The lion's mane mushroom is a wild edible mushroom native to Asia, Europe, and North America. While many different species of the Lion's Mane Mushroom exist, they all have one thing in common: a long, white-beard-like structure hanging from their head.
These mushrooms can be used to make medicinal supplements that may improve brain function and aid in cognitive performance. Lion's Mane Mushroom supplements are often combined with other nootropic compounds for additional benefits. Since these mushrooms are often expensive and require extensive processing before being fit for human consumption, it pays to shop around when searching for the best Lion's Mane Mushroom supplement for you or your loved ones.
While we can't tell you which brand will provide the most relief or help you remember where you left your keys (sorry), we can point out some key features that all good Lion's Mane Mushroom supplements should have. So, without further ado, let us introduce you to our guide on finding the best Lion's Mane Mushroom supplement!
How We Choose
There are a lot of lion's mane supplements on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. You want a supplement that will provide plenty of benefits without causing side effects. You also don't have time to read dozens of reviews to determine which product is best and why.
That's why we've done the hard work for you! In this article, we'll introduce you to what we believe are the top five lion's mane supplements and lion's mane-containing supplements on the market, and we'll explain why they're worth your attention.
Om Mushroom Superfood - Master Blend
10 Mushroom Complex, Lions Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, Reishi Extract Adaptogens for Vibrant Health
People new to the world of mushroom powder supplements will be surprised by how many different types of mushrooms there are. Om Mushroom Superfood has a 10-mushroom blend led by Lions Mane, followed by Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, and more.
Each serving packs 2,000mg of mushrooms, all packaged into a 3.17-ounce pouch. The product contains 34 servings per container, which brings this product in at about seventy-eight cents per serving. This is definitely at the high end of the cost for this list but well worth the price when the benefits of the full array of mushrooms in this product are considered.
The best part about this product is that all of the 100% organic certified mushrooms, including the lion's mane, are grown, dried, milled, and packaged in a state-of-the-art in-door farm in Carlsbad, California, by M2 Ingredients, the producer of Om Mushrooms. This incredible mushroom blend contains three organic botanical adaptogens to support your vibrant health further. And, of course, these are all non-GMO ingredients, so if that's important to you, this might be the right choice for you.
Some users found the taste too earthy and unpleasant, while others enjoyed the earthy flavor. They said it reminded them of meat products like jerky or beef sticks but didn't taste like them – just like mushrooms should taste!
Host Defense Mushrooms - Lion's Mane Powder
Lion's Mane mushroom is a fungus that grows on trees and can also be found in the wild. It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with recent research showing that it helps support your brain and improve your cognitive function.
Host Defense Lion's Mane mycelium and fruit bodies are locally grown on their Washington state farm and certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. The mushroom powder is freeze-dried mycelium, meaning the active ingredients have been preserved. Lion's Mane mushroom powder also digests quickly – delivering the nutritional support of lion's mane without adding any other daily pill.
In addition, all of the Host Defense products are verified for identity, purity, composition, and strength by independent labs that use internationally recognized, validated testing methods.
So, if you're looking to improve your mental health overall, we do think this product can help you feel mentally sharper – especially if you struggle with mental fatigue and focus issues. And, its price point on Amazon, at about forty-five cents per serving, brings it in at the lower end of other powders in this review.
FreshCap - Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane mushroom is a potent nootropic supplement that can help you improve your mental acuity. The key ingredient in this extract is beta-d glucan, which has been shown to enhance cognition and improve focus.
FreshCap Mushrooms' Lion's Mane extract uses whole fruiting bodies, so you get the full benefits of these potent mushrooms. It uses a dual extraction process that ensures only pure ingredients go into the capsules, making it an excellent choice for those who want high-quality supplements without spending too much money. FreshCap mushroom supplements are 100% natural, Certified Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, Vegan, and Paleo-friendly.
In addition, FreshCap Lion's Mane is verified to contain greater than 25% beta-d glucans, which are the beneficial compounds you’re looking for. And it comes in capsule form (this review) or powder, so you have a choice. Pricing isn't bad either at about twenty-six cents per capsule or forty-five cents per serving in the powder form. Take your pick!
