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Early civilizations gave mushrooms high praises for their many touted health benefits. Besides serving as a source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, mushrooms have nutraceuticals like beta-glucans and flavonoids which gives mushrooms the magical ability to potentially derail diseases and improve human performance.(1,2) Lion's mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a mushroom native to East Asia with culinary and medicinal uses and infamous for its treatment in brain health.(3) The large, white mushrooms get their name because they become shaggy and resemble a lion's mane as they grow. The best lion's mane supplements may help relieve anxiety and depression, lower inflammation, enhance digestion, and boost the immune system.
The Best Lion's Mane Supplements - Our Top Picks
- Hunter Evolve Focus
-
KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom
- Huge Supplements Focus
- Future Kind Vegan Lions Mane
- Transparent Labs Shroom Stack
- Mind Lab Pro®
- Ancient Nutrition Lion's Mane
- Microingredients Organic Lion's Mane Extract
- MUDWTR
If you're on the hunt for the best lion's mane supplement to add to your supplement stash, know that we consulted with a dietitian to research the 7 best. We chose our selection based on factors like dosage, type, ingredients, and certifications. Keep reading to see which is right for you.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming lion’s mane supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Hunter Evolve Focus
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 6 capsules
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane, bacopa, ashwagandha root, ginkgo biloba, caffeine anhydrous, Rhodiola rosea extract, Panax ginseng
- Certifications: Manufactured in FDA GMP-compliant facility, non-GMO
Why We Picked It
Featuring a 100% natural "Memory Matrix" consisting of 500 milligrams of organic lion's mane, 300 milligrams of bacopa monnieri, and 50 milligrams of Rhodiola rosea extract, Hunter Evolve Focus is a brain-boosting powerhouse. Calling itself "as natural as coffee," Focus also contains 100 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous as part of its "Mood Amplification" batch of ingredients. Lastly, the "Concentration Activation" section provides clinical-grade nutraceuticals like L-tyrosine, L-theanine, and ginkgo biloba to help boost cognition and lower stress levels. Hunter Evolve Focus prides itself on being fully transparent with all ingredients and employs FDA's Current Good Manufacture Practice (cGMP) regulations. Focus is on the spendier side but does offer bundles with discounts and extras like video programs and nutritional e-books.
What We Like
- Natural ingredients for concentration, memory, and mood
- FDA GMP-compliant
- Higher doses and science-backed formulas
- Gluten, preservative, synthetic, and soy-free, and non-GMO.
What We Don't Like
- 6 daily capsules can be a lot for some
- Expensive
KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage: 1 scoop (7.4g)
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane, red reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail, and Chaga mushrooms; organic Mexican spray-dried coffee, organic green coffee beans
- Certifications: GMP-certified, USDA-organic
Why We Picked It
KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom is a plant-based mushroom coffee blend that you can conveniently mix with the hot beverage of your choice—though KOS highly recommends that you try it with warmed almond milk. Each powder batch goes through third-party testing to ensure it's effective and brings you the highest quality ingredients with maximum potency. Each serving is also low in calories and carbohydrates while providing 6% of your daily value of iron. This nutrient is commonly lacking in many people today and is essential to everyday body functions.
While mixing powder may not be convenient for some, this supplement is allergen-friendly and organic, which is a big plus for those who like to consume more natural supplements. It also has an excellent dark chocolate mocha flavor, according to reviewers.
What We Like
- Morning antioxidant-rich coffee with less jitters
- USDA organic
- Soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- Low-calorie and low-carb
- 60-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Caffeine content may be an issue for some
- Somewhat expensive
BUY: KOS Sippin' On Shroomboom
Huge Supplements Focus
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 8 capsules
- Ingredients: Lion's mane mushroom powder, L-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, rhodiola rosea extract, ginkgo biloba extract, caffeine anhydrous, di-caffeine malate, L-theanine, huperzine A
- Certifications: Third-party tested, GMP-certified, manufactured in FDA-regulated facility
Why We Picked It
Huge Supplements Focus contains 12 high-quality ingredients to help aid in improved cognitive function, focus, and energy. Each 8-capsule serving contains 800 milligrams of lion's mane mushroom powder along with previously established cognitive ingredients like L-tyrosine, L-theanine, and ginkgo biloba. Additionally, you'll be getting your boost in energy from two forms of caffeine; 200 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous and 200 milligrams of di-caffeine malate.
"[Huge Supplements Focus] really helps keep my brain fog at bay, especially during work hours. Love it! Recommend it!" - Warren A. (Verified Buyer)
Huge Supplements Focus is third-party tested for quality and potency and is produced in an FDA-regulated facility. The labeling is also transparent by showing you the exact amounts of each ingredient included in the formula. The 8-capsule serving size may not work for all users—especially those who are pill averse—but this is not a supplement that you'll necessarily be taking daily, just when you need a mental boost to power through your workday or workout.
