Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus), also known as Yamabushitake, is a big, white, shaggy edible mushroom that grows looking like a lion's mane. It can be distinguished by its long spines, presence on hardwoods, and tendency to produce a single clump of dangling spines. This edible fungus is native to North America, Europe, and Asia and has been used for centuries as food and medicine.
According to a study published in the Journal of Restorative Medicine in March 2017, the lion's mane has historically been used in Chinese and Japanese medical systems to strengthen the spleen, nourish the gut, and, more recently, treat cancer.
What are Lion’s Mane capsules?
You can consume lion's mane mushrooms raw, cooked, dried, or steeped in tea. Their extracts are also regularly included in over-the-counter health products. Additionally, lion's mane is available as a liquid, tablet, powder, and capsule.
Lion's mane capsules contain lion's mane ingredients in an outer shell. When the capsule enters your digestive system, it bursts open. Your liver then processes the active substances and releases them into your bloodstream.
One advantage of capsules over other forms is the packaging. It’s possible to determine the exact dosage of the supplement because the components of the lion's mane are contained within the capsule shells. You will also notice the effects of the mushroom gradually throughout the day because the body takes time to digest each capsule.
Furthermore, because lion's mane has a bitter taste, taking capsules is a good alternative since the contents will not dissolve in the mouth.
Benefits of Lion’s Mane capsules
Lion's mane mushrooms have been said to have numerous health advantages. It has bioactive components that are good for the body, especially the gut, heart, and brain. Other claimed benefits of the lion's mane are:
Potential help with Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Lion's mane mushrooms have substances that promote brain cell growth and shield them from Alzheimer's disease-related damage. Furthermore, research on animals suggests that lion's mane may offer defence against Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain condition that results in progressive memory loss.
Research on mice has revealed that lion's mane mushrooms and their extracts diminish the signs of memory loss and protect neurons against amyloid-beta plaques, which build up in the brain during Alzheimer's disease.
Although no studies have looked into whether lion's mane mushrooms help treat Alzheimer's disease in people, they do seem to improve mental performance.
In a study of people with mild cognitive impairment, 3 grams of powdered lion's mane mushroom daily for four months considerably enhanced mental performance. However, the advantages vanished after supplementation stopped.
May help reduce mild depression and anxiety symptoms
According to studies, lion's mane can treat mild anxiety and depressive symptoms. While many factors might contribute to anxiety and depression, chronic inflammation may be a major one.
In an animal study, lion's mane mushroom extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help lessen the signs of anxiety and depression in mice.
Another animal study has discovered that lion's mane extract can also assist brain cell regeneration and enhance the health of the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory and emotional processing.
May help speed recovery from nervous system injuries
The brain, spinal cord, and other nerves make up the nervous system. Together, they send and transmit signals that regulate practically all body functions.
The effects of brain or spinal cord injuries can be disastrous. They can take a long time to heal and frequently result in paralysis or the loss of mental abilities. However, studies have found that lion's mane mushroom extract may quicken healing from these wounds by promoting nerve cell development and repair.
Also, a study showed that administering lion's mane mushroom extract to rats with nervous system damage can speed up healing by 23-41%.
Support defence against digestive tract ulcers
Ulcers can form throughout the digestive tract, including the stomach and the small and large intestines.
Two main elements frequently contribute to stomach ulcer development: H. pylori and stomach mucous layer damage due to prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
Lion's mane extract may prevent stomach ulcers from developing by inhibiting H.pylori and protecting the stomach lining. Additionally, a study on animals revealed that lion's mane extract inhibits alcohol-induced stomach ulcers better than conventional acid-lowering medications, without any side effects.
May lower the risk of heart diseases
Significant risk factors for heart disease include obesity, high triglycerides, plenty of oxidised cholesterol, and a tendency for blood clots. Some research suggests lion's mane extract can affect some of these variables and lower the risk of heart disease.
According to a study, lion's mane mushroom extract boosts fat metabolism and decreases triglyceride levels in rats and mice.
In another study, rats given daily doses of lion's mane extract together with a high-fat diet showed 27% lower triglyceride levels and 42% reduced weight gain.
Help manage the symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that develops when the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Persistently high blood sugar levels eventually lead to problems like kidney illness, nerve damage in the hands and feet, and vision loss.
The lion's mane mushroom may help manage diabetes by lowering these effects and enhancing blood sugar control. Lion's mane decreases blood sugar levels by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbohydrates in the small intestine. When this enzyme is inhibited, the body's capability to digest and absorb carbohydrates is compromised, which decreases blood sugar levels.
According to animal research, a lion's mane can drastically lower blood sugar levels in both normal and diabetic mice, even at daily dosages as low as 2.7 mg per pound (6 mg per kg) of body weight.
May help Cancer patients
Cancer develops when DNA breaks, causing cells to divide and duplicate uncontrollably. According to certain studies, the lion's mane mushroom's components may have the ability to fight cancer.
In one study, lion's mane extract accelerated the death of human cancer cells when combined with the cells in a test tube. Many cancer cell types, including those from the stomach, liver, colon, and blood, have been used to demonstrate this.
