Our Recommendations For Best Lion’s Mane—At A Glance
Best Lion’s Mane Capsules
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Cognition Capsules
Real Mushroom’s lion’s mane supplement is made with 100% real mushrooms, not grains or fillers like other supplements. The mushrooms are hand-picked and extracted using hot water to retain their beneficial beta-glucans and other nutrients. This supplement is great for cognitive health, providing support for memory, focus, and overall brain function. Plus, it offers other health benefits like improved sleep, energy, and heart health. One bottle is good for two months, and it’s gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and free of dairy and nuts.
Best Low-Dose Lion’s Mane Capsules
Double Wood Lion’s Mane Capsules
A great option for supporting cognitive health and boosting your immune system. Double Wood’s lion’s mane supplement is made with 100% real mushrooms, grown and manufactured in the USA. It contains 120 capsules, enough for a two-month supply. Each capsule contains 500mg of lion’s mane mushroom, providing you with 60 servings of 1000mg each. Unlike other supplements, Double Wood’s product includes all parts of the mushroom, including the fruiting body, mycelium, and extra-cellular compounds.
Best Lion’s Mane Powder
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Cognition Powder
If you’re looking for a high-quality, organic mushroom supplement, consider trying Real Mushrooms’ Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract Powder. This supplement is made with real mushrooms, not grains or fillers, and is carefully extracted using hot water to retain its beneficial compounds. Each serving contains 1000mg of lion’s mane mushroom extract, with at least 25% beta-glucans, providing immune support and digestive system support. One pouch is good for two months. Many people enjoy mixing the powder into their coffee or other drinks, and report that it has little to no impact on taste.
Best Lion’s Mane Coffee
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Ground Coffee With Lion’s Mane
Four Sigmatic’s Think Ground Coffee with Lion’s Mane and Chaga Mushrooms is a delicious and effective way to support cognitive health while enjoying your daily cup of coffee. This brew is made with organic, Fair Trade, single-origin Arabica coffee beans, and contains lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms to provide brain and body support without the crash or stomach upset often associated with regular coffee. The coffee brews smooth, dark, and nutty, with no trace of mushroom flavor. Many people report increased focus and reduced brain fog after drinking this coffee.
Best Lion’s Mane Tea
Teecino Lion’s Mane Tea With Rhodiola Rosea
Teeccino Mushroom Adaptogen Herbal Tea is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms. This tea blend features hints of rose from mood-enhancing rhodiola root, paired with lion’s mane mushroom to support brain and cognitive function. The tea has a rich, bold, coffee-like flavor, with no mushroom taste, and is caffeine-free for long-lasting energy. Inulin, a prebiotic soluble fiber naturally found in chicory root, supports gut health and strengthens the immune system. Enjoy this tea hot or cold, and add milk, creamer, or non-dairy alternatives as desired.
Best Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tincture
MauWe Herbs Lion’s Mane Tincture
MauWe Herbs Lion’s Mane Mushroom Liquid Extract is a natural dietary tincture that can be easily added to any beverage for a boost of cognitive support. Made with organic liquid extracts from carefully sourced lion’s mane mushrooms, this tincture is free of alcohol, artificial coloring, flavoring, preservatives, and yeast, making it a safe and effective supplement for maintaining cognitive wellness. In addition to supporting brain function and memory, lion’s mane mushroom has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of stress. This tincture is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it a great way to support a healthy immune system and heart function.
Lion’s mane, also known as yamabushitake, is one of the most popular adaptogenic mushrooms available today and shows great promise as both a nootropic and an immunomodulator.
If you’ve ever considered trying out adaptogenic mushrooms but have been hesitant due to mixed reviews or conflicting evidence, then lion’s mane is a great option compared to the rest as there are extensive studies available on its efficacy and several reliable brands to purchase it from.
In this article, I’ll review lion’s mane in-depth and help you decide whether or not you should consider taking a lion’s mane supplement to improve your long-term health.
If you decide you’re ready to try lion’s mane, then make sure to take a good look at my lion’s mane reviews below to help determine whether you should try lion’s mane capsules, powder, or even coffee!
Lion’s Mane Benefits
One of lion’s mane’s key active compounds, beta-glucans, has several types of biological activity ー each of which is beneficial for a different bodily process. In addition to these effects, lion’s mane can also improve several mental health parameters. For example, a study found that after taking lion’s mane for 4 weeks, subjects had reduced depression and anxiety symptoms.
