, and research shows that the formation of new nerves in this area of the brain can have tremendous benefits for cognitive function, including memory formation and retention.

2022 study on the effects of lion’s mane on Alzheimer’s disease found that “Hericium erinaceus has therapeutic potential and may facilitate memory enhancement.”

Can Lion’s Mane Improve Memory and Cognitive Functioning?

Both animal and human studies on the effects of the lion’s mane mushroom on cognitive function seem to suggest that it can be quite beneficial for memory. 

Lion’s Mane and Learning and Memory Deficits in Mice

Japanese study looked at the effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium on amyloid β2535 peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. The mice were fed a diet containing lion’s mane for 23 days.

This study “revealed that H. erinaceus prevented impairments of spatial short-term and visual recognition memory induced by amyloid β(25-35) peptide,” which “indicates that H. erinaceus may be useful in the prevention of cognitive dysfunction.”

Lion’s Mane and Spatial Memory in Wild-Type Mice

study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms came to a similar conclusion. In this study, researchers examined spatial memory in wild-type mice that were administered a dietary supplement of lion’s mane.

The mice were given tasks, such as the novel object recognition test and the Y maze test, before taking lion’s mane.

After taking Hericium erinaceus for 2 months, the mice performed significantly better in these tasks, likely due to hippocampal neurogenesis that occurred as a result of lion’s mane use. This study deduced that “oral supplementation with H. erinaceus yields specific and selective improvements in recognition memory.”

Lion’s Mane Memory Study in People

A Japanese double-blind, placebo-controlled study discovered that supplementing with lion's mane improved memory and cognitive function when taken consistently. 

“...oral intake of H. erinaceus significantly improved cognitive functions and prevented…deterioration. We speculate that various chemical compounds, including hericenones, in the mushroom have multiple effects to the brain neural networks and improve cognitive functions.”

The study examined the effects of Hericium erinaceus on cognitive function, including memory, in people. In this double-blind clinical trial, the test group was given lion’s mane mushroom capsules for 12 weeks, while the control group was given a placebo.

Both groups were tested on visual retention and verbal learning, as well as their general mental state. After taking lion’s mane for 12 weeks, the test group showed a significant increase both in visual retention and verbal learning, while the control group did not.

The study’s authors suggest that “oral intake of H. erinaceus is a safe and convenient method for dementia prevention.”

Does Lion’s Mane Help With Brain Fog?

Whether brought on by stress, mental health issues, a chronic illness, or a lack of sleep, there seems to be both anecdotal and scientific evidence that lion's mane supplements can be helpful for brain fog.

2018 animal study examined the effects of lion’s mane extracts on anxiety and depression symptoms, including brain fog. Results suggest that Hericium erinaceus seemed to lessen these symptoms—again, by promoting the growth and regeneration of brain cells.

What We Know to Date About Lion’s Mane and Memory

Here’s what we know to date about Hericium erinaceus and memory:

  1. Animal studies suggest that lion’s mane extract may be able to reverse memory loss in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease patients.
  2. Lion’s mane seems to promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that has a role in learning and memory. 
  3. An animal study suggests that Hericium erinaceus can also lessen symptoms of brain fog, which could, in turn, improve memory and learning capabilities.
  4. Lion’s mane seems to improve memory and learning ability, as well as lessen cognitive deterioration in mice.
  5. A Japanese study indicates that lion’s mane also improves cognitive function, including memory, in humans.
  6. The newest medical news on the topic indicates that lion’s mane mushrooms indeed may improve memory by promoting NGF synthesis.
  7. More human studies are needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms of lion’s mane and its effects on memory.
  8. Given that there are no downsides to taking lion’s mane, its low cost, and its high availability, it may make sense to include this fungus in one’s diet as a way to improve your memory and other cognitive functionality. 

