Hericiaceae
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Hericium erinaceus
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: North America, Europe, Asia
Also known as: Yamabushitake, Hou Tou Gu, Bearded Tooth Mushroom, Satyr's Beard
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Fruiting body
Therapeutic Uses
Mild cognitive impairment (RCT — significant cognitive improvement vs placebo), depression and anxiety (RCT in menopausal women), peripheral neuropathy, digestive cancers (adjunct), Alzheimer's prevention. NGF stimulation unique to this mushroom.
Herbal Actions
NGF (nerve growth factor) stimulator, nootropic, neuroprotective, immunomodulator, antidepressant, anxiolytic
Active Constituents
Erinacines (diterpenoids — in mycelium, NGF stimulators), hericenones (in fruiting body — NGF stimulators), beta-glucans (immunomodulator), amino acids, ergosterol
Preparation Methods
💊 CapsulePowder☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 3–5g dried mushroom powder per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | Dual extract (water + alcohol): 500mg–1g standardized extract 2x daily |
| Notes | Dual extraction required: water extraction for beta-glucans; alcohol extraction for erinacines and hericenones. Whole fruiting body extract superior to mycelium (more hericenones). 4–12 weeks for cognitive effects. Available as powder, capsule, or fresh. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in mushroom allergy. Caution with anticoagulants. Caution in pregnancy (insufficient data).
Side Effects: GI discomfort (high fiber). Skin rash (rare). Allergic reactions. Generally very well tolerated.