Beta-glucans are a class of neuroprotective compounds which clinicians believe can prevent cognitive decline. In rats induced with dementia, lion’s mane prevented impairments in short-term recognition. In patients with mild cognitive impairment, a placebo-controlled double-blind trial successfully demonstrated that lion’s mane can improve cognition – suggesting its promise for neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
To reverse cognitive impairment, redeveloping neural circuits in the brain is one potential mechanism. An in vitro study showed that NGF (nerve growth factor) ー a neurotrophic factor found in the brain that is boosted by lion’s mane ー enhances neurogenesis, further demonstrating lion’s mane potential role in treating cognitive disorders.
Different compounds in lion’s mane can suppress or enhance immune activity and inflammation. In one study, lion’s mane suppressed pro-inflammatory factors in vitro. In another, beta-glucans upregulated the innate immune response. It’s unclear yet what this means for immune function or what the best use case would be.
Boosting the immune system may have anti-cancer benefits though. In mice, a study found that lion’s mane inhibits cancer metastasis, specifically for colon cancer spreading to the lungs. However, there are different types of cancer and lion’s mane might interact with other drugs so for now these results only suggest lion’s mane’s future potential.
Human studies have used 2-3 grams of whole lion’s mane powder daily. The most common dose is 1000 mg 2-3 times a day, for 2-3 grams a day total. It’s still too early for the optimal dosage to be determined. The best way to take lion’s mane mushroom is generally in capsule form, for convenience.
The only side effects we are aware of is itchy skin which often occurs due to an increase in nerve growth factor that exacerbates atopic dermatitis during use. If this causes discomfort, you should stop taking lion’s mane. Sometimes you can also develop itchy skin if you’re allergic to lion’s mane mushrooms – if this happens, again stop using it right away.
What To Look For In A Lion’s Mane Supplement
When shopping for a lion’s mane supplement, there are several factors to consider.
Dosage
One important factor is the dosage of the supplement. The dosage can range from two to three capsules per serving, and higher dosages may run out faster and be more expensive. Another factor to consider is the type or form of the supplement, as this can affect how easy it is to take regularly. Capsules may be the most convenient for some, while others may prefer a liquid or powder form.
Ingredients
It is also important to look at the ingredients list of the supplement. Look for a product with a high amount of lion’s mane, as well as organic ingredients to avoid excessive chemicals and pesticides. Avoid supplements with artificial ingredients, fillers, and added sugars. Additionally, look for a supplement that contains real mushroom fruiting bodies, as some products may not include these. Avoid supplements that include mycelium grown on grain. Mycelium grown on grain often lacks the active compounds found in the fruiting bodies of wild lions mane. In addition, the fruiting bodies contain up to 29 times more beta-glucans than mycelium grown on grain.
Taste And Smell
A good lions mane mushroom supplement shouldn’t have a sweet flavor or aroma.
Certifications
Lastly, look for certifications such as GMP and third-party testing to ensure the quality and safety of the supplement. GMP facilities have high standards for cleanliness, equipment, and operating procedures, and third-party testing ensures that the supplement contains the stated amount of ingredients and is free from contaminants.
Lion’s Mane Supplement Reviews
Best Lion’s Mane Capsules
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Capsules
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Capsules contain non-GMO, organic lion’s mane mushrooms whose fruiting bodies are hot water extracted for a pure, chemical-free product. Their capsules also don’t contain grain fillers – a common issue with other mushroom capsules – that are harder to digest and may even trigger grain-associated allergies.
If you’re looking for a higher dose, Real Mushrooms has the best lion’s mane supplement for you. Each serving provides 1 gram per 2 capsules – they recommend taking 2 capsules 2-3 times a day. This follows on from the dosage used in human clinical trials. Importantly, this product guarantees at least 25% beta-glucans for high potency as beta-glucans levels are measured by third-party testers.
Best Low-Dose Lion’s Mane Capsules
Double Wood Lion’s Mane Capsules
Double Wood Lion’s Mane Capsules contain 500mg of whole fruiting body per capsule. Fruiting bodies are the reproductive structures of mushrooms and contain a higher amount of active ingredients, including beta-glucans. Double Wood sources their lion’s mane from California mushroom farms.
