Lion’s Mane 101: The Brain-Friendly Superfood Explained

You might’ve heard the name Lion’s Mane floating around, but do you know what it’s truly capable of? 

Once prized in ancient wellness practices, this brain-friendly superfood is making waves in the world of natural supplements to improve focus and concentration. Some even combine it with a microdose of psilocybin mushrooms in hopes of enhancing brain function, though research in that area is still developing.

Below, we’ll uncover the secrets of this mysterious mushroom and explore how adding Lion’s Mane to your daily routine may help naturally sharpen your mind and uplift your mood.

What Is Lion’s Mane All About?

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom that grows in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is most prevalent in Asia, where it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries because it’s believed to strengthen the five Yin organs—the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, as well as the gut.[1]

Lion’s Mane varies in size, but they typically measure between 2-15 inches across, and are covered with long white dangly spines that resemble a lion’s mane.

While not traditionally classified as an adaptogen, Lion’s Mane offers neuroprotective properties that may help the brain adapt to stress over time.

Fun Fact: Yamabushi monks in Japan honor the lion’s mane mushroom, which they use in their spiritual practices, by wearing a garment called a suzukake that resembles its shape.

How Does Lion’s Mane Work?

Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain two bioactive elements—hericenones and erinacines—that help them seamlessly cross the blood-brain barrier.[2] This is important because it stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a special kind of protein that your body makes.[3] Think of it like plant food for your nerves and brain cells:[3]

• Helps new nerve cells grow.

• Keeps old nerve cells healthy

• Helps repair nerve cells if they get damaged (a stroke in older adults or a head injury for athletes)

If your brain doesn’t have enough NGF, it can slow down and cause your memory to be less sharp. With increased levels of NGF, it may enhance overall cognitive function, including memory and focus.[3] 

Nutritional Profile of Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane is a multi-functional mushroom that is low-fat, low-calorie, and extremely rich in nutrients, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Based on the recommended 100 g serving, there are only 43 kcals with around 8 g of carbs and less than 1 g of fat. Plus, with 2.5 g of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber, it can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

Here are some of the top essential nutrients found in Lion’s Mane mushrooms[4,5]:

• B Vitamins: Particularly niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2), which support energy metabolism and nervous system health.

• Minerals: Including potassium, zinc, iron, and selenium, contributing to immune function and antioxidant defense.

• Beta-Glucans: This mushroom contains beta 1-3 and 1-6 glucans, known for their immune-regulating and anti-tumor effects. 

• Ergothioneine (EGT): A lesser-known yet potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, supporting healthy aging and brain health. It's not made by the body and is primarily found in fungi and certain legumes. 

Who & What is Lion’s Mane Good For?

1. Professionals Seeking Enhanced Focus & Mental Clarity

Why? To boost cognitive performance and productivity.

Working professionals of all ages face demanding mental workloads. Being on the 40-hour-a-week hamster wheel leaves little time for the brain to rest, leading to mental fatigue, brain fog, and reduced concentration. Because Lion’s Mane may help to increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), it can support neuron growth and healthy brain function.[3]

As a result, it can help:[6]

• Improve focus and concentration

• Enhance memory and mental clarity

• Support sustained mental energy during busy workdays

For this reason, Lion’s Mane appeals to those in the workforce looking to stay sharp and productive throughout the week. 

2. Adults Focused on Healthy Brain Aging

Why? To support cognitive health and guard against age-related decline.

As we age, it’s natural for cognitive functions, such as memory and mental speed, to gradually decline due to cell damage or death. Lion's mane encourages healthy brain aging and optimal function by shielding nerve cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as improving blood flow to the brain.[1]

Some potential benefits include:[1,7]

• Supporting memory retention

• Promoting mental clarity

• Helping preserve overall cognitive function

• May help protect against age-related cognitive decline

As you can see, Lion’s Mane is a great choice if you’re looking for a proactive way to support long-term brain health. 

3. Athletes Recovering from Head Injuries & Individuals Recovering from Nerve Damage

Why? To support brain healing and nerve regeneration after injury or trauma.

Studies support Lion’s Mane as a supportive option for athletes or individuals recovering from injuries to the nervous system, such as concussions (TBI) or strokes, both of which can damage neurons and impair cognitive function.[8]

By increasing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Lion’s Mane may help:[8]

• Stimulate the repair and regeneration of neurons

• Promote the growth of new nerve connections

• Improve memory, focus, and cognitive clarity after injury

• Potentially protect the brain from further degeneration

Disclaimer: As with any serious brain injury or stroke, Lion’s Mane should only be used alongside professional medical guidance.

Additional Potential Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Beyond the well-known benefits of Lion’s Mane, exciting new research is exploring additional ways this remarkable mushroom may support overall health:[9,10,11]

• Heart Health: Early animal and lab studies show potential to improve lipid metabolism and support cardiovascular health.

• Cancer Prevention: Contains antioxidants that could help protect cells from oxidative stress, linked to the development of cancer.

