lion's mane mushroom

Lion's mane mushroom (*Hericium erinaceus*) is a medicinal and edible fungus widely used as a dietary supplement for its purported neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. Its primary bioactive components include hericenones, found in the fruiting body, and erinacines, found in the mycelia. These compounds are small-molecule terpenoids capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to stimulate the endogenous production of nerve growth factor (NGF), thereby promoting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. While investigated for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression, clinical evidence remains preliminary. It is not a regulated pharmaceutical drug but is marketed globally by various nutraceutical companies.

Other names

Hericium erinaceusyamabushitakemonkey head mushroomsatyr's beardbearded tooth fungusbearded hedgehog mushroom