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. 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 | — |
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.
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
Iron
Oxygen transport; dopamine synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase cofactor)
Zinc
Cofactor in neurotransmission and antioxidant enzymes; dopamine modulation
Magnesium
Enzymatic cofactor (>300 reactions); neurotransmitters; mitochondria; redox balance
Selenium
Antioxidant enzyme cofactor (GPx); supports redox balance
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
- Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) contains bioactive compounds including hericenones and erinacines that have been studied for their potential effects on nerve growth factor pathways
- Preclinical research suggests potential neuroprotective mechanisms, though clinical evidence for cognitive improvements in humans remains limited
- Contains polysaccharides that may support immune function
- Traditional use in East Asian medicine for supporting overall health and vitality