Lion’s Mane mushroom, a shaggy, white fungus long used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, is gaining renewed attention for its potential to support both cognitive health and physical resilience. New research is helping validate centuries-old claims that this natural remedy may provide real benefits for brain function, stress reduction, and even athletic recovery.

Recent findings from a 2023 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a single 1.8 gram dose of Lion’s Mane improved reaction times on cognitive tasks within just 60 minutes. Participants who took Lion’s Mane daily for 28 days also reported lower levels of perceived stress compared to those on placebo. The study, conducted on healthy adults aged 18–45, adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the mushroom’s role in cognitive performance.

One of the active ingredients in Lion’s Mane—compounds known as hericenones and erinacines—has been shown to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein critical to the maintenance and regeneration of neurons. According to researchers at the University of Queensland, these compounds significantly promoted brain cell growth and improved memory in preclinical studies. These findings point to a possible use for Lion’s Mane in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

A small clinical trial in Japan also found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment experienced measurable improvement in cognitive function after taking Lion’s Mane extract daily for 16 weeks. When participants stopped taking the extract, however, their cognitive performance declined again, suggesting that consistent use may be necessary.

In addition to brain health, Lion’s Mane may benefit physical resilience. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are believed to help reduce exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Research suggests the mushroom may also enhance glucose metabolism and improve lipid profiles, factors important for energy production and endurance.

While results so far are promising, experts caution that more large-scale, peer-reviewed human trials are needed to confirm these effects. Still, with its growing list of potential benefits, Lion’s Mane is becoming a focal point in the evolving conversation around natural tools for improving both mental clarity and physical well-being.