Another study significantly slowed the spread of colon cancer to the lungs in mice, proving that lion's mane extract not only kills cancer cells but also slows the growth of the disease.
May reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
Many modern ailments, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, are thought to be caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. According to research, lion's mane mushrooms contain potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances that could lessen the severity of certain diseases.
According to a study that examined the antioxidant capabilities of 14 different mushroom species, lion's mane had the fourth-highest antioxidant activity.
Supports the immune system
A robust immune system protects the body from pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. On the other hand, a compromised immune system increases the body's vulnerability to infectious infections.
An animal study found that eating lion's mane mushrooms increases the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body against pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose, to become more active.
Side effects of Lion’s Mane capsules
Supplements containing up to 750 mg of lion's mane are often well tolerated and considered safe when taken orally once per day for up to 16 weeks. However, there are no exact dosage recommendations due to a lack of research. The effectiveness also varies depending on the mushroom's origin and processing method.
Lion's mane doesn't appear to have any health consequences documented by expert medical evaluators or centuries of use. However, we don't suggest taking it if you're trying for a baby because there isn't enough data on the effects of this medicinal fungus on pregnancy and babies. Additionally, steer clear of lion's mane if you have a bleeding disease or are getting surgery because the mushroom's antiplatelet effects could make you more prone to bleeding and bruising.
There is also a chance that taking lion's mane supplements may cause you to have unwanted side effects like abdominal pain, nausea, or skin rashes.
Consult your doctor to determine whether taking supplements containing lion's mane is safe for you.
Does Lion’s Mane interact with any medications?
Yes. Lion's mane can have antiplatelet and antihyperglycemic qualities. If you’re taking antidiabetics or anything else that reduces blood clotting, take precautions because lion's mane mushrooms may interact with these substances.
Anticoagulants and Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane extracts prevent collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Since platelet aggregation causes blood clotting, the mushroom extract may inhibit the body's production of blood clots.
While this shouldn't be a problem and may even be advantageous for healthy people, those currently using blood-thinning drugs may have problems such as slower wound healing and increased bruising if they begin taking lion's mane mushroom extracts.
The most common blood-thinning medications, or anticoagulants, include the following:
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Apixaban
- Rivaroxaban
Antiplatelets and Lion's Mane
People who are already on antiplatelet medication should consult their doctors before using lion's mane, as the fungus may have an antiplatelet impact.
Antiplatelet drugs are frequently used by medical professionals to lessen the body's clotting ability as they have a similar effect to blood thinners.
Several of the most common antiplatelet drugs include:
- Acid acetylsalicylic (Aspirin, Novasen, Entrophen, etc.)
- Clopidogrel
- Ticagrelor
- Prasugrel
Lion's Mane and Diabetes Medicine
According to a study conducted on diabetic rats, the activity of lion's mane supplements may have antihyperglycemic potential. Although the effects of lion's mane extracts on diabetics have not been researched, those who use diabetes medications should consult their doctors before consuming the fungus.
You may see a higher decrease in blood sugar if you take lion's mane mushrooms with antidiabetic medications. Make sure to routinely check your blood sugar levels if you plan to consume the extracts of lion’s mane to prevent this from happening.
The most often used antidiabetic drugs are:
- Insulin
- Metformin
- Glimepiride
- Invokana
Lion’s Mane dosage for ADHD and Autism
Lion's mane has a history of helping people with ADHD symptoms, and anecdotal data suggest that consuming the fungus in a greater dosage might be helpful. These mushrooms may also influence personality growth, artistic expression, stability, and motor coordination in kids with autism.
The recommended daily doses of lion's mane for ADHD and autism range from 2000 mg to 5000 mg, but it is advisable to start low and increase with time.
Although there haven't been any reports of adverse lion's mane drug interactions with Adderall or other comparable medications up to this point, it's still a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're using a prescription ADHD and autism medication.
Lions Mane dosage research
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The results of studies on humans and animals point to a possible relationship between lion's mane use and a reduction in Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation advises taking roughly 1000 mg of lion's mane daily to treat Alzheimer's disease.
In a Japanese double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of lion's mane extracts on cognitive impairment, participants received four 250 mg capsules each day for 16 weeks, and results showed a significant decrease in symptoms of cognitive impairment.
Doctors recommend starting with 1000 mg for dementia or Alzheimer's disease and adjusting the dosage as needed.
Depression
There’s also evidence that lion's mane can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
While some claim to take 750–1000 mg a day, others claim to need as much as two spoonfuls of powdered lion's mane mushroom (or 5000 mg) to experience the calming effects of the fungus.
The best strategy is to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until you find a dosage that works.
Memory and Focus
Hericium Erinaceus is commonly used to improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance, and human research suggests that lion's mane can provide these benefits even at low doses.
Start with a daily dose of 750–1000 mg and progressively increase it if you wish to experience the memory-enhancing advantages of lion's mane.
MS
Lion's mane has shown considerable promise in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Although the effects of lion's mane on MS have not been investigated in people, several studies on animals have examined how this medicinal mushroom affects the myelination procedure.
