Stave off cognitive decline: Eat this mushroom
Industry Buzz
It has been popularized most recently for use [in] supporting memory and helping to prevent cognitive decline; however, it has broader medicinal value.
—Patricia Gaines, ND, RH, staff physician at Sonoran University of Health Sciences and a registered herbalist
It’s no secret that mushrooms offer numerous health benefits. They’re good for immune system function, fight harmful germs, improve cholesterol, and boost brain function.[] This is why, for centuries, people have turned to mushrooms to improve their overall health: We toss them into salads, garnish our meats with them, and whip them into supplements.
One mushroom, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular for its potential health benefits: the lion’s mane mushroom. The white, shaggy fungus, which goes by the scientific name Hericium erinaceus, is found most commonly in East Asian countries, where it’s long been consumed for its positive health effects.[]
Patricia Gaines, ND, RH, a staff physician at Sonoran University of Health Sciences and a registered herbalist, says that lion’s mane is thought to be a medicinal mushroom. “It has been popularized most recently for use [in] supporting memory and helping to prevent cognitive decline; however, it has broader medicinal value,” she tells MDLinx.
Ahead, we unpack the research on this compelling, cognition-friendly food, while arming you with simple counseling tips for your next patient exam.
Mushrooms—lion’s mane included—are superfoods
Mushrooms, in general, are often touted as a superfood.[] Pamela Smith, RDN, a registered dietitian and the founder of Shaping America’s Plate, says mushrooms are a potent source of B vitamins, including niacin and biotin, supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails. They also contain glutathione, a substance that supports immune function, along with multiple types of antioxidants that protect our cells from damage associated with chronic diseases, says Smith. “Lion’s mane mushrooms are a superfood source of powerful nutrients that support brain, gut, and immune wellness and an overall healthy addition to your plate,” Smith says.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are also hearty and satiating, making them an appealing snack. Smith likens their sweet flavor to that of shellfish such as crab, lobster, or scallops. Unlike meat, they’re a low-calorie, cholesterol-free food. Many vegans and vegetarians find mushrooms to be a valuable addition to their diets, some research suggests.[] “Preliminary research suggests [that] increasing intake of low-calorie, high-volume foods, specifically mushrooms, in place of high-calorie, low-volume foods like ground beef, can be an effective method for reducing daily calorie and fat intake while still feeling full and satiated,” Smith says.
Lion’s mane appears to protect brain function
Animal studies have found that the mushroom stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps promote the growth and survival of neurons.[] A number of trials have linked the mushroom to improved mood and lower anxiety and depression scores, and some data suggests that people may experience memory enhancements after ingesting H. erinaceus extract supplementation.[]
Research conducted in older adults also found that H. erinaceus supplementation improved cognitive function over the course of 12 to 16 weeks. “The novel action of compounds extracted from H. erinaceus increasing production of NGF sets this medicinal mushroom apart from conventional approaches to neurodegenerative conditions,” Gaines says. Because of these effects on brain health, she has recommended this mushroom to patients recovering from brain injuries, such as concussions, to help speed up recovery.
We are just beginning to understand the health effects of lion’s mane
The potential benefits extend beyond the brain. Growing evidence suggests that the mushroom can protect and heal the gastrointestinal system, especially with gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis, gastric ulcers, and inflammatory bowel diseases.[] While the underlying mechanisms are unclear, it’s suspected that the mushroom may improve the gut microbiota, inhibit the secretion of inflammatory chemicals, and promote the production of anti-inflammatory chemicals. In vitro and animal research also suggest that lion’s mane inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers.
Some data suggests that lion’s mane may suppress tumor growth and help fight various types of cancer.[] That said, the anti-carcinogenic effects haven’t been sufficiently tested in humans, so we currently do not have proof that mushrooms can prevent or cure cancers.[]
While the preliminary evidence on lion’s mane is promising, much more research is needed to better understand how the mushroom impacts our well-being.[] “Although there is limited large-scale human research, this mushroom has many known benefits through traditional use and clinical trials,” Gaines says.
In the clinic
When counseling patients, it's best to take a balanced approach—acknowledging both traditional use and the current limits of the evidence. This can help patients make informed decisions while maintaining trust in the clinical relationship.
Set realistic expectations. Emphasize that lion’s mane may offer supportive benefits but is not a replacement for evidence-based treatments for neurodegenerative disease, depression, cancer, or gastrointestinal disorders.
Review medications and conditions. Ask about relevant allergies, asthma, autoimmune conditions, and GI sensitivity. Consider potential interactions, especially in patients on immunomodulators or other complex regimens.
Discuss formulation and dosing. Encourage use of reputable brands that provide standardized extracts and third-party testing. Advise against consuming raw mushrooms or high-dose supplements.
Frame it as adjunctive care. If patients are interested, lion’s mane can be discussed as a complementary strategy alongside foundational interventions such as nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and guideline-directed medical therapy.
Monitor response. For patients using it for cognitive or mood concerns, establish measurable goals and reassess periodically.
Lion’s mane has relatively few safety concerns
According to Gaines, lion’s mane has a long history of being safely used in culinary settings. The most common side effect of consuming lion’s mane is gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea. In a clinical trial conducted in 2020, a few participants had to drop out because they developed abdominal discomfort, nausea, and a skin rash after consuming the mushroom.[] The key, Smith says, is to eat them in moderation. These side effects are “more likely seen in large doses or when people attempt to eat this raw, which they should not do,” Gaines says.
It’s also not uncommon to be sensitive or allergic to mushrooms. A few case studies on lion’s mane have detailed serious reactions in which people developed respiratory failure and chronic dermatitis after being exposed to lion’s mane or an extract of it.[]