Lion’s mane contains compounds that may help battle free radicals and inflammation. It may also boost brain health, help alleviate depression, improve digestive health, manage diabetes, support weight loss, and more. Here’s what the research and experts have to say about its purported benefits:
As for whether lion’s mane supplements are as nutritious as raw lion’s mane, it depends, says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, the Chicago-based founder of Once Upon a Pumpkin, a recipe and nutrition blog.
“Supplements offer a concentrated dose of lion’s mane, while raw lion’s mane can vary depending on growing conditions, preparation methods, and bioavailability,” she explains.
It May Help Combat Free Radicals and Inflammation
Many helpful plant compounds can be found in the lion’s mane fruiting bodies (the part we recognize as the mushroom) and mycelium (the mushroom’s root-like structure).
“Lion’s mane contains a number of compounds that may have beneficial effects on the body, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nerve growth factors,” says Lindsay Delk, RDN, who practices in Houston and specializes in the connection between food and mental health.
The active ingredients in lion’s mane include polysaccharides, erinacines, hericerins, steroids, alkaloids, and lactones. “These ingredients help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, and they [help to] promote the growth and regeneration of nerve cells,” Delk explains.
It May Improve Brain Function
In one small study, 41 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease who took three 350 milligrams (mg) capsules of lion’s mane daily for 49 weeks saw significant improvements in brain health. Meanwhile, those who took a placebo experienced a decline in several markers of cognitive function.
Lion’s mane has also been linked with stimulating a protein known as nerve growth factor (NGF). “Nerve growth factor is essential for brain health and neuron conductivity,” Richard says. Neuron conductivity refers to the ability of nerves to transmit impulses through the nervous system.
While there is promising research for lion’s mane for brain and cognitive health, more human research studies need to be conducted to confirm these results and help determine dosage and other specifics, says Michalczyk.
May Alleviate Depression
Lion’s mane may decrease inflammation, which may alleviate depression, Delk says.
One review suggests that preliminary studies show promise for lion’s mane as an effective complementary treatment for depression, but notes that the research is still at an early stage and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms.
Like with brain function, Michalczyk says the research into lion’s mane and depression is “promising,” but more human research studies are needed.
May Support Digestive Health
Research done on test tube samples and mice suggests that lion’s mane may prevent the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can have negative effects on the gut lining.
However, since this research focused on mice, Michalczyk notes that more human research studies need to be conducted to confirm these results.
May Help Manage Diabetes
Lion’s mane could also be beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes. One study identified compounds in lion’s mane that prevent alpha-glucosidase activity, which means that lion’s mane could work similarly to a group of medications used to manage type 2 diabetes by limiting the absorption of carbohydrate from the small intestines.
However, more research is needed, as this study would need to be confirmed in actual living organisms as opposed to just separating the compounds and analyzing the effects, says Kimberlain.
