Lion’s mane is a powerful, natural supplement that can enhance brain functions like memory and focus. This mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, but modern medicine only now realizes its therapeutic value. Does Lion’s mane help with memory?
Current research shows Lion’s mane is an excellent brain health supplement for those facing cognitive function decline. Consuming Lion’s mane mushrooms can even help prevent or reduce memory loss in older adults with Alzheimer’s.
These memory benefits are one reason why Lion’s mane gummies — like our Goomz gummies — have become increasingly popular in recent years. A supplement that can help us remember where we put the keys? Yes, please!
If you’re interested in this topic, you likely have many questions. How does Lion’s mane help with memory? Can the mushroom enhance other brain functions? Is it safe?
To answer these questions, let’s explore the science behind Lion’s mane and its promising potential as a memory aid and brain health supplement.
At a glance:
Does Lion’s Mane Help With Memory?
In several studies, Lion’s mane has shown the potential to help enhance memory and cognitive function.
Lion’s mane mushrooms help with memory by stimulating the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein in the brain that plays a critical role in the growth, maintenance, and protection of neurons. NGF deficiency is linked to memory loss and diseases like Alzheimer’s, but Lion’s mane may help counteract these deficiencies.
Unfortunately, NGF cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, so directly supplementing with NGF is ineffective for treating memory decline. This impasse is where Lion’s mane can help.
Unique compounds found in Lion’s mane mushrooms — such as hericenones and erinacines — can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, giving them the access they need to benefit our brain cells directly. This unique ability allows these compounds to promote NGF production and potentially enhance memory.
Animal Studies
Various animal studies indicate that Lion’s mane consumption supports the growth and survival of neurons by stimulating NGF production. For example, Lion’s mane appears to have neuroprotective properties in the adult mouse brain.
Similarly, a recent study found that feeding Lion’s mane extract to mice promoted the growth and branching of brain cells in the hippocampus — a region heavily involved in memory. These mice also demonstrated significantly better memory in a maze test than mice not given the Lion’s mane extract.
Human Trials
Several double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trials on humans have also found significant effects of Lion’s mane on memory and brain function. Let’s explore some of this research.
Lion’s Mane for Cognitive Decline
In one study, adults aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment were given 1000 mg of Lion’s mane thrice daily for 16 weeks. The adults given the Lion’s mane showed significantly increased cognitive function compared with the placebo group.
Interestingly, this effect heavily depended on the continued use of Lion’s mane. Four weeks after the subjects stopped taking it, their cognitive function declined.
In another double-masked study, older adults with mild Alzheimer’s were given three 350 mg Lion’s mane capsules daily for 49 weeks. During the study, the placebo group experienced declines in cognitive abilities, but those taking Lion's mane did not.
The participants taking Lion’s mane showed improvements in their mental function by the end of the study.
Lion’s Mane for Mental Performance
A more recent study explored the effects of Lion's mane on brain function in younger adults (aged 18 to 45) to determine whether these neurological effects were beneficial for those not already experiencing cognitive decline.
Researchers found that these young, healthy adults experienced improved mental performance just one hour after a dose of Lion’s mane. Those same adults also reported reduced stress after taking a daily 1800 mg dose of Lion’s mane for four weeks.
These studies highlight Lion mane’s powerful potential as a memory aid for various groups, from older adults facing Alzheimer’s to younger people looking to elevate their mental performance.
Are you interested in trying Lion’s mane? Understanding how to dose and use Lion’s mane is essential for getting the most out of this valuable mushroom. We’ll explore some recommended use and safety tips in the sections below.
What Is the Best Lion's Mane Dosage for Memory?
The best dose of Lion’s mane for memory is still under debate, but clinical studies typically use daily doses between 500 and 3000 mg. These doses are often divided throughout the day rather than taken in one go.
Most Lion’s mane supplements on the market deliver around 1000 to 1500 mg per serving. According to current research, this amount is considered a safe and effective dose for promoting brain health and supporting memory.
