Herbal Extract
Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus)
Also known as: Hericium erinaceus, Lion's Mane, Yamabushitake, Bearded Tooth Fungus
Lion's Mane is a medicinal mushroom containing bioactive compounds (hericenones and erinacines) that may support cognitive function and nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Research shows promise for neurological support, though most human studies are preliminary or limited in scope.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus) 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 Extract (Hericium erinaceus) should I take?
The typical range is 500-3000 mg daily (whole extract), typically 300-1000 mg for standardized extracts. Studies suggest 4-12 weeks may be needed to assess cognitive effects; long-term safety data limited
When should I take Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus)?
With meals for better absorption. Recommended; fat-soluble compounds may have improved bioavailability with food.
Which form of Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus) is best?
Fruit body extract (powder). Other forms in the catalog: Fruit body extract (capsule), Standardized extract.
Is Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus) safe?
Commonly reported: Gastrointestinal upset (rare), Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, Skin itching or numbness (anecdotal).
Which Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus) 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 and memory
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) support
- Neurological health
- Mood support
How it works
- Stimulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) production
- Bioactive compounds (hericenones and erinacines) may cross blood-brain barrier
- Potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects
- Support for neuroplasticity
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-3000 mg daily (whole extract), typically 300-1000 mg for standardized extracts
- Timing
- With meals for better absorption
- With food
- Recommended; fat-soluble compounds may have improved bioavailability with food
- Duration
- Studies suggest 4-12 weeks may be needed to assess cognitive effects; long-term safety data limited
- Special populations
- Minimal safety data in pregnant/nursing women or children; use cautiously in individuals with mushroom allergies or immunocompromised conditions
Forms
- Fruit body extract (powder)· 70/100
- Fruit body extract (capsule)· 70/100
- Standardized extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (rare)
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Skin itching or numbness (anecdotal)
Contraindications
- Known mushroom allergies or mold sensitivities
- Concurrent immunosuppressant therapy (theoretical concern due to immune-modulating properties)
- Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient safety data)
Products containing Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Multiple animal and in vitro studies demonstrate NGF stimulation and neuroprotective effects. Human clinical trials are limited, small-scale, and show mixed results. Most published human evidence is from Asia with limited replication in Western populations. Fruit body extracts have more research than mycelium forms, but overall evidence remains preliminary.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Cited research for Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention lion's mane mushroom extract (hericium erinaceus). 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
Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus) compared head-to-head
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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.