Lion’s mane mushroom is a hot ingredient in today’s leading nootropic (brain-boosting) supplements. Lion’s mane dosage varies in these products. So how much lion’s mane do you really need?
More human studies are needed to develop comprehensive dosage guidelines aimed at various health outcomes. However, some safe and effective doses have been noted in existing research.
In this guide, we will discuss lion’s mane and the safe recommended doses that have been noted in relation to desired outcomes, such as supporting mood, promoting brain health, and enhancing cognitive function as a powerful nootropic.
We'll also reveal today's best lion's mane supplement, which combines the mushroom with 10 other natural nootropics to unleash a whole-brain boost. Let's get to it!
Lion’s mane mushroom is a hot ingredient in today’s leading nootropic (brain-boosting) supplements. Lion’s mane dosage varies in these products. So how much lion’s mane do you really need?
Key Takeaways
- Lion’s mane is a unique edible mushroom used in cuisine and herbalism. It supports cognitive function with additional potential health benefits for overall brain wellness.
- In general, lion's mane supplements will supply in the range of 250 mg - 2,500 mg of the mushroom, depending on the desired effects and individual tolerance.
- Beginners may start with a lion's mane dosage per day of 500 mg-1,000 mg to assess individual tolerance and monitor any potential side effects.
- For Lion's Mane nootropic benefits related to focus, memory, mood and overall brain health, 500 mg-1,500 mg of lion's mane daily may be recommended.
- To help with mild cognitive impairment as a normal part of aging in older adults, some studies suggest higher overall lion's mane doses of 2,000-3,000 mg daily.
- In some supplements, lion’s mane powder is the only ingredient in the capsule, so it has a higher dosage. In stacks that combine many nootropics, lion’s mane extract may have lower doses.
- How much lion's mane per day is important, but only consistent daily usage can unlock its full range of benefits. It may take several weeks of regular use to feel improvements. It's safe and legal to take every day.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always consult a doctor before starting lion’s mane or any other dietary supplement. Stick to recommended dosages and stay informed about new research.
Disclaimer
Nootropics are sometimes called "smart drugs," but you should know that supplement nootropics are not the same as prescription drugs. This article only discusses dietary supplements and not prescription nootropics. Only a doctor can consult you on nootropic medications. It's always smart to discuss supplements with your doctor, too.
Lion's Mane Brain Benefits Overview
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known as Monkey Head mushroom, Pom Pom Blanc, Mushroom Yamabushitake, or Satyr’s beard for its distinctive shaggy-like appearance, is an edible fungus that grows in the wild.
Lion’s mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. It contains bioactive compounds called hericenones and erinacines that are believed to account for beneficial effects of lion’s mane.
Lion’s mane is believed to help the brain in a few ways, including support for:
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is like “brain fertilizer”, potentially helping with the nerve growth and regeneration that assists brain injury recovery.
In a 2023 clinical study, researchers focused on the mushroom's compound hericene A and found it to be highly effective in promoting nerve growth, which in turn may improve brain health and cognitive performance.(1)
Lion's mane mushroom is also suggested to support:
- Protective nerve sheathing called myelin
- Plasticity, in which the brain rearranges its connections
- Memory, mood and overall cognitive performance
- Issues related to mild age-related cognitive decline
The effects of lion's mane on cognitive function and mental health have been highlighted in various studies, showing both acute and ongoing support for anxiety and cognitive tasks.
Beyond nerve regeneration, some researchers in early clinical trials suggest the mushroom may potentially have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, too.(2)
Learn more about today's top dietary supplements for immune support
While lion's mane is widely consumed as a food and generally considered safe, further human research is needed to fully understand its full potential for supporting health.
You can consume lion’s mane mushrooms original form incorporated into recipes, steeped in tea, or as a supplement in powder, capsule, or liquid form.
Commonly found lion’s mane dosage in supplements can vary from 250 mg- 2,500 mg or more. But that just tells part of the story.
Let's look at suggested dosages for specific lion's mane mushroom nootropic benefits.
Clinically Researched Lion's Mane Dosages
Lion’s Mane mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional herbalism, particularly in East Asia. Ancient herbalists prized this unique, shaggy-looking fungus for its ability to promote vitality, longevity, and overall health. It was often used to support the stomach, digestive system, and immune function, with some traditions claiming it could nourish the mind and spirit.
