Nootropic
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Also known as: Hericium erinaceus, Yamabushitake, Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Bearded tooth mushroom
Brain-supporting mushroom that also has immune-modulating and gut-healing properties through nerve growth factor stimulation.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Lion's Mane Mushroom product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Ginseng Plus | 90 A | $1.60 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations Brain Reset | 88 A | $1.32 |
| 3 | Onnit Alpha BRAIN Black Label (80 ct) | 87 A | $6.25 |
| 4 | NutraBio Lions Mane (500 mg) | 87 A | $0.67 |
| 5 | Double Wood Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplement | 83 A- | $0.38 |
| 6 | Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Brain | 83 A- | $1.07 |
| 7 | Terra Origin Healthy Mushroom Capsules | 83 A- | $1.00 |
| 8 | Allergy Research Group Advanced NeuroPlus | 78 B+ | $2.97 |
| 9 | Gaia Herbs Lion's Mane Mushroom | 74 B+ | $0.74 |
| 10 | Bluebonnet Nutrition BRAINPOWER | 74 B+ | $1.40 |
| 11 | Codeage GLP-Harmony Companion+ | 72 B | $1.33 |
| 12 | Micro Ingredients Organic Mega 10 mushroom Powder | 66 B- | $0.14 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Lion's Mane Mushroom should I take?
The typical range is 500-3000 mg daily. 8+ weeks for cognitive benefits
When should I take Lion's Mane Mushroom?
Any time; may take weeks for effects. Optional.
Which form of Lion's Mane Mushroom is best?
Fruiting body extract — Preferred. Other forms in the catalog: Mycelium on grain, Dual extract, Fresh/culinary.
Is Lion's Mane Mushroom safe?
Commonly reported: Mild GI upset, Itchy skin (rare). Serious warnings: None established. Safe
Which Lion's Mane Mushroom supplement scores highest?
Thorne Ginseng Plus, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Cognitive function
- Memory
- Nerve regeneration
- Neuroprotection
- Cognitive support
- Gut health
- Immune modulation
How it works
- Stimulates NGF synthesis
- Promotes neurogenesis
- Supports myelin production
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-3000 mg daily
- Timing
- Any time; may take weeks for effects
- With food
- Optional
- Duration
- 8+ weeks for cognitive benefits
- Special populations
- Cognitive decline, students
Forms
- Fruiting body extract
- Mycelium on grain
- Dual extract
- Fresh/culinary
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild GI upset
- Itchy skin (rare)
Contraindications
- Mushroom allergy
Products containing Lion's Mane Mushroom
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Lion's Mane Mushroom on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Unique NGF-stimulating properties
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Cited research for Lion's Mane Mushroom
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention lion's mane mushroom. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, et al. (2010)Biomedical Research
Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake
- Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, et al. (2009)Phytotherapy Research
Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.