- Lion's mane is a type of mushroom that's become popular on social media.
- Some research shows that lion's mane could boost cognition, and improve anxiety and depression.
To boost cognition and reduce ADHD symptoms, celebrities and social media users are increasingly turning to a bulbous fuzzy white mushroom found on old or dead broadleaf trees.
Lion's mane is a type of "functional mushroom," a category of mushroom thought to help treat various diseases and improve cognition. Other types of functional mushrooms include reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, and chaga. Functional mushrooms do not have hallucinogenic properties the way magic mushrooms do.
The functional mushroom industry is booming. Allana Akhtar previously reported that the industry generated $7.98 billion in 2020, and is estimated to reach $19.33 billion by 2030.
While lion's mane shows tentative promise in boosting cognition and improving mental health amongst other health benefits, it is still largely under-researched in humans.
Here's what we know so far about lion's mane and its therapeutic effects.
Small studies show it may improve cognition in some populations
Lion's mane may boost cognitive functioning in older adults.
A small 2009 study in Japanese adults found that taking four 250 milligram tablets of lion's mane three times daily boosted performance on tests of cognitive functioning over the 16 week study.
But these changes weren't permanent.
"Within four weeks of stopping supplementation, mental function declined," Colleen Spees, PhD, RDN, associate professor in the division of medical dietetics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, previously told BI.
A 2020 study found that taking one gram of lion's mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores in people with mild Alzheimer's disease compared to people who received a placebo.
Finally, a small study published this month found that taking a one gram capsule of lion's mane sped up healthy adults' reaction time two hours later. However, this study was partly funded by a supplement company.
While these studies are exciting, most research into lion's mane's effects on cognition has been done in animals or in test tubes, so more research in humans is needed, Healthline reported.
Lion's mane might reduce anxiety and depression
Early research suggests that lion's mane may improve anxiety and depression symptoms.
A small 2019 study found that lion's mane reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in participants who were overweight or obese. Participants in this study took three capsules daily for eight weeks, and each capsule contained 400 milligrams of lion's mane mycelium, and 100 milligrams of the fruiting body. Additionally, a 2010 study in menopausal women found that eating cookies containing lion's mane reduced self-reported feelings of irritation and anxiety.
In another small recent study, researchers found that one gram capsules of lion's mane improved subjective ratings of happiness among participants 60 minutes after consumption. The effect lasted until two hours after taking the capsules.
As with cognition, more studies in humans are needed to determine whether lion's mane can actually help with anxiety and depression.
It's unclear whether lion's mane could help with ADHD
Lion's mane is also marketed by wellness start-ups, like the Toronto-based company Gwella, as a feel-good, healthy alternative to coffee or Adderall — especially for those with ADHD.
But no evidence exists to support the use of lion's mane in reducing ADHD symptoms or improving concentration, according to Healthline.
One small 2022 study of lion's mane in college-aged healthy adults didn't find any effect of lion's mane on cognition — even at high doses, according to Verywell Health.
ADDitude Magazine also reported that there's no research that shows lion's mane has any effect on dopamine, one of the key neurotransmitters involved in ADHD.
For now, lion's mane may be better served up as a delicious high-fiber vegan sub for crab meat or lobster, or as part of a risotto, pasta, or soup.