Lion's Mane Mushroom Side Effects

There are no known serious side effects from lion’s mane. However, there is always a slight possibility of adverse effects such as diarrhea and an upset stomach. In order to avoid these side effects, try taking lion’s mane with a meal and starting with a lower dose.

Lion's Mane Addiction

Lion’s mane is not addictive, even at high doses. Since this mushroom is not psychoactive and does not cause a high, there is no risk of addiction when it comes to lion’s mane. Additionally, there are no withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking lion’s mane.

Does Lion's Mane Interact with Medications?

There are no studies on lion’s mane drug interactions. However, due to the antihyperglycemic and antiplatelet effects of this fungus, you should use it with caution if you’re on antidiabetics or medication that slows blood clotting.

To learn more about this topic, read our article on possible drug interactions with lion’s mane.

Interested in Taking Lion’s Mane for Memory?

If you’re interested in taking lion’s mane for memory, why not include this helpful mushroom in your morning routine? Doing so and reaping all the benefits lion’s mane has to offer could be as simple as having your morning bowl of cereal.

Forij Superfood Granola

Our medicinal mushroom granola is a vegan, gluten-free granola that contains a hyperconcentrated extract of lion’s mane mushrooms. That means you get 10-15 times the nutrients a regular mushroom powder provides without the mushroom flavor.

You can choose from three delicious flavors: vanilla almond, sunflower seed cacao, and cinnamon. Alternatively, get a bundle with all three flavors if you like to start your morning with some variety.

What Is the Optimal Lion's Mane Dosage for Memory?

The optimal doses of lion's mane vary from person to person. It's best to start with a daily dose of 750-1000 mg and gradually increase to reap the lion's mane's focus and memory-boosting benefits.

How Much Lion's Mane Is in Forij Granola?

Forij granola uses a high-quality lion's mane mushroom extract made from whole medicinal mushrooms. Our dual extraction method extracts both water-soluble beta-glucans as well as alcohol-soluble triterpenes. Our decoction process breaks down indigestible chitin cell walls of the mushroom to get much more of these compounds out than ordinary processes do.

One serving of our granola provides 250 mg of hyperconcentrated lion's mane extract, which is eight times more concentrated than regular lion’s mane mushroom supplements. Therefore, you get as much potency as you would if you were taking a 2000 mg lion’s mane mushroom powder, all in one bowl of granola.

Lion’s Mane and Memory FAQ

Does lion’s mane increase testosterone?

Yes, lion’s mane seems to increase testosterone, especially in people who naturally have lower levels of testosterone. Many medicinal mushrooms have the potential to improve testosterone levels in the body, which could lead to muscle growth and an increase in overall energy. To learn more about this topic, read our article on the effects of lion’s mane on DHT.

Does lion’s mane affect sleep?

Due to its anti-anxiety properties, lion’s mane may have a relaxing effect on the brain, making you fall asleep easier. Still, if you want to take lion’s mane for sleep, make sure to do so earlier in the day, as lion’s mane can have stimulating effects and may affect your sleep if you take it late at night. If you want to learn more about taking this fungus for sleep issues, read our blog post on the benefits of lion’s mane for sleep.

How does lion’s mane make you feel?

A lion’s mane mushroom supplement may make you feel more energized and focused due to the mushroom’s stimulant effects. With regular use, you may also experience improved mood, less anxiety, and fewer sleep issues.

How long does it take for lion’s mane to work?

Lion’s mane mushroom benefits memory, has a tremendous antioxidant activity, and may be able to lessen cognitive impairments. However, you can’t expect these changes to come overnight. On average, you should take lion’s mane capsules and supplements for at least two weeks before you can expect to notice any effects.

Does lion's mane help with focus?

Yes, studies have shown that lion's mane can improve your ability to focus. This medicinal mushroom alleviates symptoms of brain fog, which impairs your ability to concentrate on the task at hand.

These findings are also supported by anecdotal evidence. Many people swear by supplementing with lions mane for improving focus and memory, and they use Hericium erinaceus to increase productivity.

Can lion's mane help with dementia?