Known as "the mountain priest mushroom" in some cultures, it was also a staple in Taoist and Buddhist traditions for its supposed ability to enhance mental clarity and tranquility.
Despite its long history of use, modern scientific research into Lion’s Mane has only scratched the surface.
Much of what we know today about its benefits is based on preliminary studies, many of which have been conducted in animal models or in vitro (lab-based) settings.
However, the transition from these early findings to concrete human clinical evidence has been slow. Human trials involving Lion’s Mane are still limited, though the results are promising.
Apparently some of this research is beginning to support what herbal traditions have claimed for centuries: Lion’s Mane may offer meaningful health benefits. However, larger, more rigorous trials are needed to validate these effects and determine its full therapeutic potential.
In this section, we’ll examine specific dosages of Lion’s Mane used in some of the existing human studies. While these studies are few, they provide valuable insight into how this mushroom may be effectively used for health support. Keep in mind, this research is far from definitive.
However, by understanding the doses that have shown possible benefits in research, we can better align traditional wisdom with modern evidence and offer practical guidance for those interested in exploring Lion’s Mane as a natural supplement.
Lion's Mane Dosage: 500 mg for whole-brain optimization in a Nootropic Stack Supplement
Mind Lab Pro is a popular nootropic supplement designed to support cognitive performance, mental clarity, and overall brain health. It combines a blend of carefully chosen ingredients, each with unique benefits for the brain.
One of its standout components is organic Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) extract. Lion’s Mane plays a key role in driving the overall benefits of Mind Lab Pro, contributing 500 mg of brain nourishment to the formula's research-backed benefits across three human clinical trials.
- In one study, researchers reported that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro for 30 days experienced significant improvements (when compared to those taking placebo) in performing information processing tasks involving simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT) and anticipation; all of which are rooted in focus, attention and quick thinking. Researchers concluded MLP® may be especially promising for adults working in high-pressure environments that require fast and arate decision-making.(3)
- A second study found that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro demonstrated significant improvements across all memory functions that were tested, including auditory, visual, visual working, immediate and delayed recall memory. Researchers concluded that the most extraordinary benefits associated with MLP® were in the areas of immediate and delay-recall memory, linking these functions to practical day-to-day functionality such as remembering names, places and locations of objects like car keys.(4)
- The third MLP study tested 32 people who took either MLP or a placebo for 60 days. Before and after, they completed visual decision-making tasks while EEG recorded brain activity. While test scores didn’t improve, EEG data showed stronger, more complex coordination between brain regions. Researchers suggested MLP may enhance brain connectivity, which could explain reports of feeling sharper even without measurable performance gains.(5)
Stacking Lion's mane with other nootropics appears to be a force multiplier. Pre-made stack supplements like Mind Lab Pro that include sufficient dosages of Lion's Mane are good Hericium erinaceus supplement options for those who want broader-range nootropic benefits.
Lion's Mane Dosage: 500 mg for Mood Support
In one study which looked at the effect of lion’s mane mushroom on mood problems, thirty females were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received cookies containing 0.5g (500 mg) powdered lion’s mane, and the other group were given a placebo.
Lab and animal studies have shown promising results for the effects of lion's mane on mood and cognitive function.
After a course of 4 weeks, researchers reported that feelings of apprehension and mood imbalance were significantly lower in the group that was taking lion’s mane mushroom cookies.(5) This may suggest a possible helpful lion’s mane dosage for depression and anxiety.
Lion's mane may have mentally soothing properties, but it is not associated with any sleepiness or related side effects.
Lion's Mane Dosage: 1,000 mg for Improving Cognitive Function
A study was conducted on 50 to 80-year-old Japanese men and women who had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
Thirty subjects were divided into two groups - one group took four 250 mg (1,000 mg total) tablets containing 96% lion’s mane dry power three times daily for 16 weeks, the other group were given a placebo.
Over the course of the trial, the lion’s mane group showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared with the placebo group.
At the study’s conclusion, researchers suggested that lion’s mane appears to be effective in improving mild cognitive impairment. Researchers also reported that cognitive function actually declined when subjects stopped taking the lion’s mane supplement.(6)
Research: Lions Mane Dosage of 1.8 g for Memory, Mood
Researchers suggest that lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) may help to improve mental performance and mood, but most studies have focused on older adults or those with cognitive issues.
