Most human trials have focused on its use for cognition and mental health.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
One study of adults looked at lion’s mane formild cognitive impairment.
wavipicture / Getty Images
The improvement was more pronounced the longer the lion’s mane was taken, up to 16 weeks.
Four weeks after the lion’s mane was stopped, the scores dropped again.
A small study suggested thatdepressionandanxietywa reduced by taking cookies made of lion’s mane for four weeks.
More robust trials are needed to determine if lion’s mane benefits depression or anxiety in the general population.
More data is certainly needed before lion’s mane can be routinely recommended for any of them.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
What Are the Side Effects of Lion’s Mane?
Your healthcare provider may suggest you take lion’s mane toimprove memory, or for another reason.
It’s important to remember that even foods may have side effects, which may be mild or severe.
Incorporating fresh mushrooms into your diet may provide the most health benefits.Supplements are also available.
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be substituted for meat or used to garnish a meal.
They can be prepared in many waysgrilled or sauteed, served alone, or added to pasta or soups.
Lion’s mane supplements are available in capsule, extract, and powder form.
Lion’s mane shouldn’t be used in children younger than 3 years or during pregnancy or lactation.
Ask an RD or RDN, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for more information if you need clarification.
How Much Lion’s Mane Should I Take?
There is no specific recommended dose of lion’s mane.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Lion’s Mane?
So far, there haven’t been reports of toxicity, but it still may be toxic.
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience severe side effects after using lion’s mane.
They are best if eaten within a few days of purchase.
More clinical trials are needed before lion’s mane can be routinely recommended.
If you try lion’s mane, eating it is likely more beneficial than taking supplements.
As with all supplements, ask your healthcare provider before including lion’s mane in your diet.
Remember that lion’s mane can interact with medicines like blood-thinners.
It’s also not been studied in young children or during pregnancy or lactation.
It shouldn’t be used in people who have received organ or tissue donations from another person.
It’s too soon to know the benefits of lion’s mane.
But small clinical trials suggest it may improve brain function and decrease anxiety and depression.
Lion’s mane can be sauteed, stir-fried, or grilled.
It can be eaten as a meat substitute or as a garnish.
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