Lion's Mane Mushroom
Overview
Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in East Asian medicine. It contains bioactive compounds including hericenones and erinacines, which have been studied for their potential effects on nerve growth factor (NGF) pathways and neuroprotective mechanisms.
Within the BRAIN Diet framework, while preclinical research suggests potential benefits for nerve health and neuroprotective pathways, clinical evidence for cognitive improvements in humans remains limited and requires further investigation. Lion's Mane is also valued for its culinary properties and contains polysaccharides that may support immune function [1][2].
Key Nutritional Highlights
- Mushrooms including lion's mane supply beta-glucans and fungal polysaccharides studied for immune and gut effects [1]
- Dietary bioactives from fungi may interact with gut microbiota composition [2]
- Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in East Asian medicine. [1]
- It contains bioactive compounds including hericenones and erinacines, which have been studied for their potential effects on nerve growth factor (NGF) pathways and neuroprotective mechanisms. [2]
- While preclinical research suggests potential benefits for nerve health and neuroprotective pathways, clinical evidence for cognitive improvements in humans remains limited and requires further investigation.
- Lion's Mane is also valued for its culinary properties and contains polysaccharides that may support immune function.
Food Context
Sourcing
- Store fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator; dried mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry place
Preparation
- Can be consumed fresh, dried, or as an extract
- Fresh Lion's Mane has a seafood-like texture and mild flavor, suitable for cooking
- Extracts may provide more concentrated bioactive compounds
- Rehydrate dried mushrooms before cooking
Recipes
Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)
Core nutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % RDA per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 35.1 kcal | — |
| Protein | 2.5 g | — |
| Total fat | 0.3 g | — |
| Carbohydrates | 7.6 g | — |
| Fibre | 4.4 g | — |
Bioactive compounds
Explicitly identified compounds, including individual fatty acids, with a defensible quantity or an explicit qualitative status. Asterisks (*) identify supplementary sources below. Unquantified or trace constituents are not automatically admitted to the Substances list.
| Compound / class | Amount per 100 g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polysaccharides | Present — quantity not established * | — |
| Vitamin B3 | Present — quantity not established * | — |
- * Polysaccharides: Lion's Mane Mushroom is characterised by fungal polysaccharides; USDA SR Legacy has no record for this mushroom, so quantity is not established.
- * Vitamin B3: Lion's Mane Mushroom is grouped with culinary mushrooms as a niacin-containing fungus; USDA SR Legacy has no record for this specialty mushroom, so quantity is not established.
Substances
Substances admitted through a supported nutrition-table row. Not every table row appears here. Cards are not BRS mappings.
2 substances in this food
Polysaccharides
Complex carbohydrates with immune-modulating and gut microbiome supporting properties
Vitamin B3 (Niacin; Niacinamide)
NAD+ precursor; supports mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production
References
[1] Mushrooms including lion's mane supply beta-glucans and fungal polysaccharides studied for immune and gut effects. Starck et al. 2024. Mushrooms: a food-based solution to vitamin D deficiency to include in dietary guidelines
[2] Dietary bioactives from fungi may interact with gut microbiota composition. Yeo et al. 2023. Influence of food-derived bioactives on gut microbiota compositions and their metabolites by focusing on neurotransmitters