Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom) on cognition and mood in healthy younger adults: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study

Summary & key facts

This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study tested a single (acute) dose of a standardized extract from the Lion’s Mane mushroom (fruiting body) in healthy younger adults. The study did not find a clear overall benefit for thinking skills or mood compared with placebo. The authors say any small benefits might only show up on certain tasks or mental areas, and they call for more research on longer use, doses, timing, and how the extract acts in the brain.

Key facts:

• The study was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in healthy younger adults testing an acute (single-dose) intake of a standardized Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) fruiting-body extract.
• Acute consumption of the Lion’s Mane fruiting-body extract did not produce a significant overall improvement in cognitive performance or mood compared with placebo.
• The authors note that any positive effects seen could be specific to particular tasks or cognitive domains, rather than a broad boost in cognition or mood.
• The paper recommends further research on chronic (longer-term) supplementation, optimal dosing, and the time to peak concentration of Lion’s Mane bioactives in the human brain.
• The authors also mention that in regular cooking people often eat Lion’s Mane fruiting bodies, sometimes up to about 300 g of fresh mushroom in a serving (for example, as a mushroom steak).

Abstract

IntroductionAnimal studies have suggested that Lion’s Mane mushroom [Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.] can enhance cognitive function and mood due to its bio...

Topics

Fungal Biology and Applications Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds Pharmacological Effects of Natural Compounds

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Pharmacology

Tags

Alternative medicine Biology Clinical psychology Cognition Double blind Food science Hericium erinaceus Medicine Mood Mushroom Pathology Placebo Psychiatry Psychology Traditional medicine