A higher dosage can be more advantageous if you're taking lion's mane to treat MS. While some MS sufferers claim to use 750 mg every day, others claim to take as much as 1000 mg. If you're new to lion's mane, you can always start with a lower dosage and gradually raise it over a few weeks.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a debilitating and painful condition caused by nerve malfunction and injury. Lion's mane appears to reduce neuropathy by encouraging neurogenesis and nerve regeneration.
Lion’s mane should ideally be administered 500–1000 mg 1-3 times per day to reduce neuropathic pain. You should experiment to determine your ideal dosage because it will vary from person to person.
Although lion’s mane does not appear to interfere with conventional neuropathy medications, consult your doctor to know if it’s safe for you to use.
Parkinson’s Disease
The effectiveness of the mushroom in treating other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease point to the possibility that lion's mane can be helpful for Parkinson's disease, because of its capacity to restore damaged nerves and promote the formation of new ones.
There aren't many studies on lion's mane's impact on Parkinson's disease, but some animal trials show encouraging outcomes. For instance, a 2020 animal study examined the impact of Hericium Erinaceus on Parkinson's disease-related neurotoxicity. According to the finding, the protective properties of this adaptogenic mushroom helped the mice display less evidence of neuronal cell cytotoxicity.
If you're unfamiliar with adaptogenic mushrooms, start with a low dose of about 250 mg, and gradually increase it until you begin to see a decrease in your symptoms.
Dogs
Dogs can gain various health advantages from lion's mane, including better heart and intestinal health. Additionally, it exhibits a potential capacity to resist and prevent deadly conditions such as cancer and degenerative myelopathy.
Don’t feed your dogs raw mushrooms. You can give them cooked lion's mane mushrooms, either fresh or dried. It's better to cook them without adding any spices. Depending on the size of your dog, provide 3–4 tiny mushrooms a day.
There are also canine vitamins made from a lion's mane. For dogs, the recommended daily dosage of lion's mane powder is a one-half teaspoon for every 25 pounds of body weight.
Common Lion's Mane Questions
How to take Lion’s Mane capsules?
You can take lion’s mane capsules with water. Most doses range from 250 to 750 mg. We suggest ingesting a total of 1000 mg each day by taking two 500 mg capsules daily. Start with the smallest dose possible while taking a supplement. Once you've done that, observe how your body responds to the supplement and then gradually raise your dosage.
Can I take Lion’s Mane every day?
Yes. You can take lion's mane mushrooms every day. Doing so is not only completely safe but also incredibly useful. The longer you use lion's mane, the more noticeable the long-term advantages become.
When to take Lion’s Mane Capsules?
Take lion's mane mushrooms in the morning or early afternoon to benefit from their energising effects. You can also consume it with a meal as it may eliminate any potential side effects like nausea.
Can I take Lion’s Mane with other supplements?
Yes. Most people combine lion's mane capsules and other supplements with their usual vitamin intake. If your stomach is accustomed to taking vitamins, lion's mane supplements shouldn't affect your capacity to digest them.
Lion’s Mane capsules vs tinctures
Lion's mane tinctures are concentrated extracts made by soaking fresh or dried mushrooms in a solvent like water, alcohol, or vinegar. This releases the mushroom's active ingredients, leaving you with a potent liquid that may be dosed with a pipette.
The most typical method of tincture consumption is sublingual, which is putting a few drops the under your tongue. The ingredients will have a quicker effect since they are absorbed via the membranes on the inside of the cheeks and under the tongue before entering the bloodstream. In short, they are more potent than capsules due to the amount of concentrated liquid in a smaller dose.
However, as lion's mane has a bitter flavour, taking capsules instead of tinctures may be a better option if you want to avoid tasting the mushroom's unappealing flavour. Additionally, it is also simpler to measure exact dosages with capsules since they are protected by an outer shell.
Lion’s Mane capsules vs powder
Capsules are intended to be absorbed after passing through your digestive system. Powdered supplements, however, are not subject to any limitations. The advantages will be felt faster because the lion's mane powder will start to be absorbed by your body as soon as it is combined with water.
But capsules are more transportable. They are simpler to carry with you to the gym, your job, or anywhere you need them. You can just throw everything you need in an airtight container and carry it with you because it is all enclosed in a protective shell. That's not possible with powdered supplements. You'll need to find a large enough container or take the entire tub with you.
Best Lion’s Mane capsules UK
Here are some of the best Lion’s Mane supplements in the UK:
- Nature One: £
- Mushies High-Strength Lion’s Mane Capsules 400mg (120 capsules): £30.00
- Woodies Lion’s Mane and CBD Capsules 1000mg (60 capsules): £36.99
- Time Health Ultra Strength Lion’s Mane Capsules 425mg (60 capsules): £15.98
- The Shroom Shop Lion’s Mane Capsules 500mg (90 capsules): £19.99
Where can I buy Lion’s Mane capsules?
Lion's mane capsules are available both in-store and online. Online shopping may be the simplest because you can quickly and easily research information about brands and products, place an order, and have the items shipped directly to you.