What We Like
- Transparent labeling
- Science-backed ingredients for memory, energy, and focus
- Highly recommended by reviewers
- Made in the USA
What We Don't Like
- 8 capsule serving can be a lot for some
- Contains gelatin; not vegan-friendly
Future Kind Vegan Lion's Mane
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 1 capsule, preferably with meal
- Ingredients: Lion's mane mushroom extract, Chaga mushroom extract, maitake mushroom extract, shiitake mushroom extract, and reishi mushroom extract
- Certifications: non-GMO, B-CORP certified, third-party tested, manufactured in FDA GMP-compliant facility, vegan
Why We Picked It
Future Kind is a relative newcomer in the supplement industry but is making a splash with its 100% vegan, sustainably-made products and recycled packaging. Future Kind Vegan Lion's Mane stands out to us because it features a blend of five different "magic" mushrooms; 500 milligrams of lion's mane and 50 milligrams each of Chaga, maitake, shiitake, and reishi for mental clarity, energy, and focus. Not only that, each serving is just one daily capsule.
We also really like that this product is third-party tested for purity and quality and manufactured in the USA at an FDA-regulated facility. Future Kind is free from soy, gluten, wheat, yeast, GMOs, artificial colors, and preservatives. Last but not least, Future Kind Vegan Lion's Mane comes in a recycled bottle via carbon-neutral delivery.
What We Like
- Blend of 5 mushroom extracts
- Vegan-friendly
- Recycled bottle & carbon-neutral delivery
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Some users had issues with the subscription service
BUY: Future Kind Vegan Lions Mane
Transparent Labs Shroom Stack
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 3 daily capsules, preferably on empty stomach
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane, CordycepsPrime™, organic reishi
- Certifications: Third-party tested, manufactured in FDA GMP-compliant facility, UDAF GMP-certification
Why We Picked It
Transparent Labs keeps things as simple—and transparent—as possible by offering a mushroom-based supplement with the cleanest ingredients and free from artificial sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. Transparent Labs Shroom Stack is a blend of organic lion's mane, reishi, and Cordyceps sinensis—touted as a promising medicinal mushroom combination—that can potentially help improve clarity, alertness, and focus, as well as ATP energy production.(4) In fact, several of the reviewers even claim that they are experiencing better moods and sleep patterns. Plus, we like that the brand uses third-party testing, quality inspections, and manufacturing standards in an FDA GMP-compliant facility.
What We Like
- Blend of organic lion's man, Cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms
- Third-party tested
- Vegan
- No artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives
- Manufactured in an FDA GMP-compliant facility
What We Don't Like
- 3 daily capsules can be a lot for some
- Must subscribe or spend $149 to get free shipping
BUY: Transparent Labs Shroom Stack
Mind Lab Pro®
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 2 NutriCaps® (up to twice daily)
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane mushroom, bacopa monnieri, citicoline, vitamins B6, B9, B12, L-theanine, rhodiola rosea
- Certifications: Third-party tested, vegan, non-GMO
Why We Picked It
For a cognitive boost without the potential jitters, Mind Lab Pro® may be the nootropic for your focus needs. This natural, caffeine-free formula boasts 11 premium ingredients, including 500 milligrams of organic lion's mane mushroom. Their patented NutriCaps® are prebiotic capsules that don't contain gelatin and therefore are vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
The recommendations for taking Mind Lab Pro® are as simple as including 2 capsules with your morning beverage or breakfast and then taking two more around the afternoon energy slump, as needed. Remember that your nootropic formula will be 100% natural, traceable, and sustainably sourced with Mind Lab Pro®. This product is on the spendier side, but there are bundle discounts available if you order multiple bottles.
What We Like
- 11 premium nootropic ingredients
- Transparent labeling
- Caffeine-free
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Only available through their official website
Ancient Nutrition Lion's Mane
SPECS
- Type: Tablets
- Dosage: 1 tablet
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane mushroom extract, organic ashwagandha leaf and root extract
- Certifications: USDA-organic, third-party tested
Why We Picked It
Many of the options on our list come in capsule or tablet form with larger serving sizes, so if you're interested in a lion's mane tablet but hesitate to take several each day, the reduced serving of Ancient Nutrition Lion's Mane could be the best option for you. Featuring a 1-gram memory and mood elevating combination of organic lion's mane mushroom extract and organic ashwagandha extract, this nootropic supplement only requires 1 daily tablet to help build up your cognition while reducing fatigue.
