Although the health benefits of Lion's mane are in the limelight, some people are still holding back on using the mushroom due to the absence of credible information on dosage. In addition, the best dosage of Lion's mane varies from one person to the other as different people react differently to this functional fungus.
However, for Lion's mane mushroom supplements, a dosage between 250 and 4,000 mg daily produces excellent results for different people. In addition, you may want to go as high as 5,000 mg daily when using fresh mushrooms since fresh fruiting bodies are less potent than supplements.
It is worth noting that Lion's mane dosage depends on factors like age, underlying health status, and desired outcome. Therefore, you may want to talk to a healthcare professional to help fine-tune the dosage to fit your needs.
Below, we will look at the optimal Lion's mane dosage for different desired outcomes. Moreover, we will look at the dosage for various mushroom forms, including fresh Lion's mane mushrooms and supplements.
Lion's Mane Dosage For Specific Health Benefits
Improving Cognitive Function and Memory
A 250 mg tablet (96% dry powder) of this medicinal mushroom Hericium Erinaceus, can be administered three times a day for 16 weeks for improved cognitive functioning and brain health.
After that, the total daily dose of the tablet can be increased up to 3g/day (3000 mg per day). In addition, the fruiting body can be consumed with soup at 5g/day.
This dosage stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production and boosts cognitive function and memory.
Read More: See how Lion's mane fights memory loss.
For Alleviating Depression And Anxiety
If you are incorporating Lion's mane powder into your diet to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, a dosage of up to 2g/day (2,000 mg per day) is effective. Research suggests that results are observed after four weeks of usage.
Research conducted in 2020(1) verified Lion's mane medicinal mushrooms' effectiveness as a therapy for depressive disorder. In addition, another research study(2) conducted in 2022 concluded that Lion's mane has antidepressant benefits.
For Fighting Diabetes
Lion's mane powder at a daily dosage of 500 mg can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. This dosage can also increase insulin levels and reduce the risk of pain associated with diabetes complications like neuropathy.
Research shows(3) that Lion's mane fights diabetes and has antihyperglycemic and anti-lipidemic benefits, which can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, most people with diabetes use other pharmaceutical drugs to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Therefore, we recommend talking to a doctor before using Lion's Mane for diabetes. This can help you avoid using an extreme dosage that can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
For Gastrointestinal Disease
According to animal studies(4), A Lion's mane dosage of 2 gm/day (2000 mg daily) can facilitate the mucosal repair and restore mucosal barrier function.
The dosage has also been associated with a diminished incidence of pain caused by colitis and gastric mucosal lesions. In addition, clinical studies with similar dosages conducted on humans have reported benefits in chronic atrophic gastritis.
For Adjuvant Cancer Therapy
Lion's mane dosages of 1-2 gm/day (1000 mg to 2000 mg per day) may have anticancer properties as suggested by in vitro and animal studies.
Research has confirmed(5) Lion's mane fights cancer cells metastasis, eliminating the pain associated with cancer cells jumping from one location to another. In addition, research has also shown(6) this traditional Chinese medicine initiates the death of cancer cells (apoptosis).
For Improving ADHD Symptoms
To fight ADHD with Lion's mane, you will want to take about 2 grams (2,000 mg) of this functional fungus daily. Studies suggest that individuals with ADHD may experience enhanced focus and relief from brain fog by consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms.
Although no scientific evidence indicates that Lion's Mane can interact with Adderall—a common drug prescribed to people with ADHD—talk to your doctor before using Lion's mane for ADHD if you also take Adderall.
For Alzheimer's and Dementia
The best Hericium Erinaceus dosage for treating Alzheimer's is between 1,000 and 2,000 mg daily. If you are new to Lion's mane, start with the lower dosage and increase it gradually as your body gets used to this functional mushroom. Research conducted in 2018(7) supports that there could be improvements in Alzheimer's disease if Lion's mane is used daily.
