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Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)

by Caileen Vermilyea |

A fantastic fungal species, shown to have the unique & uncanny ability to pass through the blood brain barrier, directly stimulating the growth of neurons and protective cells in the central nervous system (AKA brain and spinal cord).

Common Name: Lion's Mane

Scientific Name: Hericium erinaceus
Family: Hericiaceae

Distinguishing features:
The fruiting body of is identifiable by its numerous, conical spines, dropping towards the ground and tapering to a point. Each spine is soft and typically half-an-inch to 2 inches in length. These spines are white when young and yellowish when older. Typically grows as a single clump.

If you misidentify H. erinaceus, don't fret. All other species are very edible, delicious, and grow throughout the same habitats.

Lion's mane, mushroom, fungus, fungi, nervous, neural, brain, focus, adaptogen, medicine, herb, herbs


Lion's mane and other species in the Hericiaceae family are not selective on which logs they grow. They can commonly be found on maple, beech, oak, sycamore, birch, and walnut trees. It can be found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Typically the erinaceus species fruits between August and December, and will produce spores through February. They are resilient to cold and frosty conditions!

Ethical Harvest Practices

Always ask permission when harvesting.

Pick Lion's mane while it is still white for the best flavor. If they are pinkish in hue, they have likely developed to far for a favorable dining experience. Cut the fruiting body from the base with a sharp paring/curved knife. Choose the cleanest mushrooms you can find if you are harvesting from a large patch.

Don't be afraid to take almost all of the mushroom when harvesting; it lives only on dead wood and appears only after thoroughly establishing itself. Leaving a small amount of fruiting body will allow for better spawning of the next round of fruiting bodies and will give you a chance to find the patch later on!

Carry the mushroom in a net bag to allow dirt and debris to fall from its body during transport without crushing the spines. Treat the delicate lion's mane fungus gently to prevent bruising.


Cyathane derivatives – This describes a group of three carbon ring structures, resembling cholesterol, with low molecular weight, also found in birds nest fungi, which have been studied for neuroregenerative effects. 

Erinacines – Similar to the above, but named for the Lion’s Mane genus. 

Hericenones – As the above to categories, stimulates nerve growth factor and possibly crosses the blood brain barrier (similar to above), but a different structure than the categories above, a six membered ring with various functional groups and a medium length carbon chain. 

Beta-D-glucans –Polysaccharides with a range of actions dependent on exact structure and origin. Most widely known for lowering LDL cholesterol levels.


Galactoxyloglucan – Branched polysaccharide (heteropolysaccharide) with possible cytotoxic effects.

Glucoxylan – Immunotonic.

Ergosterol – a precursor to Vitamin D2, which is technically Vitamin D, however D2 is still a precursor to the form our bodies use, D3. 

Mechanism of Action

Several pharmacological actions have been documented for Lion's Mane, based primarily on in vitro and animal studies.

Neuroprotective effects

Lion's mane is able to prevent build up of amyloid plaques that typically initiate and progress Alzheimer's disease. It may also help protect against Parkinson's disease by preventing dopamine neuronal loss by preventing apoptosis caused by oxidative stress. It has also been shown to prevent damage due to ischemic events.

Neurotrophic effects

Lion's mane has bee shown to directly promote nerve growth factor synthesis in astrocytes as well as the hippocampus. Hericenone E can potential help regenerate neural cells and tissues in the brain, spinal cord, and retina.


Lion's mane has shown to have  cytotoxic (kills cells) effect on gastric, hepatic/liver, and colon cancer cells possibly related to it's ability to downregulate TNF-a induced activation by NF-kB & MMP-9. Other research has shown Lion's mane can induce apoptosis (cell death) by activating caspase-3 & -9.

Lion's mane also has research showing that it may prevent metastases by preventing the expression of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes such as MMP-2 & -9, and u-PA. Cerebroside E may also inhibit VEGF induced tube formation which plays a role in cancer metastases.

Finally Lion's mane is a great tool to use during chemotherapy as it lessens neurotoxic and nephrotoxic (kidney) effects preventing further damage to these sensitive organs.


A study showed a that a 28 day course of liquid Lion's mane extract decreased resting blood sugar, increased serum insulin levels, and increased HDL cholesterol. it reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in diabetic rats.


Evidence from animal research shows that administering polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus daily for 28 days increases exhaustive swimming times by about 18% to 58% in mice. This anti-fatigue effect is attributed to the ability of these polysaccharides to decrease blood lactic acid (BLA), serum urea nitrogen (SUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA); increase glycogen content of tissue; and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes.


There is a possibility Lion's mane can protect against vascular disease by preventing LDL oxidation and HMG-CoA reductase activity by over 60%.


In vitro research shows that a polysaccharide from Hericium erinaceus mycelium can interfere with the proliferation of precancerous gastric epithelial cells, a model for chronic atrophic gastritis, by inducing cell cycle arrest. 

Liver protection

Decreased oxidative damage to protect against alcohol-induced liver damage.

Clinical uses: benefits take time to settle in, yet they compound upon each other with long term use. 

Lion's mane has been used for age-related cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, depression, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and to improve overall cognitive function and memory. It is also used orally for chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections, diabetes, cancer, hyperlipidemia, and weight loss.

Primary actions:

Nervine; Inflammation modulator; Nervous system trophorestorative; Immune modulator; Nootropic

Secondary actions:

Anti-microbial; Anti-inflammatory; Hypolipidemic; Styptic


Known as "Hou Tou Go" in Chinese, translating literally to monkey brain, although the commonly stated that eating Lion's mane would give one nerves of steel and the memory of lion.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat ulcers and other problems of the gastrointestinal system. In North America, native Indian tribes used it as an anti-hemorrhagic agent, applying it to the wound in dried and pulverized form.

Historically, Lio's mane, was reserved only for royalty. Its tender white flesh tastes similar to seafood (lobster/crab) and compliments many different types of cuisine. For a long time Lion's mane was harvested mostly for food purposes as a delicacy!

We utilize Lion's mane in our Harmony Drinking Powder, which is a blend of grounding, adaptogenic, neuro-restorative herbs that allows the body to establish healthy connections and communication throughout all it's systems.

Products Featuring Lion's Mane

harmony drinking powder



This blend of roots and mushrooms live intimately within the ground and are the connective tissue of the earth. They promote the rebuilding and growth of connective tissue within our bodies. Find renewed energy and wellbeing each day with a fresh cup of Harmony!


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