We like that Ancient Nutrition Lion's Mane is affordable at around $1 per serving with the option to subscribe and save for an extra 15% off and free shipping. Additionally, this product is gluten-free and made without dairy or soy. It's also vegan, keto, paleo, BPA-free, and certified organic.
What We Like
- Only 1 daily tablet
- Certified organic
- Third-party tested
- Budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Not as many nootropic ingredients
- Uses proprietary blend
BUY: Ancient Nutrition Lion's Mane
Microingredients Organic Lion's Mane Extract
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage: 1 scoop (2x daily)
- Ingredients: Organic lion's mane extract
- Certifications: non-GMO, third-party tested
Why We Picked It
Microingredients Organic Lion's Mane Extract is simply 1500 milligrams of sustainably sourced lion's mane; that's it. No fillers, soy, or gluten. One highly-concentrated scoop of this natural powder is made to be mixed with your beverage of choice for higher absorption in the body and stomach ease. In fact, 1 scoop is described as the equivalent of about 2 capsules.
"The color, the flavor, the texture—everything about this lion's mane is amazing. It tastes deliciously malty & I can genuinely feel such a difference so quickly when taking this!" Nikki O. (Verified Buyer)
Additionally, you can consume your mushroom drink up to two times a day if you need an afternoon pick-me-up without worrying about running through the container too quickly, as there are roughly 151 servings. The flavor is described as malty chocolate and mixes well with your morning coffee.
What We Like
- Just 1 ingredient
- Certified organic and non-GMO
- Easy to mix powder
- Recyclable packaging
What We Don't Like
- Free shipping starts at $49
- Reviewers mixed on the flavor
BUY: Microingredients Organic Lion's Mane Extract
MUDWTR
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage:
- Ingredients:
- Certifications: non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, USDA-organic, kosher
Why We Picked It
For a mushroom-rich coffee alternative, we highly recommend MUDWTR. Each one-tablespoon serving of the original ":rise" blend has a 2,240-milligram mushroom blend of USA-grown lion's mane, Chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and mycelium cultured on organically-sourced oats. This "coffee" also gets its flavoring from organic cacao and an organic spice blend featuring standards like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. There is also a much lower dosage of 35 milligrams of caffeine if you have caffeine sensitivity or want to cut back on your intake.
You can purchase MUDWTR individually or subscribe-and-save for $10 off and free shipping on your monthly purchase. They also offer a starter kit that contains your first container of MUDWTR, a rechargeable frother, a guidebook, and samples of the branded ":creamer" and ":sweetener." Each container is about 30 servings and can be mixed with hot water and preferred extras like creamers, MCT oil, or honey for a low-caffeine, brighter morning beverage.
What We Like
- Lower caffeine alternative to coffee
- 100% Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and Whole30
- Started kit includes a frother, guidebook, and free samples
- 0g of sugar
What We Don't Like
- Very expensive
- Creamer has to be purchased separately
Benefits of Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane May Help Decrease Depression Symptoms
About 21 million Americans have experienced depression at least once.(5) A 2020 review of studies published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences researched the effects of lion's mane on depression.(6) The review found that though more research continues, lion's mane significantly reduces depressive disorder through several pathways, including fighting inflammation and helping the nervous system. According to the review, using lion's mane as a complementary treatment for depression has some potential.
Lion's Mane May Help Strengthen Your Immune Defense
A weak immune system is a cordial invitation for diseases and infections to enter the body, so armoring your immune defenses is essential for illness prevention. According to animal research, lion's mane may enhance immunity by promoting more activity in the intestinal immune system, guarding the body against entry of harmful pathogens.(7) Positive changes in the gut bacteria may also help protect immunity.(8)
Lion's Mane May Help Protect Against Brain Conditions Like Dementia and Alzheimer's
As people age, it's normal to experience changes in the brain.(9) But with severe conditions, such as Alzheimer's, rapid and widespread changes can be devastating. Animal research has shown that lion's mane mushroom extracts may help prevent brain damage from plaque accumulation during Alzheimer's disease.(10) Lion's mane also showed neuroprotective benefits to brain cells by functioning as antioxidants to thwart brain cell damage.
Lion's Mane May Help Improve Sleep and Anxiety
Poor sleep is a troubling reality for many Americans today, often resulting from stress, anxiety, and financial burdens. In a recent animal study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal, mice with sleep disturbance issues were dosed with low and high levels of lion's mane. The study found that high dosages of lion's mane significantly reduced anxiety and reversed sleep disturbances. An additional study from the Evidenced Based Complementary Alternative Medicine Journal found that lion's mane improved sleep disorders and mood after eight weeks of supplementation in 77 adults.(11)
More human clinical trials are needed to support that lion's mane is genuinely beneficial to health and void of harmful side effects.
