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Early civilizations gave mushrooms high praises for their many touted health benefits. Besides serving as a source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, mushrooms have nutraceuticals like beta-glucans and flavonoids which gives mushrooms the magical ability to potentially derail diseases and improve human performance.(1,2) Lion's mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a mushroom native to East Asia with culinary and medicinal uses and infamous for its treatment in brain health.(3) The large, white mushrooms get their name because as they grow, they become shaggy and resemble a lion's mane. The best lion's mane supplements may help relieve anxiety and depression, lower inflammation, enhance digestion, and boost the immune system.
Our Favorite:
The Best Lion's Mane Supplements - Our Top Picks
- Transparent Labs Shroom Stack
- KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom
- Clinical Effects Mushroom Formula 10
- ONNIT Shroom Tech® Greens
- The Genius Brand, Genius Mushrooms
- Host Defense Mushrooms Lion's Mane Extract
- Peak Performance Lion's Mane Capsules
If you're on the hunt for the best lion's mane supplement to add to your supplement stash, know that we consulted with a dietitian to research the 7 best. We chose our selection based on factors like dosage, type, ingredients, and certifications. Keep reading to see which is right for you.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming lion’s mane supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Transparent Labs Shroom Stack
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 3 daily capsules, preferably on empty stomach
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane, CordycepsPrime™, organic reishi
- Certifications: Third-party tested, manufactured in FDA GMP-compliant facility, UDAF GMP-certification
Transparent Labs keeps things as simple—and transparent—as possible by offering a mushroom-based supplement that has the cleanest ingredients and is free from artificial sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. Transparent Labs Shroom Stack is a blend of organic lion's mane, reishi, and Cordyceps sinensis—touted as a promising medicinal mushroom combination—that can potentially help improve clarity, alertness, and focus, as well as ATP energy production.(4) In fact, several of the reviewers even claim that they are experiencing better mood and sleep patterns. Plus, we like that the brand uses third-party testing, quality inspections, and manufacturing standards in a FDA GMP-compliant facility.
What We Like
- Blend of organic lion's man, Cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms
- Third-party tested
- Vegan
- No artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives
- Manufactured in an FDA GMP-compliant facility
What We Don't Like
- 3 daily capsules can be a lot for some
- Must subscribe or spend $149 to get free shipping
BUY: Transparent Labs Shroom Stack
KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage: 1 scoop (7.4g)
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane, red reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail, and chaga mushrooms; organic mexican spray dried coffee, organic green coffee beans
- Certifications: GMP-certified, USDA-organic
KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom is a plant-based mushroom coffee blend that you can conveniently mix with the hot beverage of your choice—though KOS highly recommends that you try it with warmed almond milk. Each powder batch goes through third-party testing to ensure it's effective and brings you the highest quality ingredients with maximum potency. Each serving is also low in calories and carbohydrates while providing 6% of your daily value of iron. This nutrient is commonly lacking in many people today and is essential to everyday body functions.
While mixing powder may not be convenient for some, this supplement is allergen-friendly and organic, which is a big plus for those who like to consume more natural supplements. It also has an excellent dark chocolate mocha flavor, according to reviewers.
What We Like
- Morning antioxidant-rich coffee with less jitters
- USDA organic
- Soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- Low-calorie and low-carb
- 60-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Caffeine content may be an issue for some
- Somewhat expensive
BUY: KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom
Clinical Effects Mushroom Formula 10
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily, 20-30 min. before meal
- Ingredients: Lion's mane, shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, mushroom blend
- Certifications: Made in FDA-regulated facility
Clinical Effects Mushroom Formula 10 is an easy-to-take supplement that packs ten mushrooms into one capsule. This mushroom blend includes lion's mane, reishi, shiitake, and cordyceps, along with a unique proprietary blend of six other mushroom varieties to help support nervous and immune health and function, ultimately offering you more mental clarity and stability. Although there's no secret about the ingredients in the proprietary blend, the tricky part is that there's no way of knowing how much is available per serving. Lastly, the capsules are vegetable-based and should be acceptable for those who are gluten-free or are on a vegetarian diet.
What We Like
- Blend of 10 antioxidant-rich mushrooms
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Cruelty-free and plant-based
- No reported side effects
- Subscription service
What We Don't Like
- Contains a proprietary blend, so you can't be sure how much of each ingredient the product has
- Ingredients not listed as organic
- Somewhat expensive
BUY: Clinical Effects Mushroom Formula 10
ONNIT Shroom Tech® Greens
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage: 1 packet (5.1g) daily
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps; organic kale, broccoli, spirulina
- Certifications: USDA-certified organic, non-GMO
If you're looking for a supplement with the mental benefits of mushrooms and extra assistance meeting your daily vegetable requirements, ONNIT Shroom Tech® Greens could be your saving grace. This dynamic powder features an organic mushroom blend of lion's mane, reishi, and cordyceps and roughly half a cup of vegetables in one portable packet. Shroom Tech® Greens is also dairy-, gluten-, nut- and soy-free, vegan, and keto-friendly and has no added sugars.
