Lions Mane Mushroom

• Cognitive support in mild cognitive impairment: Small double-blind RCTs report modest improvements in cognitive test scores while supplementing; effects tended to wane after stopping. Evidence: emerging (limited human trials, small samples). - Mood and sleep: Small RCTs suggest reductions in mild anxiety/depression and improvements in sleep quality in some adults. Evidence: emerging (needs replication, short durations). - Neurotrophic/neuroprotective activity: Preclinical studies show hericenones/erinacines may upregulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and support neuronal survival and plasticity. Evidence: moderate-to-strong preclinical; human evidence remains limited. - Peripheral nerve health: Animal models indicate enhanced nerve regeneration and reduced neuropathic pain markers; human clinical evidence is limited. Evidence: emerging (preclinical-dominant). - Gastrointestinal support: Traditionally used for digestive complaints; early studies and case reports suggest potential gastric mucosal support. Evidence: traditional to emerging (limited clinical data). - Inflammation/oxidative stress: Biomarker changes consistent with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects seen in preclinical work and small human studies; clinical significance is uncertain. Evidence: emerging.

Generally well tolerated. Most reported effects are mild and transient. - Common (uncommon overall): gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, bloating), abdominal discomfort, headache, skin rash/itching. - Metabolic: symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating) may occur in susceptible individuals or when combined with glucose-lowering drugs. - Bleeding/bruising: theoretical/rare reports, risk may increase when combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelets. - Hypersensitivity: rare allergic reactions (rash, wheeze, asthma exacerbation); very rare severe reactions possible in mushroom-allergic individuals. - Dose-related: gastrointestinal symptoms more likely at higher intakes or concentrated extracts. Exact incidence rates are not well established in published trials.

Typical ranges reported in studies (not prescriptive; product potency varies): - Dried fruiting body powder: about 1,000–3,000 mg/day, often divided, for 4–16 weeks in cognitive and mood trials (e.g., 3,000 mg/day in an MCI RCT; ~2,000 mg/day in a mood study). - Extracts (polysaccharide- or hericenone/erinacine-standardized): roughly 300–1,500 mg/day, sometimes in divided doses; standardization varies widely. - Erinacine A–enriched mycelium: ~500–1,500 mg/day in small human studies. Optimal dosing likely depends on extract type, standardization, and individual factors; clinical guidance is recommended.

• Known allergy to mushrooms, molds, or Hericium species. - Bleeding disorders or concurrent use of anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents (e.g., warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel) without medical supervision. - Diabetes or hypoglycemia risk: monitor closely if using glucose-lowering medications. - Autoimmune conditions or recipients of organ/stem-cell transplants on immunosuppressants: potential immunomodulatory effects warrant caution and medical oversight. - Respiratory conditions with sensitivity to fungal allergens (e.g., asthma): risk of hypersensitivity reactions. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding: insufficient reliable safety data—avoid unless advised by a clinician. - Pre-surgical: due to potential effects on bleeding and glycemic control, discontinue at least 2 weeks before elective surgery unless otherwise directed by a surgeon/anesthesiologist. - History of bipolar disorder/mania: isolated case reports suggest possible mood activation—use only with clinician guidance.