Lion’s Mane Mushroom
OTHER NAME(S): bearded tooth fungus, Hericium erinaceus, lion’s mane, lion’s mane mushroom, lions mane, monkey head mushroom, yamabushitake
Overview
Lion’s mane mushroom is a type of mushroom (fungus) that is available in foods and drinks as well as over-the-counter as a supplement. It is commonly used for many reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated, but there is not enough research to know what side effects it may cause. Before taking lion’s mane mushroom, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is lion’s mane mushroom used for?
Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is used for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use lion’s mane mushroom include the following.
- Anxiety
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression
- To help manage stress
- To improve memory and thinking skills
Products that contain lion’s mane mushroom often contain multiple ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed lion's mane mushroom for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does lion’s mane mushroom work (mechanism of action)?
Lion’s mane mushroom is a type of fungus called Hericium erinaceus. This fungus, which grows on hardwood trees, can look like a lion’s mane when it is fully mature. It has been used in the traditional medicine systems in Japan and China, where it is known as yamabushitake and monkey head mushroom. Dietary supplements that contain lion’s mane mushroom are made from the mushroom (the fruiting body) or the roots (mycelia).
Lion’s mane mushroom contains many different chemicals that may have effects in the body. Some of these chemicals, called hericenones and erinacines, are thought to have effects in the brain. But it is not clear how much of these chemicals actually reach the brain after taking lion’s mane mushroom by mouth. Although some people take lion’s mane mushroom to improve mental health, memory, and thinking skills, its effects and benefits are not well defined.
Lion’s mane mushroom also contains many important nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc, and potassium. It is often added to foods and drinks to improve their nutritional content. Some foods and drinks that contain lion’s mane mushroom may claim that it can increase energy levels. But its effects on energy are not clear.
Herbal products, like lion’s mane mushroom, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific lion’s mane mushroom product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store lion’s mane mushroom?
You should store lion’s mane mushroom according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of lion’s mane mushroom?
Lion’s mane mushroom seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of lion’s mane mushroom that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of lion’s mane mushroom?
While less common, the most serious side effects of lion’s mane mushroom are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lion’s mane mushroom may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lion’s mane mushroom and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use lion’s mane mushroom?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lion’s mane mushroom.
- Hericium erinaceus
- Lion’s mane mushroom
- Monkey head mushroom
- Yamabushitake
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lion’s mane mushroom products they stock.
What should I know about lion’s mane mushroom before using it?
Lion’s mane mushroom is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. There are also many foods and drinks that contain lion’s mane mushroom, including products like protein bars and mushroom coffee. These products usually contain multiple ingredients, including spices, vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients are included.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep lion’s mane mushroom out of the reach of children.
Lion’s mane mushroom naturally contains many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific lion’s mane mushroom product can change for many reasons, including the area where the fungus was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way it was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Products that contain lion’s mane mushroom may be made from different parts of the fungus, including the fruiting body and the mycelia. The fruiting body is the recognizable part of the fungus known as the mushroom. The mycelia are thread-like parts of the fungus that spread and absorb nutrients, similar to roots. The fruiting body and mycelia contain different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. Most of the research on lion’s mane mushroom has been on the fruiting body. It is important to read the label to confirm which part was used to make that product.
Lion’s mane mushroom may be raw, dried, or cooked. It is also available in many different forms, including ground powder, capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the fungus.
The FDA has not tested lion’s mane mushroom products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using lion’s mane mushroom?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lion’s mane mushroom is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Allergies to Molds or Other Mushrooms.If you have had an allergic reaction to mold or mushrooms, you may be at a higher risk of having an allergic reaction to lion’s mane mushroom. Speak to your health care provider before taking lion’s mane mushroom if you have a mold or mushroom allergy.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Asthma
- Kidney or liver problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lion’s mane mushroom could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if lion’s mane mushroom passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does lion’s mane mushroom interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between lion’s mane mushroom and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lion’s mane mushroom.
Does lion’s mane mushroom interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between lion’s mane mushroom and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with lion’s mane mushroom is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking lion’s mane mushroom with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much lion’s mane mushroom?
If you or someone else has used too much lion’s mane mushroom, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Lion’s mane mushroom is found in many foods, drinks, and supplements. Many of these products also contain other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take lion’s mane mushroom safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Frontiers in Nutrition: “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.”
- The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice: “Exposure and health effects of fungi on humans.”
- National Library of Medicine: “LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]: Lion’s Mane.”
- Microorganisms:“Mycelium vs. fruiting bodies of edible fungi—a comparison of metabolites.”
- Nutrients: “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,” “Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): a neuroprotective fungus with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential—a narrative review.”