Real Mushrooms - Lion's Mane
As we've been saying, Lion's Mane mushrooms are a potent brain support supplement that can help improve cognition and focus. This Lion's Mane mushroom powder is derived from the Lion's Mane fungus, harvested in China and other parts of Asia.
The mushrooms used to make this dietary supplement are hand-picked and analyzed by experts with over four decades of mushroom growing experience to ensure you are provided with the best extract possible. The Real Mushrooms Lion's Mane supplements have measured beta-glucans (the most important compound found in mushrooms) of about 30%, verified by 3rd party laboratories.
Also, this lion's mane is hot water extracted to obtain the most beneficial beta-glucans, hericenones, and thousands of other nutrients to provide unparalleled brain function with every capsule. Beta-glucans have been shown to improve memory by supporting cell membrane integrity in the brain tissue. The beta-glucans, along with the 1000mg of Lion's mane, can enhance neurotransmitter activity throughout the body - including the brain - improving cognition for people who take them regularly. And, hey, at twenty to twenty-four cents per capsule, the least expensive product on our list.
NutriVein - Mushroom Complex
NutriVein Mushroom Complex is a high-quality, premium mushroom supplement that contains eleven different mushrooms, with Lions Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi leading the way. This ensures that this product provides an optimal amount of the most important medicinal mushrooms. The result is a potent blend ideal for supporting cognitive functions and boosting memory retention.
In addition to improved brain health and enhanced cognitive performance, you can expect many additional benefits due to its full nootropic complex. This is great for supporting immune function as well as helping to support regular energy levels throughout the day. Each capsule has 2600mg of mushrooms, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall health and wellness in multiple ways at once. It is manufactured at its own FDA-approved cGMP facility. You should be sure to check the price on this one, too!
Best Lions Mane Supplement FAQs
The Lions Mane mushroom is one of the most unique mushrooms in the world. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Japanese cultures, but it's now becoming very popular and available worldwide.
However, how can you ensure you get a quality product with the many different brands and types of Lions Mane supplements available? There are plenty of bad ones out there. You don't want to waste money on something that won't help boost your brain function or improve your immune system. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Lions Mane supplements to help you understand this product better.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Lion's Mane?
While lion's mane mushrooms are generally considered safe, some side effects may exist. Many of these depend on the dosage taken and how long you've been taking the supplement.
Some people have reported a feeling of slight nausea after taking lion's mane, though this is usually mild and subsides quickly. Other common side effects include stomach discomfort, dizziness, and drowsiness. These symptoms are most common when you first start taking lion's mane and can often be avoided by starting with a low dose (200 milligrams per day) and increasing gradually over several weeks as your body adjusts to the mushroom.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking any supplements, including lion's mane. There is not enough research yet on the safety or effectiveness of this mushroom for pregnant women or those who are nursing infants.
Is Ashwagandha Or Lion's Mane Better?
Both are excellent choices, but they do have some key differences. Ashwagandha is a very powerful adaptogen and neuroprotectant with many other health benefits. Lion's Mane may be considered slightly more effective for focus and concentration, though, so it depends on your specific needs. Both are exceptional nootropics that will deliver noticeable cognitive improvements in the correct dosage and time period.
What Is The Most Effective Form Of Lion's Mane?
Although lion's mane mushroom is available in several forms, an extract is the most effective way to take it. This allows you to get a higher dosage without choking down large pieces of mushroom, which can be off-putting for many people.
Lion's mane mushroom extract comes in two main forms: capsules and powder. Capsules are easier to swallow but have a lower bioavailability since they're not being absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the intestinal tract, like when taken as a powder mixed in a liquid. The latter option may taste bad, depending on the brand, when compared to capsules, but may provide a stronger effect overall.
Should I Take Lion's Mane Every Day?
