As contemporary research trends are beginning to gravitate towards natural medicine treatment options, a medicinal fungus commonly referred to as lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is gaining a lot of attention for its health benefits and nootropic abilities.

In this article, we will review some experiments which helped establish the effects and benefits that lion’s mane mushroom (also known as Satyr’s beard or Yamabushitake) has on cognition. Relevant animal models and behavioral mazes will be discussed.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom and its Benefits

Lion’s mane mushroom is a medicinal fungus with many health benefits. Several studies have already demonstrated its antibacterial and anticarcinogenic effects.[1]

Currently, research is directed towards exploring how the nootropic lion’s mane can improve behavior and cognition across different animal models.

Lion’s Mane Extract Has Antidepressant-like Effects

Hericium erinaceus can be cultured and a vast array of natural products can be extracted from it. For example, when culturing mycelium (the part of the fungus that is located in the soil and has the function of absorbing nutrients), diterpenoids can be isolated from it; specifically erinacines, which have been demonstrated to be able to enhance nerve growth factor biosynthesis in astrocytes.[2-4] Erinacine A, a type of diterpenoid found in Hericium erinaceus, has been shown to have neurotrophic activity, enhancing cognition even in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. So, a group of researchers set out to find whether erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus could also have a positive effect on a depression-like state caused by excessive stress.[5]

Stress has been determined to be a major determinant for developing depression since it can prompt neuroinflammation, neuroplastic deficits, and mitochondrial damage.[6-7] Furthermore, using animal studies, stress and depressive disorders have been found to alter levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.[8] To determine the effect of Hericium erinaceus on depression, a restraint stress-induced mouse model of depression was used.

In the experiment, Hericium erinaceus was given to mice daily for the span of 4 weeks at doses 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight. After the first 2 weeks passed, the restraint stress protocol began and lasted for 14 days (for all mice except those serving as controls).[9]