One small pilot study tested whether Lion’s mane could boost thinking skills and reduce stress in healthy young adults aged 18–45. In the study, 41 participants were randomly assigned to take either a 1.8 gram dose of Lion’s mane in a supplement or a placebo daily for 28 days. Researchers tested the participants' mental speed and stress levels both shortly after a single dose (60 minutes) and after 28 days of use.
After analyzing the results, researchers reported that:(7)
- After just one dose, participants taking Lion’s mane performed faster on a mental task that measured attention and focus.
- After 28 days, there was a slight trend toward lower self-reported stress levels, although this result was not strong enough to be conclusive.
The results seem to suggest Lion’s mane might help improve mental speed and reduce stress in healthy adults, but the small sample size means these results should be viewed with caution. In other words, it's just a pilot study. Larger studies are needed to advance these findings.
Still, these early results continue to hint at Lion’s mane mushroom's potential as a natural supplement for brain health and stress management.
Research Review: Lion's Mane for Depressive Disorder
In one clinical review, researchers suggested that Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has shown promise in helping health through a range of inflammation-modulating, antioxidant, Nerve Growth Factor-raising and other beneficial activities.
Researchers in this review also noted that compounds from Lion’s mane may support brain health by promoting nerve growth and cell repair, which are key factors in managing major depressive disorder.
Researchers acknowledged the mushroom's potential for assisting with depressive behaviors are still in the early stages, and more studies are needed to confirm exactly how it works and how effective Lion's Mane may actually be as a nootropic for depression.(8)
Did you know? One pilot study from Japan has suggested potential for Lion's mane mushroom to help with cognitive decline concerns related to mild Alzheimer's disease, but far more research is needed to approach making such claims.(9)
Is there a Lion's Mane Dosage for Memory?
As of the publication date of this article, there is no Lion's Mane dosage for memory, specifically. No well-designed human clinical trials for Lion's Mane alone have yet been completed.
However, the 11-nootropic stack Mind Lab Pro, supplying 500 mg of organic lion's mane, has been shown to help several aspects of memory performance. We detail Mind Lab Pro below.
Learn more about nootropics that work according to science
Lion's Mane Immunity Dosage is Unknown
Like other mushrooms used in herbalism, lion's mane mushrooms supply immune system-supportive compounds called polysaccharides. However, lion's mane has not been studied nearly as extensively as other mushrooms (like Reishi, Maitake and Turkey Tail) for immune benefits in humans. Overall, lion's mane immunity research is still very early.
For broader, stronger immune support consider stacking lion's mane with science-backed nutrients including:
LC-Plasma: Activates and coordinates multiple immune cell types for short- and long-range defenses. Clinically shown to help immunity under stress, exercise, and seasonally.
Glutathione: Enhances T-cell and NK cell activity, while regenerating other antioxidants like vitamin C. Also strengthens gut lining -- your first immune barrier.
Vitamin D: Supports immune cell development and antimicrobial defenses. Low levels are linked to higher infection risk. Many people don't get enough.
Zinc: Essential for T- and B-cell formation. Also acts as an antioxidant. Deficiency weakens immune function; supplementation supports robust defenses.
Vitamin C: Boosts immune responses, cell production, and antioxidant protection. Also strengthens physical barriers like collagen. Broad, fast-acting support.
Selenium: Helps form NK and T cells; helps raise glutathione. Deficiency impairs immune defenses; supplementation helps restore optimal immune cell activity.
We will discuss some quality supplements that supply these nutrients at the end of this article.
How Much Lion's Mane is Too Much?
While there is no established safe upper limit for lion's mane intake (or Hericium erinaceus supplementation), some evidence and anecdotal reports suggest that 3,000 mg daily seems to be a wise limit. Lion's mane doses up to this amount are generally well-tolerated.
In short, it would be difficult to consume too much lion’s mane.
Some studies have used doses of up to 3,000mg which have been marked safe and resulted in minimal side effects. Further, consider that lion’s mane mushrooms have been consumed in Asian cuisine for thousands of years without problems.
In general, lion’s mane side effects are not a common concern, even at the higher dosages found in some supplements.