Yes, lion's mane can protect against dementia and help slow the progression of dementia. This mushroom contains compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells. Additionally, research shows that lion's mane can prevent nerve damage associated with dementia and even repair damaged nerves. To learn more about this topic, read our thorough review on lion’s mane and dementia research.

What are the lion's mane spiritual benefits?

The lion's mane mushroom appears to have spiritual benefits. This traditional medicine staple can help with focus and memory, as well as anxiety relief and overall mental health. Shaolin monks in ancient China used lion's mane to improve their concentration on a daily basis. They believed it boosted their "Qi," a mystical, energizing life force.

Which lion's mane mushroom recipe should I try?

If you want to experiment with lion's mane recipes, you can choose from a variety of pastas, risottos, and seafood recreations. A simple, yet delicious, lion's mane pasta is a great place to start, and lion's mane crab cakes are a must-try for more adventurous cooks.

Is it good to take lion's mane everyday?

Consuming lion's mane mushrooms every day is not only completely safe, but also extremely beneficial. Long-term benefits of lion's mane, such as its ability to prevent diabetes and alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms, become more apparent the longer you use this mushroom.

How to take lion's mane powder if I don't like the taste?

If you don't like the taste of lion's mane powder, you can try to mask it by putting the powder in your morning smoothie. Alternatively, opt for a more delicious way to consume lion's mane, such as our functional mushroom granola. 

Can I take lion's mane with turkey tail?

Yes, you can take lion’s mane with many different types of mushrooms, including turkey tail, maitake, and reishi mushroom. When it comes to medicinal mushrooms, the whole is better than the sum of its parts, so you’ll likely reap more benefits of lion’s mane if you take it with any other adaptogenic fungus, and even high-quality herbal supplements.

Does lion’s mane have a placebo effect on brain functions?

No, the clinically-researched effects of lion’s mane are not due to the placebo effect. Randomized, double-blind studies done on lion’s mane (where one group of people takes a lion’s mane supplement, another group takes a placebo, and participants don't know which group they belong to) show that lion’s mane has a significant impact on those who take the mushroom, compared to negligible effects on those who take the placebo.

Resources:

  1. Martínez‐Mármol, R. (2023). Hericerin derivatives activates a pan‐neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1 /2 signaling enhancing spatial memory. Journal of Neurochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15767
  2. Ma, B. J. (2010). Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis inHericium erinaceus. Mycology, 1(2), 92–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/21501201003735556
  3. Ryu, S. (2018). Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(2), 174–180. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.4006
  4. Becker, S. (2006). A model of hippocampal neurogenesis in memory and mood disorders. A Model of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Memory and Mood Disorders - ScienceDirect. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364661306003068
  5. Yanshree (2022). The Monkey Head Mushroom and Memory Enhancement in Alzheimer’s Disease. Cells, 11(15), 2284. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11152284
  6. Ryu, S. (2018). Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(2), 174–180. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.4006
  7. Mori, K. (2011, March 4). Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid β(25-35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. Effects of Hericium Erinaceus on Amyloid & Beta (25-35) Peptide-induced Learning and Memory Deficits in Mice. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/biomedres/32/1/32_1_67/_article/-char/ja/
  8. Rossi, P. (2018). Dietary Supplementation of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), and Spatial Memory in Wild-Type Mice. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 20(5), 485–494. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.2018026241
  9. Saitsu, Y. (2019). Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomedical Research, 40(4), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.40.125
  10. Rodriguez, M. N., & Lippi, S. L. P. (2022, July 15). Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) Exerts Anxiolytic Effects in the rTg4510 Tau Mouse Model. Behavioral Sciences, 12(7), 235  https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12070235
  11. Kevin Spelman, PhD, MCPPa Elizabeth Sutherland, NDb Aravind Bagade, MDc. (2017). Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus). https://doi.org/10.14200/jrm.2017.6.0108

Forij Disclaimer

This article was written strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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