Health Solutions · Men's Health ·Apr 09, 2026

Lion’s Mane Mushroom | Boosting Brain Health And Efficiency

How To Boost Brain Power with Lion’s Mane Mushroom

By Peter Orpen, Co-Owner, Teelixir

Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been traditionally used in herbal medicine and is considered by some to be a nutrient-rich food.

It possesses natural "nootropic" properties and is traditionally renowned for its potential to support brain function and may influence the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) within the brain.

NGF is thought to play a role in various activities that has been traditionally associated with brain health, including the regeneration of brain and nerve cells, the formation of new neural pathways, the support of myelin sheath growth, as well as the maintenance of the nervous and immune systems while aiding in mood regulation.

In our society, we highly esteem individuals who work tirelessly, considering it a badge of honor.

Given the constant societal pressure to continuously perform and be in a perpetual state of alertness, it is unsurprising that Lion's Mane has garnered the interest of elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and dedicated students seeking to enhance their performance and stay ahead of the game.

"If you find that your best isn't sufficient, consider trying Lion's Mane."

Imagine experiencing improved mood, increased focus, and enhanced memory and concentration in your daily life.

With the escalating level of stimuli in our society, from overexposure to television, cell phones, and video games to the overwhelming stress and excessive workloads leading to decision fatigue, compounded by the ever-increasing pollution in our environment and the consumption of chemical-laden foods, it is evident that our attention spans are diminishing, our ability to be present in the moment has waned, and our brain health is deteriorating rapidly.

Lion's Mane and other supplements that boost brain function may hold the key to addressing our declining cognitive well-being. Moreover, scientific research supports the reported health benefits and claims associated with Lion's Mane.

Studies have suggested that Lion's Mane may enhance cognitive abilities, and research indicates it has been traditionally used to support cognitive wellbeing. Regular consumption of Lion's Mane may yield profound neurological benefits and cognitive enhancements.

Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that Lion's Mane aids in uplifting mood, supporting brain and gut wellbeing, and promoting emotional balance.

A Brief Glimpse of History

Known by a variety of intriguing names like Lion's Mane, Hedgehog Mushroom, Bearded Tooth Fungus, Pom-Pom Mushroom, Monkey Head, Satyr's Beard, and Yamabushitake in Japan, Hericium erinaceus is a distinct mushroom species. This fascinating fungal specimen has been utilised in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many centuries as a vital herbal remedy and health-enhancing tonic.

Teelixir Certified Organic https:>Lion's Mane Mushroom

This mushroom is notably appreciated in culinary circles in Japan and China for its unique texture, which is likened to meat. Some culinary enthusiasts even draw parallels between its taste and that of seafood, such as shrimp and lobster. Regardless of whether this comparison is a stretch, it's undeniably one of the most palatable mushrooms available.

Lion's Mane is instantly distinguishable due to its long, descending spines that look like pristine white icicles, creating an appearance reminiscent of a lion's mane. This mushroom proliferates across China and North America, typically appearing in the later part of summer and fall. You'll commonly find them clinging to logs and hardwood trees, the American beech tree is a favourite.

Lion's Mane mushroom boosts brain power

Lion’s Mane Boosts Brain Efficiency

Lion's Mane mushroom is traditionally used in herbal practices for its potential cognitive-supporting properties. Unlike plants that generate their own food from sunlight, mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, lack chlorophyll and are known to grow more rapidly during the night.

Consider this: of the approximately 120,000 types of fungi discovered globally, Lion's Mane stands alone as the sole mushroom traditionally associated with supporting brain health.

Though Lion's Mane mushroom's reputation for brain health is well-deserved, it also provides a plethora of additional benefits:

Mood Enhancement
Memory Improvement
Stress Reduction
Nervous System Support
Energy Boost
Gut Health Improvement
Immunity Enhancement
Antioxidant Increase

The saying goes that Lion’s Mane can provide you with the "memory of a lion and nerves of steel." It is rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, and other distinctive polysaccharides that has been traditionally used to support general wellbeing. The mushroom is a treasure trove of minerals, amino acids, polypeptides, and fatty acids.

