Best Fit Profiles
- cognitive support in older adults, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment
Nerve growth factor and cognitive support
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane) stimulates NGF synthesis in vitro and in animal models. Human RCTs (primarily in Japan) show modest cognitive improvement in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Evidence is growing but remains limited to small trials.
Evidence Level B
Evidence and Risk Labels
Evidence A/B/C reflects research maturity, and risk levels reflect monitoring needs. These labels support comparison, not diagnosis or treatment decisions.
See full scoring guideClinical Snapshot
- Effect Size
- Modest cognitive improvement in MCI populations; NGF pathway effects well established preclinically
- Safety
- Low Risk
Rare allergic reactions reported; avoid if mushroom allergy exists. Some products are mycelium-on-grain with low hericenone content — fruiting body extracts preferred.
Research Dosing
This reflects common ranges and protocols used in published studies, not personal medical advice.
- Typical Daily Dose
- 500-3000 mg (fruiting body extract)
- Timing
- With meals
- Protocol Duration in Studies
- 12-16 weeks minimum for cognitive assessment
Fruiting body extracts are significantly more potent than mycelium-on-grain products.