For Alleviating Neuropathy Symptoms
The recommended dosage of Lion's Mane mushroom for neuropathy is typically between 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily, divided into two to three doses. Research has confirmed(8) that Lion's mane has neuro-regenerative potential, promoting the growth of new nerve cells and hence fighting the symptoms of neuron damage.
For Treating Parkinson's Disease
To treat Parkinson's disease with Lion's mane, start with the lowest dosage of 250 mg daily and slowly increase your dosage to about 3,000 mg. When increasing your dosage, note how your body behaves, stopping at the point where you get maximum relief from the symptoms of Parkinson's.
A research study conducted in 2015(9) showed that Lion's mane is one of the few mushrooms capable of boosting neuronal health to fight Parkinson's disease.
For Fighting MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
A higher dosage may benefit those managing MS with Lion's mane more significantly. Individuals with MS have reported taking 750 mg to over 1000 mg daily. However, if you are new to using Lion's mane, starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing it over several weeks may be advisable.
Lion's Mane Dosage Guidelines for Popular Forms
When it comes to improving your health with Lion's mane (Hericium Erinaceus in Latin), you get to choose between Lion's mane supplements—extract, powder, capsules, and tinctures—and fresh Lion's mane. Below, we will help you avoid taking too much Lion's mane when using any of these options.
Lion's Mane Mushroom Extracts
A high-quality Lion's mane mushroom extract is highly potent. Therefore, a lower dosage may help you enjoy the benefits you seek, whether to fight depression and anxiety, improve cognitive function, or fight inflammation.
When using Lion's mane extracts, 250 mg to 750 mg per day should be adequatefor fighting diabetes, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, reducing cancer risk, etc.
If you have never used pure Hericium Erinaceus mushroom extracts before, start with the lower dosage of 250 mg and slowly increase the dosage to 750 mg. If you experience discomfort or side effects, reduce your dosage.
Lion's Mane Powder
Lion's Mane powder requires a higher dose than the extract form, as supplement powders tend to have lower potency.When using Lion's mane mushroom powder to boost your brain health or fight inflammation, you can go as high as 2,000 mg daily.
However, start lower at 1,000 mg daily and work your way up to avoid side effects. Small increments will help your body get used to the mushroom, reducing the risk of side effects.
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Lion's Mane Tincture
Tinctures are concentrated extracts of Lion's mane products and are used by taking a few drops under the tongue or mixed into a drink. Lion's Mane tinctures are a convenient and potent way to consume this mushroom. Tinctures have all the bioactive ingredients in Lion's mane, including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, hericenones, and erinacines.
An intake of 2-3 droppers, three times daily, should boost neurogenesis and elevate your cognitive function while fighting inflammation. Put the droppers under your tongue or a drink like water or juice to add protein, vitamins, and minerals to your diet while enjoying improvements in your health.
Read More: See how Lion's mane promotes neurogenesis.
Lion's Mane Capsules
Lion's mane powder can be compressed into a capsule for convenient and easy consumption. However, the capsule dosage can vary depending on the brand and the concentration of the powder inside.
Because capsules are also made of Lion's mane powder, they have a similar potency. Therefore, we recommend a dosage of up to 2,000 mg daily, starting with 1,000 mg, for safety purposes.
Check the capsule package for the amount of Lion's mane powder in each tablet. For example, if each capsule contains 500 mg of Lion's mane powder, you can start with two daily tablets, giving you 1,000 mg. After that, you can increase your intake to 4 tablets, giving you 2,000 mg daily.
Fresh Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Fresh Lion's mane fruiting bodies have the least potency compared to extracts, tinctures, and powders. Therefore, you must use a high dosage of fresh mushrooms to get the same benefits as supplements. You can consume as high as 5,000 mg daily when using fresh mushrooms to improve your immune system.
However, exercise caution to avoid taking too much and dealing with digestion problems. If you are new to fresh Hericium Erinaceus intake, start with a dosage between 2-4 grams per day (2000 mg to 4,000 mg) and then increase the dosage as your body becomes used to the mushroom properties.
Read More: You can use our Lion's mane mushroom recipes to cook fresh Lion's mane fruiting bodies.
