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Ep 10: Lion's Mane - Legit or Just Another Wellness Trend?
Lion's Mane mushroom is everywhere — your coffee, your supplement shelf, your FYP. But does it actually do anything for your brain and mood? In this episode, we break down what Lion's Mane really is, the two bioactive compounds that make it scientifically interesting, and what three key studies actually show (spoiler: it's more nuanced than either the hype or the skeptics will tell you). We also cover the real concerns you need to know before buying — from supplement quality and dosing issues to medication interactions and the risk of replacing evidence-based care with a mushroom capsule. As always, no wellness fluff. Just the actual picture so you can make an informed decision.
Time Stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:20) Defining Terms: Adaptogenic vs Nootropic
(10:45) What is Lion’s Mane?
(16:05) The main bioactive components of lion’s mane. Taking a look at fruiting body vs mycelium.
(22:05) Diving into the research: chapter 1, animal models
(38:46) Research continued: chapter 2, placebo-controlled pilot study
(45:17) Final chapter: chapter 3, circulating pro-BNDF a potential biomarker for improved mood?
(53:48) What to take away from these studies.
(56:14) Concerns and Considerations with the research and supplementation.
(01:07:00) Final thoughts
Connect:
A huge thank you to our listeners for supporting us on this new adventure! We’re still figuring things out, so if you hear strange audio or a few awkward pauses… just know it’s part of the real, unfiltered journey :)
Want to stick with us as we grow?
Hit the follow button to catch every new episode every other Wednesday and get more real talk on nutrition and mental health!
You can also follow us on instagram or TikTok!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not establish a provider–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Research:
A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6240259/
Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415189/
Neurogenesis-dependent antidepressant-like activity of Hericium erinaceus in an animal model of depression https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8650354/
The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers? doi.org/10.1155/2019/7861297
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By Rachel Robinson, MS, RDLion's Mane mushroom is everywhere — your coffee, your supplement shelf, your FYP. But does it actually do anything for your brain and mood? In this episode, we break down what Lion's Mane really is, the two bioactive compounds that make it scientifically interesting, and what three key studies actually show (spoiler: it's more nuanced than either the hype or the skeptics will tell you). We also cover the real concerns you need to know before buying — from supplement quality and dosing issues to medication interactions and the risk of replacing evidence-based care with a mushroom capsule. As always, no wellness fluff. Just the actual picture so you can make an informed decision.
Time Stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:20) Defining Terms: Adaptogenic vs Nootropic
(10:45) What is Lion’s Mane?
(16:05) The main bioactive components of lion’s mane. Taking a look at fruiting body vs mycelium.
(22:05) Diving into the research: chapter 1, animal models
(38:46) Research continued: chapter 2, placebo-controlled pilot study
(45:17) Final chapter: chapter 3, circulating pro-BNDF a potential biomarker for improved mood?
(53:48) What to take away from these studies.
(56:14) Concerns and Considerations with the research and supplementation.
(01:07:00) Final thoughts
Connect:
A huge thank you to our listeners for supporting us on this new adventure! We’re still figuring things out, so if you hear strange audio or a few awkward pauses… just know it’s part of the real, unfiltered journey :)
Want to stick with us as we grow?
Hit the follow button to catch every new episode every other Wednesday and get more real talk on nutrition and mental health!
You can also follow us on instagram or TikTok!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not establish a provider–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Research:
A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6240259/
Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415189/
Neurogenesis-dependent antidepressant-like activity of Hericium erinaceus in an animal model of depression https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8650354/
The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers? doi.org/10.1155/2019/7861297