The suggestion is that Shroom Tech® Greens be mixed daily with eight ounces of water, but because it is unflavored, you may also consider adding it to your protein shake or smoothie for a boost of nutrients.
What We Like
- USDA-organic
- No added sugars or artificial ingredients, gluten-free, vegan
- Third-party tested
- Comes in convenient travel packets
- Each serving has ½ cup of vegetables
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Reviewers are divided on the taste
BUY: ONNIT Shroom Tech® Greens
The Genius Brand, Genius Mushrooms
SPECS
- Type: Capsule
- Dosage: 3 capsules
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane, cordyceps, reishi
- Certifications: cGMP-certified
The Genius Brand Genius Mushrooms supplement promotes clarity, energy, and immune support with its triple combination of mushrooms—organic cordyceps, organic reishi, and organic lion's mane. The product doesn't use proprietary blends, making it easy to know how many mushrooms you're getting per serving. With this supplement, you may be able to gain natural energy for your workouts from cordyceps without the shakiness of stimulating ingredients such as caffeine.
The only downside to this option is that you must take three capsules to fulfill the dosage, which could be a lot to handle at once. Even so, the cognitive-supporting capsules are high quality, USA-made, and third-party tested.
What We Like
- Made from organic mushroom blend
- Third-party tested
- No proprietary blends
- Capsules are easy to swallow
- Autoship & save option
What We Don't Like
- High dosage
- Dosage causes the container to run out quickly
BUY: The Genius Brand, Genius Mushrooms
Host Defense Mushrooms Lion's Mane Extract
SPECS
- Type: Liquid
- Dosage: 1mL, 2 times daily
- Ingredients: Lion's mane extract
- Certifications: USDA organic certified, non-GMO
Host Defense Mushrooms Lion's Mane Extract makes it easy to tap into the brain-boosting benefits of the magical fungi with an easy 1mL serving of liquid extract. The brand keeps the ingredient list short and simple—just lion's mane extract from the mycelium and fruit body, which other supplements also include in their products. You'll find USA-grown ingredients, including organic, sustainably-produced mushrooms.
Reviews say the taste may take some getting used to, the liquid tincture is readily available to your body and fast-acting, helping you to see benefits sooner rather than later. You can also add the liquid to your morning coffee or another beverage if you have issues with the flavor.
What We Like
- Fast-acting product
- 100% lion's mane mushrooms
- non-GMO and gluten-free
- Easy to take
What We Don't Like
- Some reviewers complain it has a bad taste
- Amount of servings may not last as long in this form
BUY: Host Defense Mushrooms Lion's Mane Extract
Peak Performance Lion's Mane Capsules
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 1 capsule
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane
- Certifications: GMP certified, non-GMO, third-party tested
There are lion's mane supplements that have a blend of several other mushrooms, greens, and even coffee on our list. However, what if you are looking for a capsule that contains just one ingredient—lion's mane? Peak Performance has that product since the only listed ingredient on the label is 500 milligrams of Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane) inside one daily capsule.
Peak Performance Lion's Mane Capsules are third-party tested, non-GMO, and vegan. You'll also be doing some good with your purchase as Peak Performance contributes a 1-for-1 donation to the non-profit Vitamin Angels for every bottle sold.
What We Like
- Single ingredient is organic lion's mane
- Dosage is just 1 capsule
- Third-party tested
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- You will have to order more than 1 bottle at a time to get bundle discounts
- No information about when to take daily serving
Benefits of Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane May Help Decrease Depression Symptoms
About 21 million Americans have experienced depression at least once.(5) A 2020 review of studies published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences researched the effects of lion's mane on depression.(6) The review found that though more research continues, lion's mane significantly reduces depressive disorder through several pathways, including fighting inflammation and helping the nervous system. According to the review, using lion's mane as a complementary treatment for depression has some potential.
Lion's Mane May Help Strengthen Your Immune Defense
A weak immune system is a cordial invitation for diseases and infections to enter the body, so armoring your immune defenses is essential for illness prevention. According to animal research, lion's mane may enhance immunity by promoting more activity in the intestinal immune system, guarding the body against entry of harmful pathogens.(7) Positive changes in the gut bacteria may also help protect immunity.(8)
Lion's Mane May Help Protect Against Brain Conditions Like Dementia and Alzheimer's
As people age, it's normal to experience changes in the brain.(9) But with severe conditions, such as Alzheimer's, rapid and widespread changes can be devastating. Animal research has shown that lion's mane mushroom extracts may help prevent brain damage from plaque accumulation during Alzheimer's disease.(10) Lion's mane also showed neuroprotective benefits to brain cells by functioning as antioxidants to thwart brain cell damage.