Best Time to Take a Lion's Mane Mushroom Dosage
As noted earlier, you can use Lion's mane multiple times throughout the day—divide the recommended daily dosage to avoid taking more than needed. The best times to take your dose of Lion's mane include:
- In the morning: Taking Lion's Mane mushrooms in the morning can boost energy and clear your mind for the day ahead.
- Before meals: Consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms before meals can help support digestion, nutrient absorption, and cholesterol breakdown.
- At bedtime:Taking Lion's Mane mushrooms before bed can improve sleep quality.
It's important to remember that the best time to take Lion's Mane mushroom may vary based on the individual's health condition and the reason for taking it. For example, those taking blood sugar-lowering medications may need to take the mushroom and their meds at different times to prevent interactions. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice on the best time to take Lion's Mane mushroom based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Read More: See our guide on the best time to take Lion's mane.
FAQs About Lion's Mane Dosage
Can I Take Lion's Mane Every Day?
You can take Lion's Mane mushrooms daily, but following the recommended dosage is essential. Lion's Mane mushroom is considered safe when taken in recommended doses, but consuming it in excessive amounts can cause adverse reactions.
It's also important to consider any potential interactions with other medications or supplements you may be taking and any underlying medical conditions. A healthcare professional can help determine if taking Lion's Mane mushroom daily is safe and appropriate for you based on your individual needs and circumstances.
What Are the Lion's Mane Side Effects?
Lion's mane mushroom—whether supplements, fresh, or dried mushrooms—is generally considered safe for most people, but it may still cause some side effects. Lion's mane's most common side effects include digestive issues, such as stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea. In rare cases, Lion's mane can also cause allergic reactions, including itching, skin rashes, and difficulty breathing.
Lion's mane may also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and immunosuppressants. So it's important to talk to your doctor before taking Lion's mane if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications.
Read More: Learn about Lion's mane drug interactions.
How Long Will It Take For Lion's Mane To Work?
The time it takes for Lion's mane to work varies from person to person, depending on factors such as age, overall health, and the reason for taking Lion's mane. Some people may experience benefits within a few days, while others may not notice any changes for several weeks.
Additionally, the duration and severity of symptoms being treated may also impact the length of time it takes for the Lion's mane to work. Be patient and consistent with taking Lion's mane supplement, as its effects accumulate over time. If you have concerns or are not seeing any improvements after a certain period, it's always best to speak with your doctor.
Key Takeaways
The dosage for Lion's mane mushroom products varies depending on the form and the health condition you are trying to treat. For example, pure Lion's mane extract is so potent that a dosage of 250 mg to 750 mg will be enough to produce the desired health benefits. However, when using fresh fruiting bodies, you may want to increase the dosage to 5,000 mg daily as fruiting bodies are much less potent.
We have also looked at the different dosages for the various health benefits offered by Lion's mane bioactive compounds. However, if you are adding Lion's mane products to your food to treat a specific health problem, say diabetes, or to lower cholesterol, we recommend talking to your healthcare provider. This will help the doctor determine the dosage that will impact your condition positively without causing side effects.
Have you used Lion's mane before? What treatment properties of the mushroom were you interested in? What were your daily dosage and experience with the functional mushroom? Let us know in the comments.
References
- Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder, (1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982118/
- Potential antidepressant effects of a dietary supplement from the chlorella and Lion's mane mushroom complex in aged SAMP8 mice, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36118772/
- Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3852124/
- Gastroprotective Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract against Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats, (4)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3835629/
- Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom extracts inhibit metastasis of cancer cells to the lung in CT-26 colon cancer-tansplanted mice, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23668749/
- Induction Apoptosis of Erinacine A in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells Involving the Expression of TNFR, Fas, and Fas Ligand via the JNK/p300/p50 Signaling Pathway With Histone Acetylation, (6)https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.01174/full
- Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines, (7)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987239/
- Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review), (8)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23510212/
- Lion's Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study, (9)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26853959/
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