• Diabetes Management: May help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Weight Management: These mushrooms may boost metabolism to help fight obesity

• Anxiety & Depression: Shown to increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is linked to a boost in mood and better sleep quality. 

• Immune Support: Helps diversify the gut microbiome and may activate natural killer cells that can fight off harmful pathogens.

Best Way to Take Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplements

The great thing about Lion’s Mane is that it is available in many different forms, making it easy to incorporate into your diet. Let’s take a look:

• Capsules and Tablets: Convenient for daily supplementation.

• Powder Form: Can be added to smoothies, teas, or coffees.

• Tinctures: Liquid extracts for quick absorption.

• Culinary Uses: Fresh Lion’s Mane can be cooked and consumed as part of meals.

Meet Pattern Wellness’s Lion’s Mane

Whether you’re looking to boost memory and focus, support brain healing, or take a preventive approach to maintaining brain health as you age, our Lion’s Mane supplement can become a seamless part of your everyday routine.  

What makes our blend different? 

1. Powerful Support: Each serving contains 2,100 mg of Lion’s Mane (fruiting body + mycelium)

2. Unique Enhanced Absorption: Formulated with BioPerine®️ Black Pepper Extract to help the body absorb all the vitamins and minerals Lion’s Mane has to offer.[12]

3. High Potency, High Quality: We include both the fruiting body and the mycelium (the whole mushroom) so you can get the most beneficial bioactive compounds in every capsule. 

4. Gluten-Free & Vegan: Appealing to most diets and dietary restrictions.

5. Risk-Free Purchase: We offer a simple, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on our Lion's Mane. Love it or your money back!

Are There Any Side Effects?

Lion’s Mane is generally safe and tolerated well by most people. Although uncommon, possible side effects may include:[6]

• Mild digestive discomfort

• Nausea

• Diarrhea 

• Allergic reactions in some individuals

Precautions: Those with mushroom allergies or on blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Ready to Feel the Lion’s Mane Magic?

Lion’s Mane may be trending now, but its benefits go far beyond the hype. From enhancing mood and mental clarity to supporting overall brain health, this brain-friendly mushroom for emotional balance is a powerhouse worth exploring. 

Ready to tap into the potential of this multipurpose, brain-friendly superfood? Try Pattern Wellness’s Lion’s Mane today—your mind will thank you!

We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF coupon below to help you with your pattern of wellness - because feeling your best starts with the right support. Click here to start shopping!

Resources:

1. Spelman, K., Sutherland, E., & Bagade, A. (2018, December 6). Herbal Medicine for alzheimer’s disease: Lion’s mane (hericium erinaceus). Restorative Medicine. https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/neurological-activity-lions-mane-hericium-erinaceus/ 

2. Hu, J. H., Li, I. C., Lin, T. W., Chen, W. P., Lee, L. Y., Chen, C. C., & Kuo, C. F. (2019). Absolute Bioavailability, Tissue Distribution, and Excretion of Erinacine S in Hericium erinaceus Mycelia. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(8), 1624. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24081624 

3. Zhang, C. C., Yin, X., Cao, C. Y., Wei, J., Zhang, Q., & Gao, J. M. (2015). Chemical constituents from Hericium erinaceus and their ability to stimulate NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth on PC12 cells. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 25(22), 5078–5082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.10.016 

4. Szućko-Kociuba, I., Trzeciak-Ryczek, A., Kupnicka, P., & Chlubek, D. (2023). Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(21), 15960. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115960  

5. Amaranthus M (2023) A Mushroom-derived Compound that Could Change your Life: Ergothioneine. Food Nutr J 8: 282. https://doi.org/10.29011/2575-7091.100182 

6. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634 

7. Kushairi, N., Phan, C. W., Sabaratnam, V., David, P., & Naidu, M. (2019). Lion's Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. Suppresses H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and LPS-Induced Inflammation in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons and BV2 Microglia. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(8), 261. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080261 

8. D'Amico, R., Trovato Salinaro, A., Fusco, R., Cordaro, M., Impellizzeri, D., Scuto, M., Ontario, M. L., Lo Dico, G., Cuzzocrea, S., Di Paola, R., Siracusa, R., & Calabrese, V. (2021). Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Molecular and Biochemical Changes after Traumatic Brain Injury. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 10(6), 898. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10060898 

9. Łysakowska, P., Sobota, A., & Wirkijowska, A. (2023). Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(14), 5393. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145393 

10. Contato, A. G., & Conte-Junior, C. A. (2025). Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential—A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 17(8), 1307. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081307 

11. Vigna, L., Morelli, F., Agnelli, G. M., Napolitano, F., Ratto, D., Occhinegro, A., Di Iorio, C., Savino, E., Girometta, C., Brandalise, F., & Rossi, P. (2019). hericium erinaceus improves mood and sleep disorders in patients affected by overweight or obesity: Could circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF be potential biomarkers? Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7861297 

12. Black pepper extract - a natural bioavailability enhancer. BioPerine®. (2021, May 14). https://bioperine.com/aboutbioperine/black-pepper-extract/