Mushrooms

Lion's mane

Also called: hericium erinaceus, houtougu

An edible mushroom with long white spines.

Why people take it
Memory, focus, nerve health.
What the evidence says
Small human studies; mostly lab and animal research.
How it is usually taken
Usually 500 mg to 3 g of fruiting-body extract a day.
Be careful
Allergic reactions in people sensitive to mushrooms.
Medicines it can interact with
May lower sugar with diabetes medicines and add to blood thinners.

Other mushrooms

ChagaTurkey tailShiitake extractMaitakeTremellaAgaricus blazeiMushroom coffeeLingzhi spores

Common questions

What is Lion's mane?

An edible mushroom with long white spines.

Why do people take Lion's mane?

Memory, focus, nerve health.

Does Lion's mane work?

Small human studies; mostly lab and animal research.

How much Lion's mane do people take?

Usually 500 mg to 3 g of fruiting-body extract a day.

Is Lion's mane safe?

Allergic reactions in people sensitive to mushrooms.

Does Lion's mane interact with medicines?

May lower sugar with diabetes medicines and add to blood thinners.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.