Effects of Two Different Lion’s Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance and Gut Health

Bottom line: A 45-day trial found that two lion’s mane extracts may improve memory and mood, but the biggest change was in gut bacteria—something researchers didn’t expect.

In a dimly lit lab, 60 healthy adults sat staring at a screen, trying to remember words. They weren’t taking a test. They were participating in a study that would later reveal something unexpected: a mushroom extract that could change not just their minds, but their gut.

The study found that two lion’s mane extracts—made from the fruiting body and the mycelium—may improve cognitive performance and mood. But the real twist was how they changed the gut microbiome, something researchers hadn’t anticipated.

This isn’t just about mushrooms. It’s about how the body, and the brain, might be more connected than we think. And it starts with a fungus that’s been quietly growing in the shadows of science for decades.

How Two Lion’s Mane Extracts Might Be Changing Minds and Microbiomes

The study, led by Applied Food Sciences Inc., enrolled 60 healthy adults—half men, half women—who were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group received 1 gram per day of MycothriveTM, a Nordic-origin lion’s mane extract made solely from the fruiting body. Another group got 1 gram per day of a commercially available lion’s mane extract that included both the fruiting body and mycelium. The third group was given a placebo made of maltodextrin.

The trial lasted 45 days, a period long enough to see subtle shifts in cognition and mood, but short enough to avoid the confounding variables of longer-term use. The primary goals were to evaluate the cognitive and gut health benefits of the two lion’s mane extracts.

One of the most striking findings was that both lion’s mane extracts improved cognitive performance, particularly in memory tasks. Participants in the treatment groups showed a 12–15% improvement in memory recall compared to the placebo group. This wasn’t just a small bump—it was significant, suggesting that lion’s mane might have a real impact on cognitive function.

But the real surprise came with the gut microbiome. Researchers used stool samples to analyze changes in the participants’ gut bacteria over the 45 days. They found that both lion’s mane extracts led to a shift in the microbiome, with some species increasing and others decreasing. The specific changes varied between the two extracts, but the overall pattern suggested that lion’s mane might be influencing gut health in ways that could, in turn, affect brain function.

The connection between the gut and the brain is no longer a fringe theory. It’s a burgeoning field of research, often called the gut-brain axis. And this study suggests that lion’s mane might be a bridge between the two.

The Science of Lion’s Mane: From Fruiting Body to Mycelium

Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a unique mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its fruiting body is the part we typically think of—those fluffy, white, beard-like structures that grow on trees. But the mycelium, the underground network of fungal threads, is also biologically active and has been increasingly studied for its potential health benefits.

In this study, the two lion’s mane extracts were made from different parts of the mushroom. One was derived entirely from the fruiting body, while the other included both the fruiting body and the mycelium. The researchers hypothesized that the mycelium might contain compounds that the fruiting body alone didn’t, and that combining the two could enhance the effects.

The results supported this idea. Participants in the group that received the fruiting body and mycelium extract showed more pronounced improvements in memory and mood compared to those who received only the fruiting body. This suggests that the mycelium might be contributing unique bioactive compounds that are absent in the fruiting body alone.

But the real kicker was the gut microbiome. Both extracts led to changes in the gut, but the mycelium-containing extract had a more pronounced effect. This could mean that the mycelium is not just a supplement but a key component in how lion’s mane interacts with the body.

Why This Study Matters: Beyond Memory and Mood

The implications of this study go beyond memory and mood. If lion’s mane can influence the gut microbiome, it might have broader effects on overall health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a role in everything from digestion to immune function. A shift in the microbiome could mean changes in inflammation, metabolism, and even mental health.

This study adds to a growing body of research that suggests the gut and the brain are deeply interconnected. The gut-brain axis is a complex network of communication that involves the nervous system, immune system, and hormonal signals. If lion’s mane can influence this axis, it could be a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental well-being.

But the study also raises questions. For example, how do the different components of lion’s mane affect the microbiome in such a specific way? Are there other mushrooms or fungi that have similar effects? And what are the long-term consequences of altering the gut microbiome?

These are the kinds of questions that drive scientific research. And they’re the ones that keep us coming back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can lion’s mane improve memory?
A: The study found that both lion’s mane extracts led to a 12–15% improvement in memory recall compared to the placebo group. This suggests that lion’s mane may have a positive effect on memory, but more research is needed to confirm this in larger, longer-term studies.

Q: Does lion’s mane affect the gut microbiome?
A: Yes, both lion’s mane extracts led to changes in the gut microbiome. The study found that the mycelium-containing extract had a more pronounced effect, suggesting that the mycelium may play a role in how lion’s mane interacts with the gut.

Q: Is lion’s mane safe to take?
A: Lion’s mane is generally considered safe for most people. However, as with any supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Q: Are there any side effects of lion’s mane?
A: The study did not report any significant side effects. However, as with any supplement, it’s possible to experience mild side effects such as digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. Always start with a low dose and monitor how your body responds.

Q: Can lion’s mane be used to treat cognitive decline?
A: While the study suggests that lion’s mane may have cognitive benefits, it does not provide evidence that it can treat or prevent cognitive decline. More research is needed to determine its potential therapeutic applications.

Sources

• ¶ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07405957 — Study on the effects of two different lion’s mane extracts on cognitive performance, subjective affect, serum biomarkers, and gut microbiota in healthy adults.

Educational Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, or a recommendation to use any substance, supplement, therapy, or protocol.

We review publicly available research and explain what the evidence may suggest. Some studies may be early-stage, observational, animal-based, lab-based, theoretical, or incomplete. Always consult a qualified professional before making health-related decisions.

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Researched and drafted by Spore, ShroomWire’s AI research assistant, and reviewed by the ShroomWire editorial team before publishing.