Lion's Mane has earned the moniker "smart mushroom". The nootropic community suggests it may be one of the natural substances that could support cognitive function.

Teelixir - What is a nootropic?

Deeper Understanding of Nootropic?

Nootropics, often referred to as "brain enhancers," are compounds, either naturally derived or synthetically made, that aim to support cognitive function and mental wellbeing. These substances have gained traction among students, business people, and employees in technology startups as they seek to optimise their cognitive faculties.

While many of the nootropics available today are synthetically produced, with modafinil being a well-known example, Lion’s Mane mushroom is a standout in its category as one of the rare naturally occurring substances that some research suggests has been traditionally valued for its potential cognitive-supporting properties. It is frequently dubbed as 'Mother Nature's Nourishment for the Neurons.'

The categorisation of Lion’s Mane as a nootropic is primarily based on its traditional use to encourage the production of nerve growth factor (NGF).

Lion’s Mane and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Enhancement

One of Lion’s Mane's most noteworthy qualities is its suggested potential to influence the production of NGF in the brain. NGF is understood to be a component that may support the maintenance of a robust and healthy nervous system.

NGF is a tiny protein-like entity, part of a group of neurotrophic substances responsible for building the brain. NGF plays a pivotal role in the growth, development, upkeep, and survival of nerve cells. In its absence, neurons could perish, leading to substantial cognitive and motor difficulties.

NGF is thought to aid in the growth, preservation, and survival of axons, the part of the nerve cell responsible for transmitting information via electrical impulses to other neurons, muscles, and glands. It may assist in repairing the myelin sheath, the protective layer around the axons, and accelerate the process of myelination.

Several scientists posit that NGF is crucial for the plasticity of the hippocampus and learning. In a specific animal experiment, mice were subjected to an environment lacking NGF, which led to induced learning and memory deficits. Following this, they were provided with Lion’s Mane to observe its effects. The study reported:

"Findings showed that H. erinaceus staved off spatial short-term and visual recognition memory impairments..."

Studies suggest that NGF may decrease with age, potentially affecting brain function. In animal experiments, a lack of NGF has been associated with conditions resembling Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Rita Levi-Montalcini - Nobel laureate

In the 1950s, NGF, or Nerve Growth Factor, was first identified by Rita Levi-Montalcini, an Italian biologist, and Stanley Cohen, an American biochemist. Their groundbreaking work led to them receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in 1986. Remarkably, Dr. Levi-Montalcini, who lived beyond 100 years, stated that her mental capabilities were more robust in her later years than they were forty years prior. She believed this longevity and vitality were due to her daily use of NGF eye drops.

Lion's Mane stimulates NGF production and penetrates the blood-brain barrier

Blood Barrier Issues

Lion's Mane, a unique mushroom, is thought to potentially stimulate the production of NGF and may cross the complex blood-brain barrier. It's important to understand that enhancing NGF levels is a challenging task. Since its discovery, scientists have faced hurdles in developing compounds capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to stimulate NGF in the brain, due to the molecular size of most substances. The blood-brain barrier serves as a protective filter within capillaries supplying the brain and spinal cord, blocking harmful substances from entering the brain cells.

A significant advancement was made when Hirokazu Kawagishi, Ph.D., uncovered a group of compounds in Lion’s Mane that may stimulate NGF production, potentially supporting neuron regeneration.

Lion’s Mane Comprising Bioactive Compounds

Lion’s Mane hosts two distinctive fat-soluble compounds, namely hericenones and erinacines. Both these compounds are traditionally valued for their bioactive properties.

Many supplements claiming to support NGF production may struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier. Lion’s Mane is considered one of the most promising natural substances for potentially influencing NGF levels.

Tackle Your Anxiety & Depression

The active compounds in Lion’s Mane show promise in potentially supporting neurological health, and preliminary research indicates they may support cognitive abilities and reflexes in some individuals.