Lion's Mane May Help Improve Sleep and Anxiety
Poor sleep is a troubling reality for many Americans today, often occurring as a result of stress, anxiety, and financial burdens. In a recent animal study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal, mice with sleep disturbance issues were dosed with low and high levels of lion's mane. The study found that high dosages of lion's mane significantly reduced anxiety and reversed sleep disturbances. An additional study from the Evidenced Based Complementary Alternative Medicine Journal found that lion's mane improved sleep disorders and mood after eight weeks of supplementation in 77 adults.(11)
More human clinical trials are needed to support that lion's mane is genuinely beneficial to health and void of harmful side effects.
What to Look for When Buying Lion's Mane Supplements
Dosage
Supplement dosages come in a wide range, some higher than others. Some dosages are two capsules, while others are three, which can be a lot of pills. Dosage is also vital because it plays into cost. The higher dosage, the quicker you'll run out of your supply.
Type
The type or form your supplement is in is crucial because it determines how easy or difficult it may be for you to take it regularly. If you're more of a one-and-done type, we recommend finding a lion's mane supplement that's in capsule form. If swallowing pills isn't the most straightforward task, you can always try a liquid or powder form of lion's mane. Some powder forms are easy to mix into your everyday foods and beverages.
Ingredients
The ingredients list must pass the test when searching for the best lion's mane supplement. You want to primarily look for a product with more lion's mane than others, so you have the best chance of getting a potent supplement. Look for supplements made with organic ingredients to avoid excessive chemicals and pesticides. Lastly, you will want a product that adds to your health instead of taking away from it, so avoiding artificial ingredients, fillers, and added sugars are crucial.
Certifications
To ensure a lion's mane supplement is of high quality and free of contaminants, we recommend purchasing one manufactured in a GMP facility that's third-party tested. GMP facilities have high standards regarding cleanliness, equipment, employees, and operating procedures. Third-party tested supplements are sent to an outside company and tested to ensure they contain the stated amount of ingredients and are free from contaminants.
FAQs About Lion's Mane Supplements
What is the most effective form of lion's mane?
There's no guarantee a supplement will be effective; however, consistency will help prove whether or not a supplement works. The most effective form of lion's mane will be the form you can take consistently. It's best to choose a supplement form you're willing to take regularly, whether powder, capsule, or liquid.
Are Lion's Mane supplements worth it?
Lion's mane has been researched for its health benefits stemming from plant compounds that may boost brain health, support immune health, and help fight depression and anxiety. To date, human studies have not found the side effects of lion's mane, which appears safe for consumption. Given that many lion's mane supplements are affordable, they may be worth trying. Always discuss new supplements with your medical provider before taking them.
When should I take Lion's Mane supplements?
To know when to take lion's mane supplements, consider the time of day you'll need the most brain stimulation, alertness, and mental focus. For many, taking lion's mane in the morning makes the most sense, especially when mixing it into a morning coffee or smoothie.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Prasad, Shalinee & Rathore, Himanshi & Sharma, Satyawati & AS, Yadav. (2015). Medicinal Mushrooms as a Source of Novel Functional Food. International Journal of Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics. 221-225. 10.19070/2326-3350-1500040.
- Ma, G., Yang, W., Zhao, L., Pei, F., Fang, D., & Hu, Q. (2018). A critical review on the health promoting effects of mushrooms nutraceuticals. Food Science and Human Wellness, 7(2), 125-133.
- Thongbai, B., Rapior, S., Hyde, K.D. et al. Hericium erinaceus, an amazing medicinal mushroom. Mycol Progress 14, 91 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-015-1105-4
- Nkodo, A. (2019). A systematic review of in-vivo studies on dietary mushroom supplementation for cognitive impairment (P14-021-19). Current Developments in Nutrition, 3(Supplement_1), nzz052-P14.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Major Depression. Retrieved November, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
- Chong, P. S., Fung, M. L., Wong, K. H., & Lim, L. W. (2019). Therapeutic potential of Hericium erinaceus for depressive disorder. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(1), 163.
- Sheng, X., Yan, J., Meng, Y., Kang, Y., Han, Z., Tai, G., ... & Cheng, H. (2017). Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology. Food & Function, 8(3), 1020-1027.
- Diling, C., Chaoqun, Z., Jian, Y., Jian, L., Jiyan, S., Yizhen, X., & Guoxiao, L. (2017). Immunomodulatory activities of a fungal protein extracted from Hericium erinaceus through regulating the gut microbiota. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 666.
- Anderton B. H. (2002). Ageing of the brain. Mechanisms of ageing and development, 123(7), 811–817. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0047-6374(01)00426-2
- Tsai-Teng, T., Chin-Chu, C., Li-Ya, L., Wan-Ping, C., Chung-Kuang, L., Chien-Chang, S., ... & Shiao, Y. J. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Journal of biomedical science, 23(1), 1-12.
- Vigna, L., Morelli, F., Agnelli, G. M., Napolitano, F., Ratto, D., Occhinegro, A., ... & 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.
About the Author
Gaby is a registered dietitian and nutritionist who works as a full-time freelance writer, specializing in evidence-based health and nutrition articles. She’s written for publications like Healthline, Ovia Health, Happiest Baby, Once Upon a Farm, EatingWell, and more.
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