Study type:
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose:
To examine the effect of yamabushitake (Lion’s Mane) on patients with mild-cognitive impairments.

Method of evaluation:
Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the researchers’ self-developed cognitive assessment tool. It consisted of verbal questions and tasks that assess memory, attention, language, and visual-motor skills, providing a score that helps identify potential cognitive impairments.

Dose:
1000 mg/day (4 x 250 mg containing 96% lion’s mane) or placebo

Participants:
29 men and women aged 50 to 80 years old
Duration:
16 weeks

The study found an association between 1000mg of lion’s mane intake and a significant increase in cognitive function at weeks 8, 12, and 16 of the trial. The researchers also observed that the cognitive function of 71.4% of participants in the lion's mane group improved significantly, compared to only 6.6% in the placebo group. The cognitive function remained unchanged in the majority of the placebo group (86.7%) after 6 weeks, compared to only 1 participant (6.7%) in the Lion's mane group. No adverse effects of lion's mane were reported