What is lion’s mane mushroom? Health benefits, risks, more

ahsan65@gmail.comNovember 3, 2025

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What is lion’s mane mushroom? Health benefits, risks, more

Lion’s mane contains compounds that may help fight free radicals and inflammation. It can also improve brain health, help relieve depression, improve digestive health, manage diabetes, promote weight loss, and more. Here’s what research and experts have to say about its purported benefits:

It is a good source of fiber and potassium

Mushrooms, like lion’s mane, are very nutritious, says Amy Kimberlain, RDN, a Miami-based blogger for Amy’s Nutrition Kitchen. “They are a good source of fiber, potassium and contain small amounts of phytosterols, which are plant compounds that have been shown to be beneficial for lowering cholesterol,” she adds.

As for whether lion’s mane supplements are as nutritious as raw lion’s mane, that depends, says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, Chicago-based founder of Once Upon a Pumpkin, a recipe and nutrition blog.

“Supplements offer a concentrated dose of lion’s mane, while raw lion’s mane can vary depending on growing conditions, preparation methods and bioavailability,” she explains.

It can help fight free radicals and inflammation

Many useful plant compounds can be found in the fruiting bodies of lion’s mane (the part we recognize as the mushroom) and in the mycelium (the root-like structure of the mushroom).

“Lion’s mane contains a number of compounds that may have beneficial effects on the body, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nerve growth factors,” says Lindsay Delk, RDN, who practices in Houston and specializes in the connection between diet and mental health.

The active ingredients in lion’s mane include polysaccharides, erinacins, hereceres, steroids, alkaloids and lactones. “These ingredients help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, and they [help to] promote the growth and regeneration of nerve cells,” explains Delk.

It may improve brain function

In a small study, 41 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease who took three 350-milligram (mg) lion’s mane capsules daily for 49 weeks saw significant improvements in brain health.

Meanwhile, those who took a placebo experienced a decrease in several markers of cognitive function.

Lion’s mane has also been linked to the stimulation of a protein known as nerve growth factor (NGF). “Nerve growth factor is essential for brain health and neuronal conductivity,” explains Richard. Neuronal conductivity refers to the ability of nerves to transmit impulses through the nervous system.

While there is promising research on lion’s mane for brain and cognitive health, more human research studies need to be conducted to confirm these findings and help determine dosage and other details, Michalczyk says.

May relieve depression

Lion’s mane can decrease inflammation, which can ease depression, says Delk.

One review suggests that preliminary studies show promise for lion’s mane as an effective complementary treatment for depression, but notes that the research is still in its early stages and more research is needed to understand the mechanisms.

As with brain function, Michalczyk says the research on lion’s mane and depression is “promising,” but more human studies are needed.

May support digestive health

Research using test tube samples and mice suggests that lion’s mane may prevent the proliferation of Helicobacter pyloria bacteria that can have negative effects on the intestinal mucosa.

Another study in mice found that lion’s mane may play a prebiotic role, potentially improving gut health.

However, since this research focused on mice, Michalczyk notes that more human studies need to be conducted to confirm these results.

May help manage diabetes

Lion’s mane could also benefit people with type 2 diabetes. One study identified compounds in lion’s mane that prevent alpha-glucosidase activity, meaning lion’s mane could act similarly to a group of medications used to manage type 2 diabetes by limiting the absorption of carbohydrates from the small intestine.

However, more research is needed, because this study should be confirmed in real living organisms, instead of just separating the compounds and analyzing the effects, says Kimberlain.