However, more does not always mean better! We strongly advise following the specific dosage guidelines on the product you’re using, which ideally should be in the range of the human studies we have discussed above.
Going over certain limits won't make the mushroom work any better; in fact, you'd be more likely to experience its (rarely reported) side effects.
Of course, taking lion’s mane is not advised if you have any allergies to mushrooms, and consider taking lion’s mane (and any supplements, really) under the supervision of your doctor.
So what happens if you take too much lion's mane mushroom? It is considered safe and non-toxic. It is consumed in cuisine, after all. However, excessively high doses may still be associated with:
- Digestive Discomfort: Symptoms such as bloating, nausea, or diarrhea.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of skin rashes or itching, particularly in people sensitive to mushrooms.
To avoid taking too much lion's mane, it's a good idea to start low. Begin with 500-1,000 mg daily to assess your tolerance.
The appropriate dosage of lion's mane mushroom depends on individual factors such as body weight, tolerance, and the intended benefits. Stick to the recommended range and note how your body responds to determine your own personal limit for lion's mane, too.
Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplement Quality is Important
Too much lion's mane can cause unwanted side effects. But so can taking a regular dose of a poor-quality lion's mane supplement.
There are significant differences among lion's mane supplements on the market. It is crucial to choose a high-quality lion's mane supplement that undergoes third-party testing to ensure its effectiveness and ingredient integrity.
The form of lion’s mane mushrooms is also important. It may presented as:
- raw powder, the most basic form
- lion’s mane extract, which is concentrated and stronger
- full-spectrum extract (all active compounds are present)
- from lion’s mane fruiting bodies (the “above ground” part)
- From Hericium erinaceus mycelium, which are kind of like mushroom “roots”
- Organic lion’s mane extracts (not all lion’s mane supplements are organic)
Beyond looking for an effective dose, therefore, it’s a good idea to look for an effective form of lion’s mane mushroom.
Organic lion's mane mushroom formulas are the best to look for.
They are clean, natural, and guaranteed to supply the hericenones and erinacines that deliver all the benefits of lion’s mane you are looking for.
Of course, this is not even counting eating lion’s mane. The mushroom is a popular and versatile food, with a sweet, satisfying seafood-like flavor.
Fresh lion’s mane can be hard to come by, however, and cannot match the dosing precision found in a good lion’s mane supplement.
Now, if you are incorporating lion’s mane into your supplement regimen, you will probably want to know the best product on the market.
Read on to learn about the world’s best lion’s mane mushroom supplement, with a dosage that is in range of what was used in human research studies.
Best Supplement With Lion's Mane: Mind Lab Pro®
If you are looking to purchase lion's mane, consider Mind Lab Pro®: today's top nootropic stack supplement.
Organic lion's mane mushroom is one of the formula's featured ingredients, playing a key role in promoting nerve growth factor. So if you're looking to take lion's mane for brain and cognitive benefits, specifically, this might be the perfect formula for you.
Mind Lab Pro® works as a whole-brain optimizer.
That means it enhances several different brain pathways at the same time.
As a result, Mind Lab Pro® can do what no other nootropic stack can do, unlocking benefits for:
- All types of memory, short-term, long-term, recall and learning
- Focus, concentration and attention
- Mood balance and stress resistance
- Motivation and inner drive
- Clearing brain fog, promoting clarity
- Information processing speed
- Mental energy related cognitive functions
- Multitasking and cognitive performance under pressure
- Long-range overall brain health benefits
Mind Lab Pro® Supplies 500 mg of Premium Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom
This lion's mane dosage is in range of human lion's mane clinical research studies.
Because Mind Lab Pro is a clean, safe supplement, it can be taken as a single serving for lion's mane mood support (500 mg); or double-dosed to hit the 1000 mg lion's mane dosage that has been associated with longer-range brain health benefits.
Let's take a look at the full list of Mind Lab Pro®'s 11 ingredients:
- Citicoline 250 mg
- Phosphatidylserine, 100 mg (Sunflower lecithin)
- Bacopa monnieri, 150 mg (as full spectrum extract, 24% bacosides, 9 bioactives)
- Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, 500 mg (mycelium and fruit)
- Rhodiola rosea, 50 mg (3% rosavins, 1% salidrosides)
- L-Theanine, 100 mg
- L-Tyrosine, 175 mg (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)
- Maritime Pine Bark Extract, 75 mg (95% proanthocyanidins)
- Vitamins B6 2.5 mg, B9 100 mcg, B12 7.5 mcg (NutriGenesis®)
Mind Lab Pro® is Backed By Research.
