Full profile
| Also known as | Hericium erinaceus |
|---|---|
| Best for | Long-term cognitive support interest · Daily routine |
| Evidence grade | Emerging — Emerging — mostly preclinical or preliminary human data |
| Studied dose range | 500–1000 mg of extract in some studies; varies widely by preparation. |
| Time to effect | Generally studied over weeks of daily use. |
| Best form | Fruiting-body extract with stated beta-glucan content; avoid undefined mycelium-on-grain fillers. |
Evidence, honestly graded
Some small human trials and considerable preclinical work. Human evidence remains limited and preliminary.
See the full grading rubric — study type, replication, population match, and dose adequacy — in The Evidence Standard.
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Possible skin or respiratory sensitivity in mushroom-sensitive people
Who should avoid it or check first
- Known mushroom allergy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding without clinician guidance
Interactions
- Limited interaction data — discuss with a clinician if on medication
Stacks well with
- Citicoline
- Bacopa Monnieri
What to look for on a label
- Prefer fruiting-body extracts with a stated beta-glucan percentage.
- Be cautious with products that only list total polysaccharides.
References
- Lion's Mane human pilot studies. Small and preliminary; used for education, not claims.
Primary citations for some entries above are still being compiled; those without a linked identifier are editorial summaries of the wider literature.
Grades and studied doses are our conservative reading of the human research, shown for education. They are not product claims, and a studied dose is not a recommended dose.
See how Lion's Mane compares on grade, dose, and goal in the Evidence Explorer.