Lion's mane mushrooms are traditionally taken cyclically rather than continually. We think this is for two reasons: first, lion's mane can cause digestive upset if you take it too regularly, and second, there is some evidence to suggest that the mushroom stops working after a while.
For this reason, we advise taking lion's mane in cycles of three weeks on and one week off. That said, there are no definitive studies into the best way to take lion's mane mushrooms, so your mileage may vary!
Does Lion's Mane Affect Hormones?
Lion's Mane has been used in Asian medicine for centuries now. However, conventional Western medicine still needs more research. Some studies have shown that lion's mane helps reduce cortisol levels in the blood, which can lower stress and may lead to better mental health and cognitive function. However, other studies have been inconclusive on how much it can significantly affect cortisol levels. More research needs to be done here.
Should Lion's Mane Be Taken On An Empty Stomach?
Ideally, no. Lion's mane benefits from being taken with food, preferably protein-rich food. This is because of how lion's mane interacts with your brain cells.
The active ingredient in lion's mane is called hericenones, and it essentially stimulates your NMDA receptors, which are responsible for learning and memory formation and finding new solutions to problems, something known as creative thinking.
While some research has shown that lion's mane can still be effective when taken on an empty stomach, the best results come when mixed with a meal containing fat or protein.
What Does Lions Mane Do For The Brain?
Lion's Mane is one of the highest-quality mushroom supplements out there, and it contains several different compounds that are beneficial for cognitive health. However, people mainly use this supplement because of its effects on NMDA receptors. In clinical studies, these neurotransmitters play an important role in learning and memory, which is why Lion's Mane has been shown to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and increase long-term memory.
In addition to improving cognitive function, Lion's Mane promotes healthy mood by increasing serotonin levels. This can be especially helpful for people who suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. Finally, a 2016 study published in Phytomedicine found that Lion's Mane was effective at treating mild cases of Parkinson's disease. It did so by protecting neurons from damage and restoring lost motor skills in mice with the disease.
Is Lion's Mane Anti-inflammatory?
Lion's Mane is a mushroom traditionally used to reduce inflammation. It does so by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme involved in prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins play an important role in pain perception, and their overproduction is associated with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.
Lion's Mane may help reduce inflammation and muscle pain associated with these conditions, but it should not be used to replace traditional anti-inflammatory medications unless directed by your doctor.
How Is Lion's Mane Best Absorbed?
Technically, lion's mane mushrooms are better absorbed in an extract form in either capsules or as a diluted powder. The good news is that lion's mane mushrooms have a unique fiber called beta-D-glucan. This fiber makes people feel calm when they take it as a supplement or eat it as part of their food.
How Many Mgs Of Lion's Mane Should I Take?
The amount of lion's mane you take depends on the purpose of taking the supplement. The cognitive health and mood enhancement dosage is around 250 to 500 mg daily, taken in two or three divided doses. This dosage can be taken for up to 12 weeks. For nerve health, an Asian study used a daily dose of 1,250 mg, which was tolerated well by patients.
The recommended dosage depends on the product you buy and your reason for using it. Before beginning any supplement regimen, it's best to check with a doctor or pharmacist.
Conclusion
The best lion's mane supplement should be chosen carefully based on individual needs and preferences. Before making a purchase, it's important to research and read reviews from other customers to ensure you get the most value for your money. As we've reviewed here, look for a non-GMO supplement free of artificial ingredients and extracted adequately so you can experience the benefits without any side effects.
We have researched the five brands presented here and know them to be highly reputable so that you can be confident in their products. Additionally, all of these supplements, either capsules or powders, are backed by excellent research and studies, so you know they are all safe to take regularly without causing harm to your health in the long run. By researching for you, we are confident you can find an excellent lion's mane supplement from this list that will help boost your performance at work or school and improve your overall well-being. And don't hesitate to check the prices of these five products on Amazon today!
Thanks for reading this review, and we hope you'll come back again for more reviews of other natural products!
*We are not qualified medical advisors. The content here is only based on our personal opinions and should NOT be used as a substitute for a healthcare professional's advice!
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