Lion’s Mane for Brain Health & Cognition

TL;DR
Early human research suggests Lion’s Mane may support cognitive function in older adults with mild impairment through nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation. Evidence is promising but limited to small studies. Larger, well-controlled trials are still needed before strong recommendations can be made.

Evidence Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Promising (Emerging)
(Small human RCT + mechanistic support for NGF. Larger replicated trials required.)

What the Research Shows

Lion’s Mane contains compounds (hericenones and erinacines) that have been shown in laboratory studies to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF plays a key role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells.

The most referenced human study is a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by Mori et al. (2009). Older adults with mild cognitive impairment who took Lion’s Mane for 16 weeks showed improved cognitive scores compared to placebo. However, these benefits declined after supplementation stopped.

Key Studies

  • Mori, K. et al. (2009). “Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634 — Small human RCT showing cognitive score improvements during supplementation.
  • Martínez-Mármol, R. et al. (2023). “Hericenones and erinacines from Lion’s Mane stimulate NGF and support neuroplasticity pathways.” Journal of Neurochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15767 — Mechanistic evidence for nerve growth support.
  • Contato, A.G. & Conte-Junior, C.A. (2025). “Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus...” Nutrients, 17(8), 1307. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081307 — Recent narrative review summarising neuroprotective potential and existing human data.

Expert View

Dr. Andrew Huberman has discussed Lion’s Mane in the context of potential NGF support and focus. Paul Stamets has long advocated for its neuroprotective properties. Dr. Dale Bredesen includes it as part of broader brain health protocols. All experts emphasise that while the mechanisms are interesting, larger human trials are still needed.

This is not medical advice. BioHackNZ provides general information based on published research. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. Individual results vary.

Last updated: 18 May 2026 | BioHackNZ Research Team

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