Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Hericenones and erinacines stimulate NGF (nerve growth factor) synthesis, promoting neurogenesis and myelin repair. Strongest effect is in peripheral nervous system.
This compound sits in research-grey territory. The caveats below carry more weight than for FDA-approved entries — read them.
Two active compound families: hericenones (fruiting body, cross BBB in rodents) and erinacines (mycelium, direct NGF induction). The landmark Mori 2009 RCT showed cognitive improvement in mild cognitive impairment — often overcited but real. Most supplement products are mycelium-on-grain (low erinacine content); hot-water-extracted fruiting body is the evidence-grade form.
Quality varies enormously — mycelium-on-grain products have negligible active compounds vs. fruiting body extracts. Look for >25% beta-glucan content. Rare cases of allergic respiratory reaction.
Per-claim grading. Each claim is graded independently — same peptide, different claims can carry different grades.
- CLimited evidence
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) — primary mechanism: hericenones and erinacines stimulate ngf (nerve growth factor) synthesis, promoting neurogenesis and myelin repair. strongest effect is in peripheral nervous system.
2 supporting referencesVerified 5d ago
External links to PubMed searches, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA materials. We do not host papers — we point at canonical sources.
Dietary supplement. Not FDA-reviewed for cognitive claims.