Lion’s maneHericium erinaceus
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible, shaggy-looking mushroom used in Asian cooking and traditional medicine.
1–3 g of extract a day.
What it is
In the laboratory, some of its compounds stimulate nerve growth factors. What matters is that the extract comes from the fruiting body, not from mycelium grown on grain.
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Early data in people or, mostly, from the laboratory. It only appears at the advanced level, and we say so.
Very few human trials, all small: signals of mild cognitive improvement in older adults. The rest of the evidence is from animals.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Focus | Pilot study with 41 adults aged 18 to 45: a single 1.8 g dose improved speed on an attention test an hour after taking it; after 28 days there was a trend towards less perceived stress, with no clear differences on the other tests. | Docherty et al.Nutrients |
| 2019 | Ageing well | 12-week trial with fruiting body: it improved a test of general cognitive function (MMSE) compared with placebo; the other two memory tests did not change. | Saitsu et al.Biomedical Research |
What to look for on the label
- Fruiting body with declared β-glucans.
- Avoid “mycelium on rice”: it is mostly starch.
Precautions
- If you are allergic to mushrooms, avoid it.
- If you take anticoagulants or medication for diabetes, ask first.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€€High endGaia Herbs
Lion’s mane
450 mg of fruiting body extract and 83 mg of β-glucans per capsule
For the reference dose2–6 capsules (≈1–2.7 g)View at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€Mid rangeReal Mushrooms
Lion’s mane extract
500 mg of fruiting body extract per capsule; 300 mg of β-glucans per 2
For the reference dose2–6 capsules (1–3 g)View at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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VegaveroShips from Germany€BudgetVegavero
Hericium
667 mg of fruiting body extract per capsule; 100 mg of β-glucans per 3
For the reference dose2–3 capsules (1.3–2 g)View at Vegavero (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Nearby in the library
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.