Lion’s mane – also known as ‘Hericium erinaceus’ – comes from the Latin name for hedgehog – given its appearance in the natural world with its many spines.
It’s a white, shaggy culinary mushroom that’s become one of the most popular “nootropics” and wellness supplements.
Lab and animal studies show interesting neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory effects, and a handful of small human trials report cognitive and mood improvements.
The current evidence base, while possibly promising in certain areas, remains very limited in terms of studies in actual human beings, and this calls for caution and for more research.
How it might work
(mechanisms supported by preclinical work (i.e work not on humans – either in animals or effectively a petri-dish).
Stimulating neurotrophic factors:
Lion’s mane contains certain compounds which in non-human studies are thought to promote certain chemical reactions in the brain believed to encourage survival, growth and maintenance of neurons in the nervous system.
In these non-human studies, some researchers wonder if it can support nerve repair, brain connections and maintenance of these connections in ageing – in humans.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects:
Animal and lab-based studies report reductions in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Animal work suggests effects on proteins that promote neuronal health and survival and that might influence mood and cognition.
The biological plausibility is strong from mechanistic studies, but these are preclinical results — not proof that the same effects happen in humans at typical supplement doses.
What human trials show (summary of the clinical evidence)
The human literature is small, short, and mixed. The most-cited trials include:
- Mori et al., 2009 (double-blind randomised controlled trial, older adults): One of the earliest randomised, placebo-controlled trials (50 – 80 year olds Japanese men and women with mild cognitive
impairment with a total sample size of 30 – split into two groups of 15 – one intervention group, one placebo) reported improved cognitive scores in the active group during 16 weeks of treatment; benefits waned after stopping the supplement.
This trial is often cited as promising but had a small sample size.
- Nagano et al., 2010 (pilot randomised double-blind controlled trial, menopausal-related mood): A small randomised control trial of 30 women, which reduced to 26, aged 35 to 46. The researchers found
reductions in self-reported depression and anxiety scores after 4 weeks of Hericium intake vs placebo.
The study suggests possible mood benefits but is small and short (only 4 weeks in duration). There could well be other reasons for differences in the scores.
- Docherty et al, 2023 (acute effects (short-term effects) in young adults): 18 healthy adults formed the sample, aged between 18 – 35 years old.
They were subjected to cognitive tests 90-minutes after ingestion and researchers recorded improvements in test scores in the intervention group in dexterity tests, and negative scores in others.
No subjects reported change in mood.
This is an extremely short-term test – only 90 minutes at follow up. This study did not test any long lasting effects and the researchers suggested testing with more time points and calling for further research, and larger more well-powered studies.
- Surendran et al., 2025 (pilot study looking at short-term and at end of 4-weeks): 43 healthy volunteers aged 18 – 45 y ears old.
They were asked to undertake a baseline cognitive test, and then a test 60 minutes after completion of their first dose, and repeat the test on day 29.
They were asked to refrain from caffeine upon waking on the days of the test, and avoid alcohol in the prior 24 hours.
Participants performed better on just one single speed test task, and this was not seen for any other task nor the global speed of performance domain, and as such this result should be taken with caution.
Participants performed less accurately on the word recall test 60 minutes afterwards.
At the end of the study, participants reported a stress-reducing effect on one of the scales measuring this stress.
The researchers call for larger samples in future trials as it may better detect treatment effects. I.e. where effects do actually exist – they can be measured, studied and offer the wider research community an opportunity to replicate.
Lion’s mane and ADHD — what the evidence actually says
Short answer: There are no well-powered, published clinical trials in people with diagnosed ADHD currently to prove efficacy.
Safety and side effects
There is very little information from a clinical perspective about the safety and side effects of Lion’s mane.
From what I could find from some alternative sources is it may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, immunosuppressants, and possibly antidepressants. They say it should be avoided by those with mushroom allergies, bleeding disorders, or autoimmune diseases unless under medical supervision.
Effects in pregnancy are unknown, and one source I found recommended avoiding it entirely, or suggests using an alternative supplement more robustly studied with a proven safety profile.
If you’re going to use this supplement – be curious, be cautious and always seek the appropriate medical advice. In any scenario, always consult medical advice when considering supplementation.
Want to read more about supplements? Have a read of my blog articles on:
Disclaimer:
No responsibility can be accepted for this article which does not constitute medical advice, and is for educational purposes only.
You should always consult with a medical professional when deciding to take supplements and use them as directed, should you choose voluntarily to take them.
REFERENCES:
Healthline (2024). 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom
(Accessed 15 October 2025).
Mushroomworks (2024) Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Safety Guide and Medication Interactions. Available at: https://mushroomworks.co.uk/blogs/wellbeing-lab/lions-mane-contraindications-interactions
(Accessed 15 October 2025).
WedMd (2025). Lion’S Mane Mushroom – Uses, Side Effects, and More. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1536/lions-mane-mushroom#overview
(Accessed 15 October 2025).
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