Scientific Studies Datababse
Lions Mane Mushroom
Scientific Study
Cognitive Repairs
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
Results:
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.
Year:
2009
Link:
Scientific Study
Cognitive Repairs (2)
Study type:
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
Purpose:
To investigate the effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s mane) capsules on patients with mild Alzheimer’s Disease.
Method of Evaluation:
Treatment effects in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia were measured using four cognitive assessment questionnaires. Researchers also assessed participants' vision, as multiple studies have found a correlation between visual problems and various degrees of cognitive decline. Vision was assessed using a Pelli-Robson chart and a Snellen eye chart (a chart with different-sized letters that helps measure how well you can see from a distance). Researchers also used magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate brain white matter, as brain white matter plays a crucial role in brain function, and changes in white matter integrity (the condition of nerve fibres) have been associated with various cognitive disorders, including dementia. An increase in white matter fibre means that the brain's communication network is improving, which can lead to better cognitive abilities and a greater ability to learn and adapt.
Dose:
3 x 350 mg capsules (1,050 mg/day) of lion’s mane (each containing 5 mg/g of erinacine A) or placebo. Note that erinacine A is one of the key components of lion’s mane responsible for the neurotrophic effects (promoting the growth and survival potential of neurons) and neuroprotective effects (shielding neurons from damage or degeneration).
Participants:
41 male and female participants aged 50 years and above
Duration:
49 weeks
Results:
Participants taking lion’s mane experienced less cognitive decline and showed improvements in their ability to perceive clear outlines of small objects, known as contrast sensitivity. Reduced contrast sensitivity has been found to be associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. There were also positive improvements observed in cognitive assessment scores compared to baseline and placebo, but these effects did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, the total amount of white matter fibres showed a lesser decrease in the lion's mane group compared to the placebo group, although this finding did not reach statistical significance. Overall, lion's mane supplementation for 49 weeks achieved a better contrast sensitivity in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.
Year:
2020
Link:
Scientific Study
Cognitive Function
Study type:
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of Lion’s mane supplementation on cognitive function.
Method of evaluation:
Cognitive function, impairment and memory were assessed and scored using a series of questions and tasks. Visual cognition was assessed by measuring the ability of participants to accurately recall and reproduce the details of presented drawings.
Dose:
3.2 g/day of lion’s mane powder (4 x 0.8 g supplements) or placebo. Specifically, the fruiting body of lion’s mane was used.
Participants:
31 healthy adults aged over 50 years
Duration:
12 weeks
Results:
The study found an association between oral lion's mane supplementation and improved cognitive function after 12 weeks of treatment. The researchers observed an increase in the questionnaire scores for cognitive ability in both the treatment and placebo groups, but only the lion's mane treatment group showed statistically significant improvement. An increase in the questionnaire score indicates an improvement in cognitive function. However, the study did not find significant differences in visual cognition and memory. Overall, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential cognitive benefits of lion's mane.
Year:
2019
Link:
Scientific Study
Memory
Study type:
Animal study
Purpose:
To assess the effects of lion's mane on brain ageing, learning, and memory in ageing mice.
Method of evaluation:
Learning and memory were assessed using mouse avoidance tests, which measured how well the mice could avoid unpleasant experiences and remember them for future reference.
Dose:
108, 215 and 431 mg/kg body weight/day of lion’s mane (enriched with erinacine-A) or control. Erinacine-A is a natural compound found in lion’s mane and is known for its potential to protect and regenerate nerve cells in the brain.
Duration:
12 weeks
Results:
Mice fed with lion's mane showed improved learning abilities and better memory retention based on their performance in the avoidance tests. Additionally, lion's mane supplementation significantly reduced levels of a marker of oxidative stress in the brain called TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), with the highest dose having the most significant effect. Oxidative stress may occur when there are too many unstable molecules called free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them, which can lead to cell damage. Reduced levels of TBARS typically indicate a lower level of oxidative damage to cells.
In male mice, the high dose of lion's mane also decreased cortical iNOS levels. Lower levels of iNOS may indicate a reduction in inflammation or oxidative stress in the cortical region of the brain, suggesting potential benefits. Moreover, the mice fed with lion's mane had a reduced number of amyloid-β peptide plaques in the brain, which are abnormal clumps of protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. These mice also had decreased levels of 8-OHdG, a marker of DNA damage. Elevated levels of 8-OHdG have been linked to the development or progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Based on these findings, the study suggests that long-term intake of lion's mane may decrease oxidative stress in the brain, prevent chronic inflammation, reduce amyloid aggregation, and ultimately improve learning and memory.
Year:
2021
Link: