LION'S MANE MUSHROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine.

Lion's mane mushroom might improve nerve development and function. It might also protect nerves from becoming damaged. It also seems to help protect the lining in the stomach.

People use lion's mane mushroom for Alzheimer disease, dementia, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using lion's mane mushroom for COVID-19.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for LION'S MANE MUSHROOM overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using lion's mane mushroom.

Bleeding conditions: Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding conditions.

Surgery: Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting and reduce blood glucose levels. This might cause extra bleeding, and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using lion's mane mushroom at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM

    Lion's mane mushroom might lower blood sugar levels. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM

    Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM

    Lion's mane mushroom can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lion's mane mushroom might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

LION'S MANE MUSHROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

Who cannot take lion's mane? ›

However, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to mushrooms should avoid lion's mane since it's a mushroom species. There have been documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or skin rashes after exposure to lion's mane mushrooms, likely related to allergies ( 63 , 64 ).

Is lions mane mushroom bad for your liver? ›

Lion's mane is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.

Is lion's mane bad for kidneys? ›

Lion's Mane is another type of mushroom known for its numerous health benefits, including potential kidney benefits. While further studies are needed to understand its full impact on kidney health, initial research, and traditional usage suggest it may have protective effects on the kidneys.

What does lion's mane do for the body? ›

Lion's mane mushrooms contain probiotics, which support your immune system and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your digestive system. They also prevent the growth of a bacteria called H. pylori, which can cause stomach ulcers. A 2019 non-human study showed that lion's mane mushrooms might help treat ulcers.

Is Lion's Mane mushroom FDA approved? ›

Is lion's mane mushroom a drug? Lion's mane mushroom is not a drug. It's available as a food or a dietary supplement. Any health claims on dietary supplements have not been reviewed by the FDA.

Does caffeine interfere with Lion's Mane? ›

These benefits make Lion's Mane mushrooms an ideal addition to your morning routine. When combined with coffee, the effects of Lion's Mane mushrooms are amplified. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can help you stay focused and alert.

Can mushroom supplements damage liver? ›

The Susan G. Komen Foundation note that reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe for up to 1 year when a person takes it orally. However, they also note that taking powdered reishi mushroom for longer than 1 month may be toxic to the liver.

Is Lion's Mane bad for your heart? ›

Research suggests that Lion's mane mushrooms may offer a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cognitive and heart health. People can eat them or take them in the form of supplements. Lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are white, globe-shaped fungi that have long, shaggy spines.

Does Lion's Mane increase estrogen? ›

Effects On Oestrogen

Oestrogen is the menstrual cycle and bone health superstar, and it can be even more of a star when joined on the stage by our mushroom buddy, Lion's Mane. Taking Lion's Mane extract can, in fact, stimulate the production of oestrogen.

What is the downside of Lion's Mane? ›

“Lion's mane is generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and a skin rash,” says Dr. Watson.

Does Lion's Mane increase cholesterol? ›

Research suggests that lion's mane may lower your risk of heart disease, mainly through its effects on cholesterol.

What foods help repair kidneys? ›

Fruits
  • Açai berries. Açai (ah-sigh-EE) berries are small fruits that grow in clusters like grapes and have a center pit. ...
  • Apples. Apples are rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. ...
  • Citrus. ...
  • Cherries. ...
  • Pomegranates. ...
  • Strawberries. ...
  • Tomatoes.

What medications should not be taken with lion's mane? ›

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM. Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Is lion's mane good for the elderly? ›

The bottom line

The human research we do have shows there may be a possible benefit of lion's mane supplements in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. But larger studies are needed to confirm this. Mushrooms like lion's mane are nutrient-rich and can be eaten as part of a balanced diet.

What is the best form of lion's mane to take? ›

A traditional way of taking lion's mane is in the form of tea. This is because hot water helps to extract the healthy nutrients from the mushroom. This is also the case for many other medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, cordyceps and turkey tail.

Can you take Lion's Mane if you have high blood pressure? ›

Lion's Mane has the power to potentially lower your blood pressure. This is good news if you think you have issues with high blood pressure. However, if you're already on blood pressure medication you should proceed with your mushroom supplements with caution.

Can you take magnesium and lion's mane together? ›

So if you want to improve your sleep. and improve your overall health, a magnesium supplement may be helpful to you. So can you take magnesium glycinate with lions mane? Yes, absolutely.

Is it OK to take Ashwagandha and lion's mane? ›

Yes, Lion's Mane and Ashwagandha can be taken together safely. In fact, many people have reported positive experiences when combining these supplements, suggesting that their effects may be complementary and potentially synergistic.

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