Regarding dosing, Lion’s mane gummies are a convenient and enjoyable option. Gummy supplements allow you to customize your dose as needed by taking a calculated fraction of a gummy or more than one at a time.
Our Goomz Focus gummies are an excellent introduction to the world of Lion’s mane. They're packed with high-potency Lion’s mane extract and other functional ingredients — like Cordyceps and Kanna — for elevated mood and better focus. Goomz gummies are vegan and taste delicious, making them the perfect supplement to elevate your wellness routine.
You can also buy Lion’s mane supplements in capsule form, allowing precise and reliable dosing at a set strength. However, mushroom powder supplements may be less potent than gummies made with highly concentrated extracts.
How Often Can You Take Lion’s Mane for Memory?
Lion’s mane can be taken up to three times daily. Regular, consistent use is optimal for best results, especially when taking Lion’s mane for memory. Taking Lion’s mane daily helps your body maintain steady levels of the mushroom’s bioactive compounds in your blood, ensuring they have an optimal and consistent effect on your brain.
Clinical studies show no adverse effects of using Lion’s mane in the long term. On the contrary, the compounds in Lion’s mane need time to build up in your body and influence brain cell growth. It can take several weeks of consistent use to see memory improvements.
Regularly taking Lion’s mane supports memory and improves overall health and wellness. For example, Lion’s mane can help reduce inflammation, boost immune system function, support heart health, and encourage healthy microbe activity in the gut.
Is Using Lion’s Mane for Memory Safe for You?
Most functional mushroom gummies, including those containing Lion’s mane, are generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies show no harmful effects on the liver and no signs of toxicity when Lion’s mane is used long-term.
The clinical studies we mentioned report minimal adverse effects from taking Lion’s mane. As a result, most researchers confidently report that Lion’s mane is a safe supplement for cognitive enhancement and memory support.
Still, some people should proceed cautiously when exploring Lion’s mane gummies and other functional mushroom supplements. For example:
- Lion’s mane can cause allergic reactions in individuals with mushroom allergies.
- Lion’s mane may interact with certain medications, such as those for managing blood pressure or blood sugar.
It’s always advisable to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement, particularly if you have underlying health conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should also consult their doctor before experimenting with Lion’s mane.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Using Lion’s Mane for Memory?
Lion’s mane has few side effects, occurring rarely in only a few users. When they occur, side effects are mild and typically resolve independently.
Some potential Lion’s mane side effects include:
- Allergic reactions such as itching and skin rashes
- Abdominal discomfort such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headaches
Remember that mushroom gummies might contain other active ingredients beyond Lion’s mane. For example, some formulations include cordyceps mushrooms for energy, ashwagandha for stress management, and even CBD for relaxation. Each ingredient increases your risk of minor side effects, so research before buying.
You can always visit our article on Lion’s mane side effects to read more about these potential risks and ensure functional mushrooms are right for you.
Note: If you experience any side effects while taking mushroom supplements, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider for advice.
Try Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies for Memory
Lion’s mane mushroom gummies show promise for helping with memory loss and improving mental function, especially among older adults with cognitive impairments. Scientific research and clinical trials show that Lion’s mane effectively supports NGF production to promote brain cell growth and protect neurons from damage. How amazing is that?
With a high level of safety and minimal side effects, supplementing with Lion’s mane is an excellent choice for supporting your cognitive health. Whether you want to stave off Alzheimer’s or enhance your focus at work, consider adding Lion’s mane gummies to your wellness routine.
Goomz gummies offer a fun and delicious way to discover the power of Lion’s mane. They’re infused with functional botanicals like Cordyceps mushroom to boost energy and Kanna to relieve anxiety. This combination is fantastic for supercharging your focus and elevating your cognitive performance.
Are you ready to banish brain fog and enjoy greater mental clarity? Shop our full line of Goomz gummies here.