Potential Benefits and Limitations of Hericium erinaceus Supplementation

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) is an edible and medicinal mushroom that has attracted increasing scientific interest as a dietary supplement because of its potential effects on cognitive function, neuroprotection, mental well-being and healthy ageing. Its biological activities have been primarily attributed to bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, hericenones and erinacines, which may influence neurotrophic signalling, neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, inflammation and neuronal survival. This review examines the potential benefits and limitations of H. erinaceus supplementation, with emphasis on its bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, cognitive and neuroprotective effects, mental-health-related outcomes, safety and product quality. Experimental studies provide evidence for neurotrophic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, while clinical studies suggest possible benefits for cognitive outcomes, particularly information-processing speed, subjective stress and well-being. However, findings are inconsistent across study populations and outcomes, and evidence regarding neurodegenerative diseases is still largely derived from preclinical studies. Interpretation is further complicated by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, variability in supplement formulations, differences between fruiting-body-derived and mycelium-derived preparations and insufficient standardisation of bioactive compounds. Although H. erinaceus supplementation is generally well tolerated, its safety during prolonged use and optimal dosage remains unclear. Overall, H. erinaceus shows potential as a dietary supplement for supporting cognitive and neurological health, but further well-designed clinical trials involving larger populations, longer intervention periods and standardised, well-characterised preparations are needed to confirm its clinical effectiveness and establish reliable recommendations for safe supplementation.