Early studies suggest that another compound from Lion’s Mane, known as amyloban, may help protect against neuronal cell death triggered by toxic amyloid peptides. These amyloid plaques are known to accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, leading to neuron degeneration as the disease advances.

Preliminary findings also suggest that amyloban may support energy levels, mood, memory, and a sense of well-being. However, further research is needed to fully understand the range of bioactivities amyloban may offer.

Lion's Mane mushroom combats depression and anxiety

High NGF | Associated With Romantic Love

A fascinating study from the University of Pavia, Italy, in 2005 revealed a substantial increase in Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) levels among individuals who had recently fallen in love. The study, which compared 58 new lovers with two control groups comprising single individuals and those in long-term relationships, demonstrated that those in the early stages of a romantic relationship had notably elevated NGF levels.

However, after a year, a duration sufficient for the initial passion to wane, the NGF levels in those in love declined to become indistinguishable from the control groups. This suggests that the behavioural and psychological changes accompanying the state of being in love could be linked to elevated NGF levels in the bloodstream.

Lion's Mane mushroom promotes good digestion and gut health

Strengthen Your Digestive System

In terms of promoting digestive health and maintaining gut balance, the Lion's Mane mushroom is highly beneficial. This mushroom has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), known for enhancing stamina, vitality, and digestion, and providing relief for a range of gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers and chronic gastritis.

Research, both in vivo and in vitro, has shown that Lion's Mane, due to its traditional use in immune support and wellbeing, could potentially support digestive health. A 2013 study investigating the gastroprotective effects of Lion's Mane mushroom against ethanol-induced ulcer in rats revealed that the mushroom extract significantly reduced ulcer area and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, thus safeguarding gastric mucosa.

Finest Quality Lion’s Mane Extracted Supplement

For optimal benefits, including potential NGF synthesis support, brain health maintenance, and nervous system wellbeing, it is recommended to consume a concentrated dual-extract of Hericium erinaceus fruiting body, also known as Lion's Mane. The dual-extraction method utilises both water and alcohol to extract a comprehensive range of constituents in the mushroom.

Dosage Recommendation

Teelixir recommends commencing with a daily dose of 1/2 teaspoon of Lion’s Mane mushroom dual-extract. Despite its calming and soothing effects, if you find your system is generally reactive to herbs, you might want to consider beginning with a 1/4 teaspoon. Depending on how your body responds, you may gradually adjust your dosage to meet your individual needs. This extract isn't affected by heat, and Lion’s Mane mushroom is safe and non-toxic, with no reported adverse effects.

How to Incorporate in Your Daily Lifestyle

The taste of a concentrated dual-extract of Lion’s Mane mushroom is often described as earthy with a hint of bitterness. It blends seamlessly with various beverages such as coffee or tea, and can also be incorporated into your preferred smoothie or dessert recipes. Making Lion’s Mane mushroom tea is a breeze: simply stir 1/2 teaspoon into a cup of hot water. You can also create a potent health-enhancing elixir by blending Lion’s Mane with other tonic herbs, adaptogens, and nutrient-dense mushrooms.

If you're fortunate enough to acquire fresh Lion’s Mane mushroom, dice it finely and sauté lightly in coconut oil or grass-fed butter. A sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper completes the dish! Although this delectable mushroom may not possess the same medicinal potency as its extract form, it still packs a substantial health punch.

The inclusion of Lion’s Mane in our daily meals can form a smart strategy for potentially maintaining brain health and regulating mood. Teelixir takes pride in providing the only certified organic concentrated dual-extract of Lion’s Mane mushroom fruiting body available in Australia. Give it a try today!

References:

The Power of the Lion’s Mane Mushroom by Ward W. Bond PhD, Ken Babel
Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide by Martin Powell
http://nootropicgeek.com/lions-mane-mushroom-review/
https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/all-about-nerve-growth-factor-and-50-ways-to-increase-it/
https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-the-blood-brain-barrier-and-how-can-we-overcome-it-75454

Continue Your Research

← Back to Lion's Mane Research Hub

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use.