What to Look for When Buying Lion's Mane Supplements
Dosage
Supplement dosages come in a wide range, some higher than others. Some dosages are two capsules, while others are three, which can be a lot of pills. Dosage is also vital because it plays into cost. The higher dosage, the quicker you'll run out of your supply.
Type
The type or form your supplement is in is crucial because it determines how easy or difficult it may be for you to take it regularly. If you're more of a one-and-done type, we recommend finding a lion's mane supplement that's in capsule form. If swallowing pills isn't the most straightforward task, you can always try a liquid or powder form of lion's mane. Some powder forms are easy to mix into your everyday foods and beverages.
Ingredients
The ingredients list must pass the test when searching for the best lion's mane supplement. You want to primarily look for a product with more lion's mane than others, so you have the best chance of getting a potent supplement. Look for supplements made with organic ingredients to avoid excessive chemicals and pesticides. Lastly, you will want a product that adds to your health instead of taking away from it, so avoiding artificial ingredients, fillers, and added sugars are crucial.
Certifications
To ensure a lion's mane supplement is of high quality and free of contaminants, we recommend purchasing one manufactured in a GMP facility that's third-party tested. GMP facilities have high standards regarding cleanliness, equipment, employees, and operating procedures. Third-party tested supplements are sent to an outside company and tested to ensure they contain the stated amount of ingredients and are free from contaminants.
FAQs About Lion's Mane Supplements
What is the most effective form of lion's mane?
There's no guarantee a supplement will be effective; however, consistency will help prove whether or not a supplement works. The most effective form of lion's mane will be the form you can take consistently. It's best to choose a supplement form you're willing to take regularly, whether powder, capsule, or liquid.
Are Lion's Mane supplements worth it?
Lion's mane has been researched for its health benefits stemming from plant compounds that may boost brain health, support immune health, and help fight depression and anxiety. To date, human studies have not found the side effects of lion's mane, which appears safe for consumption. Given that many lion's mane supplements are affordable, they may be worth trying. Always discuss new supplements with your medical provider before taking them.
When should I take Lion's Mane supplements?
To know when to take lion's mane supplements, consider the time of day you'll need the most brain stimulation, alertness, and mental focus. For many, taking lion's mane in the morning makes the most sense, especially when mixing it into a morning coffee or smoothie.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Prasad, Shalinee & Rathore, Himanshi & Sharma, Satyawati & AS, Yadav. (2015). Medicinal Mushrooms as a Source of Novel Functional Food. International Journal of Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics. 221-225. 10.19070/2326-3350-1500040.
- Ma, G., Yang, W., Zhao, L., Pei, F., Fang, D., & Hu, Q. (2018). A critical review on the health promoting effects of mushrooms nutraceuticals. Food Science and Human Wellness, 7(2), 125-133.
- Thongbai, B., Rapior, S., Hyde, K.D. et al. Hericium erinaceus, an amazing medicinal mushroom. Mycol Progress 14, 91 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-015-1105-4
- Nkodo, A. (2019). A systematic review of in-vivo studies on dietary mushroom supplementation for cognitive impairment (P14-021-19). Current Developments in Nutrition, 3(Supplement_1), nzz052-P14.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Major Depression. Retrieved November, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
- Chong, P. S., Fung, M. L., Wong, K. H., & Lim, L. W. (2019). Therapeutic potential of Hericium erinaceus for depressive disorder. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(1), 163.
- Sheng, X., Yan, J., Meng, Y., Kang, Y., Han, Z., Tai, G., ... & Cheng, H. (2017). Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology. Food & Function, 8(3), 1020-1027.
- Diling, C., Chaoqun, Z., Jian, Y., Jian, L., Jiyan, S., Yizhen, X., & Guoxiao, L. (2017). Immunomodulatory activities of a fungal protein extracted from Hericium erinaceus through regulating the gut microbiota. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 666.
- Anderton B. H. (2002). Aging of the brain. Mechanisms of ageing and development, 123(7), 811–817. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0047-6374(01)00426-2
- Tsai-Teng, T., Chin-Chu, C., Li-Ya, L., Wan-Ping, C., Chung-Kuang, L., Chien-Chang, S., ... & Shiao, Y. J. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Journal of biomedical science, 23(1), 1-12.
- Vigna, L., Morelli, F., Agnelli, G. M., Napolitano, F., Ratto, D., Occhinegro, A., ... & Rossi, P. (2019). Hericium erinaceus improves mood and sleep disorders in patients affected by overweight or obesity: could circulating pro-BDNF and BDNF be potential biomarkers?. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.