Mind Lab Pro® is one of the only nootropic supplements on the market that has been the subject of rigorous clinical human trials, including double-blind placebo-controlled research where it was associated with improved performance on cognitive tests.
This research suggests MLP may improve brain function across several key memory and cognitive function markers.
- In one study, researchers reported that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro for 30 days experienced significant improvements (when compared to those taking placebo) in cognitive test scores related to information processing tasks involving simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT) and anticipation.(3)
- A second study found that subjects taking Mind Lab Pro demonstrated significant improvements across all memory functions that were tested, including auditory, visual, visual working, immediate and delayed recall memory.(4)
- Participants who took MLP for 60 days showed enhanced brain connectivity, especially in slow-wave (delta) activity, suggesting deeper, more integrated processing—potentially explaining why users feel mentally sharper and more balanced, even without changes in test performance.(5)
Mind Lab Pro® is Clean and Safe.
Mind Lab Pro is the best formula of its kind because it is high quality, across the board:
- Research-backed nootropic ingredients, including top-shelf organic lion's mane mushroom extract, that have been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in multiple human clinical trials
- No artificial colors, no preservatives, no GMO, no gluten, no caffeine or stimulants, no soy and no synthetic additives.
- Premium vegan NutriCaps®: Clean, clear pullulan naturally fermented from tapioca; no unsafe or synthetic capsule ingredients.
This unique formula's quality delivery and clean label helps each nootropic contained in each capsule to reach their full cognitive function potential without adverse effects.
Supplements to Stack with Lion's Mane for Immunity
Lion's mane mushroom shows promise for immune support, but other options may be stacked with it for more reliable immune support:
Performance Lab® Immune: A comprehensive immune support supplement combining key nutrients -- vitamin D, vitamin C, selenium, zinc -- with advanced ingredients like IMMUSE™ (LC-Plasma) and Setria® Glutathione to activate several different classes of immune cells and enhance both innate and adaptive immunity.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis® Multi: Gender-specific multivitamin providing 26 essential vitamins and minerals in bioavailable, food-identical forms through eco-friendly NutriGenesis® technology (cultured nutrients). Supports overall health and vitality; includes immune essentials like Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and zinc.
Summary
Medicinal mushrooms, including reishi and Cordyceps sinensis, are known for their health benefits and potential to enhance overall wellness and longevity. While lion's mane cannot be noted for medicinal values in the same ways as drugs, it does appear to support certain structures and functions in the brain.
Lion’s mane mushrooms have potential as a brain supportive supplement for helping with mood, relaxation, mild cognitive impairment, age-related mental performance concerns, and overall brain health.
But that's just the beginning. Preliminary evidence suggests hericium erinaceus intake may also support the immune system.
Taking lion's mane supplements may enhance memory and help with degenerative concerns such as Alzheimer's. For maximizing its effects, consider the dosage and timing with meals.
Doses of lion's mane may vary, but in many supplements are well within the effective, research-backed dosage range.
For the best cognitive benefits, we recommend taking Lion's Mane in Mind Lab Pro. This particular formula outperforms plain lion’s mane supplements with much more expansive brain support (10 additional nootropic ingredients) for far more cognitive enhancement.
Scientific research into fresh lion’s mane medicinal mushroom as both the fruiting body and mycelium is ongoing. While an optimal dosage is yet to be determined, for now it appears you may reap health benefits of lion’s mane with the doses currently noted.
References
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- Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7. Link
- Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. Link
- Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 20;15(22):4842. doi: 10.3390/nu15224842. PMID: 38004235; PMCID: PMC10675414. Link
- Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 25;21(1):163. doi: 10.3390/ijms21010163. PMID: 31881712; PMCID: PMC6982118. Link
- Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, Chen WP, Lu TH, Lee LY, Chen YW, Chen YP, Chen CC, Lin DP. Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020 Jun 3;12:155. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155. PMID: 32581767; PMCID: PMC7283924. Link
