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

no recipes found

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	—

Key micronutrients

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Iron	0.7 mg	3.8%
Zinc	0.7 mg	6.8%
Magnesium	11.7 mg	2.8%
Selenium	1.8 µg	3.2%
Calcium	0 mg	0%
Potassium	443.3 mg	13%
Folate	29.6 µg	7.4%
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg	3.9%

Bioactive compounds

Values below are often from specialist compositional databases or literature, not the standard USDA panel. Asterisks (*) refer to source notes at the bottom of this section.

Compound / class	Amount per 100 g	Notes
ALA	703 mg	—

Note: Bioactive-compound values vary substantially by cultivar, species, cocoa or oil percentage, processing, and brand formulation. Show quantitative values only where a defensible source exists; otherwise prefer qualitative presence statements or ranges in source notes.

Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).

Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, Mushroom, lion's mane, FDC ID 1999626, API, per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-03-14

Substances

Substances in this food: editorial (Overview / literature) plus analytical (nutrition table).

10 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

Fe²⁺

Iron

Oxygen transport; dopamine synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase cofactor)

Zn²⁺

Zinc

Cofactor in neurotransmission and antioxidant enzymes; dopamine modulation

Mg²⁺

Magnesium

Enzymatic cofactor (>300 reactions); neurotransmitters; mitochondria; redox balance

Se^2-

Selenium

Antioxidant enzyme cofactor (GPx); supports redox balance

K⁺

Potassium

Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation

Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF)

One-carbon metabolism; methylation; homocysteine recycling

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine → PLP)

PLP cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis; relies on brain PDXK activation

ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)

Essential omega-3 precursor; limited conversion to DHA/EPA

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