The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study

Summary & key facts

This small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial tested 1.8 g daily of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) in healthy young adults (ages 18–45, mean 26.35). After a single dose, participants given Lion’s Mane were faster on the Stroop task 60 minutes later (p = 0.005). After 28 days there was a trend toward reduced self-reported stress (p = 0.051), but other measures showed no clear benefit. The authors say the results are tentative and that larger studies are needed because the sample was small.

Key facts:

• The trial was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and used a parallel-groups design.
• Dose and duration: participants received 1.8 g of Hericium erinaceus and were tested acutely (60 minutes post-dose) and after 28 days of supplementation.
• Sample size and age: 43 volunteers were enrolled for the acute analysis (ages 18–45, mean age 26.35). Two participants dropped out and 41 participants were included in the chronic (28-day) analysis.
• Acute finding: a single 1.8 g dose of Lion’s Mane was associated with faster performance on the Stroop task at 60 minutes post-dose (p = 0.005).
• Chronic finding: after 28 days of supplementation there was a trend toward reduced subjective stress (p = 0.051), which did not meet the conventional threshold for statistical significance.
• Limitations reported: the authors noted null and some limited negative findings, highlighted the small sample size, and said the results should be interpreted with caution and followed up in larger trials.

Abstract

The findings tentatively suggest that Hericium erinaceus may improve speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy, young adults. However, null and limited negative findings were also observed. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further investigation in larger sample sizes is crucial, however the findings of this trial offer a promising avenue of interest.

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Agricultural and Biological Sciences Insect Science Life Sciences

Tags

Alternative medicine Chronic stress Clinical psychology Cognition Developmental psychology Double blind Gerontology Internal medicine Medicine Mood Pathology Physical therapy Placebo Psychiatry Psychology