Lion's Mane for Cognition
Lion's Mane mushroom (500-3000mg/day) stimulates NGF production and has shown cognitive improvements in mild cognitive impairment trials. Active compounds: hericenones and erinacines.
- Time
- 2 min/day
- Cost
- $20-50
- Equipment
- None required
- Min. Trial
- 8-16 weeks
Dosage & Timing
- Duration
- 2 min
- Frequency
- Daily
- Best Time
- morning
Evidence Strength
3/5 — ModerateModerate evidence. Mori et al. (2009) RCT in mild cognitive impairment showed significant improvement. NGF stimulation well-demonstrated in vitro and animal models. More large-scale human trials needed.
Overview
Supplement with Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) at 500-3000mg daily. Lion's Mane contains hericenones and erinacines — compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. Clinical trials show improvements in mild cognitive impairment, and preclinical evidence demonstrates neurogenesis and myelination support.
Wellness education and routine support only. Review the evidence, caveats, and interactions before trying this protocol, and ask a clinician when medical conditions, pregnancy, medications, or symptoms are involved.
How To Do It
- 1
Choose quality extract
Look for dual-extracted (water + alcohol) fruiting body extracts standardized to beta-glucans and hericenones. Avoid mycelium-on-grain products.
- 2
Start at 500mg
Begin with 500mg daily for 1 week, then increase to 1000-3000mg based on tolerance.
- 3
Take in the morning
Take with breakfast. Some people report mild stimulation, so morning dosing is preferred.
- 4
Assess after 8 weeks
Cognitive benefits may take 4-8 weeks to manifest. Track focus, memory, and verbal fluency.
The Evidence
Each claim is linked to its source study. Confidence reflects the study design — systematic reviews and RCTs rank highest.
Improving effects of Hericium erinaceus on mild cognitive impairment
Lion's mane supplementation improved cognitive scores in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Source Context
Primary references behind the protocol summary.
Who Popularized This
Creator references are context only. LiveWell weighs evidence, safety notes, and routine fit separately from who discussed a protocol.
Interactions & Warnings
Review 3 contraindications and 2 interaction notes before adding this protocol to a routine.
Contraindications
- Mushroom allergies
- Bleeding disorders (may have mild antiplatelet effects)
- Upcoming surgery (discontinue 2 weeks prior)
Interactions
- May potentiate anticoagulant medications
- Can be combined with other nootropics (alpha-GPC, creatine)
What To Track
These are review prompts for your own routine notes, not expected improvements or medical outcome targets.
Routine actions change your saved plan after sign-in. The protocol guidance above remains wellness education, not a personalized recommendation or expected outcome.
Saved-plan controls for this protocol
Related Protocols
Creatine Monohydrate
3-5g daily of the most researched supplement in sports science. Benefits extend beyond muscle to cognition, bone health, and potentially neuroprotection.
Vitamin D3 + K2
2,000-5,000 IU vitamin D3 daily with K2 (MK-7). Most people are deficient, and optimal levels (40-60 ng/mL) support immune function, bone health, and mood.
Magnesium (Glycinate/Threonate)
200-400mg elemental magnesium daily. Half the population is deficient in this mineral involved in 300+ enzymatic processes including sleep, muscle function, and mood.
Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
300-600mg KSM-66 ashwagandha daily. Clinical trials show reduced cortisol (~30%), improved sleep quality, and modest testosterone increases.