Lion's Mane Supplement: Current Evidence for Medical Conditions
There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) for treating any medical condition in clinical practice.
Evidence Quality and Limitations
The available research on Lion's Mane consists primarily of preclinical studies and very limited human trials, none of which meet the threshold for clinical recommendation:
Cognitive Function and Dementia
- No guideline support exists for Lion's Mane in dementia or cognitive impairment management 1
- One very small trial in mild cognitive impairment showed temporary cognitive improvement, but this finding has never been replicated 2
- A 2025 acute dosing study in healthy young adults (n=18) found no significant overall cognitive benefit, with only isolated improvement on a single pegboard test 3
- A 4-week study of 10g daily in college-age participants showed no impact on metabolic flexibility or cognitive performance 4
Neurodegenerative Disease (ALS)
- No studies exist in ALS cell models, animal models, or human patients with ALS 2
- Despite theoretical mechanisms including anti-inflammation and neuroprotection demonstrated in non-ALS models, the ALSUntangled review explicitly states insufficient information to support use in ALS 2
Anxiety and Mood Disorders
- Animal studies in tau pathology mice showed anxiolytic effects (reduced anxiety behaviors in open field and elevated zero maze tests), but no improvements in spatial memory or activities of daily living 5
- A combination product containing chlorella and Lion's Mane showed potential antidepressant effects in aged mice, but this was not Lion's Mane alone and has no human validation 6
- Human studies show no significant mood effects: the 2025 acute study found no changes in positive or negative affect measures 3
Safety Profile
- Generally appears safe when consumed as powder or capsule 2
- One case report of anaphylaxis after consuming fresh Lion's Mane mushroom 2
- No significant adverse effects reported in the limited human trials 4, 3
Clinical Bottom Line
Do not recommend Lion's Mane for any medical condition. The evidence base consists of:
- Preclinical mechanistic studies that have not translated to human benefit
- Extremely small, non-replicated human trials
- No condition-specific clinical trials meeting quality standards
- Complete absence from all major clinical practice guidelines for any indication 1
If patients inquire about Lion's Mane, explain that while it appears safe and inexpensive, there is no clinical evidence supporting its use for treating any medical condition 2. Direct them toward evidence-based treatments for their specific condition instead.