We recommend taking 2 capsules twice a day for 1 gram of lion’s mane a day. Even though this is half the dosage that clinical trials have used, users have noticed significant improvements in memory and cognition.
Best Lion’s Mane Powder
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Powder
Like the capsules, Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane powder is dosed the same at 1 gram per ½ teaspoon. Again, Real Mushrooms promises that each serving has a potency of at least 25% beta-glucans. Their mushrooms are organic and hand-picked to make sure you are receiving the best fruiting bodies for consumption.
Traditionally, lion’s mane powder was brewed in a tea, but most people who have tried it say it tastes better mixed with coffee.
Best Lion’s Mane Coffee
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee With Lion’s Mane And Chaga
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is great if you’re looking for creative focus and improved cognitive function. Four Sigmatic’s mushrooms are USDA-certified organic, extracted from wild forests and mushroom farms. Simply brew this coffee in your preferred fashion and drink. Users love this coffee because it actually tastes like coffee; you wouldn’t guess from the flavor that it contains mushrooms.
This coffee is dosed low at 250 mg each of lion’s mane and chaga. However, the combination of the two with caffeine can act as a mild cognitive and mood enhancer. Again, probably not a big long-term neurogenesis booster but great in the short term.
Best Lion’s Mane Tea
Teecino Lion’s Mane Tea With Rhodiola
Teeccino Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea mixes 300mg of lion’s mane with 300mg of rhodiola rosea in each packet, ready for you to brew a tasty lion’s mane mushroom elixir. 300mg is a low dose of lion’s mane, but probably not insignificant enough to notice effects.
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb which simultaneously helps the body react to stress and reduces anxiety. The combination of lion’s mane with rhodiola will help uplift your mood, though the boost to neurogenesis will likely be minimal.
Best Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tincture
MauWe Herbs Lion’s Mane Tincture
Maui Herbs Lion’s Mane Tincture extract is a convenient way to boost cognitive health on the move. It contains about 233 mg of lion’s mane per ml, meaning you’ll want to take several droppers a day to reach an effective dosage. Users find this tincture very potent; anecdotally, they experienced a clarified mind following regular consumption.
Maui Herbs’ tincture is ideal for mixing with coffee, tea, or whatever your beverage of choice is. This tincture is particularly good for mixing with cold beverages, since powder won’t dissolve well in those.
Lion’s Mane FAQs
Can you get high off of lion’s mane mushrooms?
No, lion’s mane mushrooms don’t contain any psychoactive qualities, and they won’t make you feel “high.”
How much powdered lion’s mane should I consume?
Lion’s mane powder should be taken in doses of 1-3 grams daily. To make digestion easier when taking more than 1 gram, it is preferable to split the dose into smaller portions.
What negative impacts might lion’s mane mushrooms have?
The adverse effects of lion’s mane mushrooms are often negligible. Allergies, however, can occasionally manifest themselves. It’s crucial to avoid breathing lion’s mane powder because these reactions are frequently respiratory in nature.
Where can I find supplements made from lion’s mane mushrooms?
Supplements for lion’s mane can be found online and at select herb shops. A nice location to look for possibilities is Amazon.
Is there a lion’s mane limit to how much I can take?
The effects of lion’s mane mushrooms are typically long-lasting, and there is no evidence of an overdose. More than 3 grams per day are not necessary.
Do medicines and lion’s mane mushrooms interact?
No known interactions between lion’s mane and medicines exist. However, it might interact with drugs like dihexa that boost neurogenesis or are used to treat dementia. Additionally, there is a remote possibility that it might interfere with drugs for depression or anxiety. It is important to consult a physician before beginning to take lion’s mane if you are already on these medications, start at a low dose of 300–500 mg daily, and then gradually increase over a period of weeks.
What are the effects of lion’s mane on the brain?
Lion’s mane mushroom increases mRNA expression of nerve growth factor, leading to increased neurogenesis. It is not clear yet whether this affects certain parts of the brain more than others.
Read Our Review On The Best Chaga And Reishi Mushroom Supplements.
Editor’s note: we are regularly updating this review. If you see any problems, weird interpretations of the data, or just want to say hi, please reach out to hello@the-unwinder.com.
