03/11/2025
Lion’s Mane mushroom has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for its reputed benefits in supporting brain health, focus, memory, and overall cognitive function. However, in my opinion, there is a significant misunderstanding surrounding many supplements on the market that claim these benefits. Not all Lion’s Mane products contain the compounds responsible for these effects.
Let’s explore Lion’s Mane mushroom in detail so you can make informed decisions when choosing supplements for yourself and your loved ones.
Most medicinal mushrooms contain alcohol-soluble and water-soluble compounds, as well as chitin, a structural component that affects extraction and bioavailability.
🧱 What is Chitin?
Chitin is a tough, fibrous polysaccharide that forms the rigid cell walls of fungi. It gives mushrooms their chewy, leathery texture and structural strength—similar to the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. While chitin is indigestible for humans, it plays a crucial role in protecting and supporting the mushroom’s growth. Its presence means that proper extraction methods (like dual extraction) are needed to access the beneficial compounds locked within the mushroom’s matrix.
🍄 Fruiting Body: Water- and Alcohol-Soluble Compounds
The fruiting body is the visible part of the mushroom—the cascading white spines we associate with Lion’s Mane. It contains:
- Hericenones: Primarily alcohol-soluble compounds found in the fruiting body. These are known to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, which supports brain regeneration and cognitive function.
- Polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucans): Water-soluble compounds with immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.
- Phenolic compounds and sterols: Also contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
However, hericenones do not cross the blood-brain barrier as effectively as compounds found in the mycelium.
🌱 Mycelium: Unique Neuroactive Compounds
The mycelium is the underground network—the root-like structure that nourishes the fruiting body. It contains:
- Erinacines: Alcohol-soluble compounds unique to the mycelium. Erinacines (especially Erinacine A) are potent stimulators of NGF and can cross the blood-brain barrier, making them highly relevant for neuroprotective effects.
- Polysaccharides: Similar to the fruiting body, mycelium also contains water-soluble beta-glucans.
- Other metabolites: Depending on the substrate used for cultivation, mycelium may contain additional bioactive compounds.
🧠Choosing the Right Supplement
To truly benefit from Lion’s Mane’s cognitive-enhancing properties, look for supplements that:
-contains alcohol extraction from mycelium
-contains alcohol extraction from fruiting body
- contains water extraction from fruiting body
🧪 Types of Lion’s Mane Supplements on the Market
1. Powdered Mushrooms (usually fruiting body)
These contain primarily hericenones, which are known to support nerve growth. However, their absorption is limited due to the presence of chitin.
2. Powdered Mushroom Extracts
Typically made by drying a water extract of the mushroom. While they may retain beta-glucans (immune-supporting polysaccharides), they generally lack hericenones and erinacines—the key neuroactive compounds—making them ineffective for cognitive support.
3. Dual Extraction Tinctures (fruiting body only)
These are made using both water and alcohol extraction methods. They contain:
- Hericenones (alcohol-soluble, neuroactive)
- Beta-glucans (water-soluble, immune-supportive)
4. Triple Extraction Tinctures (fruiting body + mycelium)
These offer the most comprehensive profile, containing:
- Hericenones (from fruiting body)
- Erinacines (from mycelium, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier)
- Beta-glucans (from both components)
