Lion's Mane
Hedgehog mushroom, hericenones + erinacines, NGF synthesis induction.
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Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS LION'S MANE?
Detailed overview
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible medicinal mushroom whose fruiting body extract contains hericenones (H1-H10) and whose mycelium extract contains erinacines (A-I). Both fractions are needed: hericenones cross the BBB but NGF induction requires erinacines (the mycelium fraction). Mori 2009 Japanese RCT (PMID 18844328) – MCI (mild cognitive impairment) improvement on 1 g/day over 4 months, with the effect waning after discontinuation. Nagano 2010 (PMID 20834180) – mild depression + anxiety reduction in peri-menopausal women. In rodents with chronic stress-induced anxiety, anti-anxiety effects. The mushroom itself as food (cooked) is also effective, but extract concentrations are required for nootropic dosing. Frequent GI side effect on empty stomach + rare but documented skin allergy.
Mechanism
NGF + BDNF synthesis inducer
Onset
4-16 weeks chronic use
Legal status
OTC food + dietary supplement
Receptor profile
- NGF synthesis (hericenones, erinacines)Strong
- TrkA / MAPK-ERK, PI3K-Akt signalingStrong
- NF-kB / cytokinesModerate
- Serotonin systemModerate
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Gastrointestinal complaints (bloating, abdominal discomfort), especially on an empty stomach
- Nausea, mild indigestion at higher extract doses
- Skin rash, itching, rare contact or allergic skin reaction
- Respiratory allergic symptoms (runny nose, shortness of breath) in those sensitive to fungi
- Mild headache or dizziness early in the course (individual sensitivity)
Contraindications · 5
- Known mushroom or mold allergy (Hericium erinaceus sensitivity)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: insufficient safety data available
- Anticoagulant therapy: possible additive bleeding tendency, use caution
- Before planned surgery: advisable to stop 1-2 weeks prior due to bleeding risk
- Diabetes / glucose-lowering medication: possible blood-sugar lowering, monitor levels
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
FAQ
FAQ
Lion's Mane is an edible medicinal mushroom mainly used to support brain and nerve health. Its compounds (hericenones and erinacines) may help boost the body's own production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports the health and upkeep of nerve cells. It's worth knowing that two different extract types from the mushroom (fruiting body and mycelium) may both be needed to get the effect.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.