Lion's Mane Mushroom for Cognitive Function
Medicinal mushroom containing hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in animal models; studied in humans for mild cognitive impairment and mood.
Lion's Mane Mushroom for Cognitive Function
3 of 5 results reported a benefit, from 3 published studies.
3 randomised trials, 41 people · the chart counts everything measured
- 3 reported a benefit
- 2 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Overall thinking skillsMixed results2 randomised trials · no comparable figure reported2 of 3 results reported a benefit2009 study ↗
- Attention task speedReported a benefitsee exact figuresParticipants performed quicker on the Stroop task vs placebo in 41 people at 60 minutes.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (1)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Self-rated stressNo clear benefit foundsee exact figuresA trend towards reduced subjective stress was observed vs placebo in 41 people over 28 days.1 randomised trial2023 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Memory, mental clarity and overall brain health.
Also known as: Hericium erinaceus, Yamabushitake
Lion's Mane Mushroom × Cognitive Function: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Lion's Mane Mushroom / Cognitive Function: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 3 |
| No benefit | 2 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Randomised trial | 5 |
- Studies
- 3
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. (PMID 38004235) | Stroop task performance speed | Not reported | p = 0.005 | 60 min post dose |
| 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. (PMID 38004235) | Subjective stress | Not reported | p = 0.051 | 28-day supplementation |
| Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. (PMID 31413233) | Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. (PMID 18844328) | cognitive function scale (HDS-R based), weeks 8-16 of treatment | Not reported | Not reported | 16 weeks |
| Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. (PMID 18844328) | cognitive function scale, 4 weeks after stopping treatment | Not reported | Not reported | 4 weeks |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 38004235 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 41Duration: 60 min post dose | Stroop task performance speed | Not reported (p = 0.005) | Benefit |
| PMID 38004235 2023 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 41Duration: 28-day supplementation | Subjective stress | Not reported (p = 0.051) | No benefit |
| PMID 31413233 2019 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: 12 weeks | Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 18844328 2009 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 30Duration: 16 weeks | cognitive function scale (HDS-R based), weeks 8-16 of treatment | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 18844328 2009 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 30Duration: 4 weeks | cognitive function scale, 4 weeks after stopping treatment | Not reported | No benefit |
Lion's Mane Mushroom × Cognitive Function: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementiaWieland LS, et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2026PMID 41641880 ↗02Effects of acute exercise on cognitive function: A meta-review of 30 systematic reviews with meta-analysesChang YK, et al. · Psychological bulletin · 2025PMID 39883421 ↗03Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is safe and effective in the treatment of mild dementia - a meta-analysis of patient subgroups in randomised controlled trialsRiepe M, et al. · The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry · 2025PMID 39895346 ↗04Associations between Diet and Cognitive Function in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisAmanat S, et al. · Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) · 2025PMID 40355028 ↗05Creatine Supplementation in Combat Sport Athletes: A Narrative Systematic ReviewAshtary-Larky D, et al. · Journal of dietary supplements · 2025PMID 40755023 ↗06A systematic review and dose response meta analysis of Omega 3 supplementation on cognitive functionShahinfar H, et al. · Scientific reports · 2025PMID 40836005 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.