The North American market has been flooded with Lion’s Mane supplements, but which brands are the best? Our team has reviewed and selected 3 medicinal mushroom producers that create highly potent Lion’s Mane supplements.
Lion’s mane mushroom is an edible fungus packed with many compounds that have health-boosting effects. In recent decades, the mushroom has gone mainstream and there is a growing number of options available. In the United States, supplements containing Lion’s Mane mushroom are one of the most sought-after health foods.
Even though the dietary supplement industry is regulated, there are still concerns about confusing marketing and mislabeling. It is essential to filter through the buying options to find a supplement of the highest quality.
If you have spent any time looking up extracts containing Lion’s mane mushroom, you may realize that there is a lot of conflicting information. This no-nonsense guide will assist you in understanding what to look for when shopping for the best Lion’s Mane supplement in the United States.
Quick Links
- The Best Lion’s Mane supplement
- Real Mushrooms – our findings
- FreshCap – our findings
- NooTropics Depot – our findings
- What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
- Our Review and Selection Process
Our top 3 picks for the best Lion’s Mane Mushroom supplement
Before buying from these companies, we strongly advise that you reading our buying guide and selection process below on how we chose the best Lion’s mane products. Our main goal here at WorldMushroomSociety.com is for consumers to choose the best medicinal mushroom products to get the full health benefits for themselves and their families.
Our top 3 picks for the best Lion’s Mane supplements in the United States are from these medicinal mushroom companies:
#1. Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules and Powder
Also available in powder form and pet range
Pros
- Skye Chilton is the founder of Real Mushrooms. He is also the son of Jeff Chilton, the founder of Nammex with over 40 years of experience in medicinal mushrooms!
- High amount of 25% beta-glucans mentioned on the label
- Made from 100% organic Lion’s Mane mushrooms
- Improves cognitive function, mental clarity and focus
- Also available in powder forms
Cons
- Does not ship internationally. Countries outside of North America need to access Real Mushroom products via iherb or Amazon. We hope to see direct access soon!
- Certificate of analysis available on request only. It would be great to see this on the website publicly, however it is worth noting that many medicinal mushroom companies don’t provide this publicly.
Our review and experience with this Lion’s Mane supplement
Real Mushrooms’ Lion’s Mane capsules is our number 1 choice for the best quality Lion’s Mane and most recognised medicinal mushroom brand in the US market. Real Mushrooms is one of the most credible companies in the world, with a team of scientists, veterinarians and TCM professionals working together. Over 2200 medical practitioners are prescribing Real Mushrooms.
Their potent formula contains 100% organic, vegan, Lion’s Mane mushrooms and uses to Hot Water extraction to extract their compounds. We love that this product contains real fruiting bodies and does not contain mycelium, starch or grain filler of any kind. Furthermore, this product stands out with confirmed and lab certified >25% beta glucan content. We’ve tried many Lion’s Mane capsules and powders over the years and this product has a calming slow release that boosts focus and cognitive function throughout the day. After taking Real Mushrooms’ Lion’s Mane for a week we felt a sense of euphoria, mood uplift and general sense of positivity. This product can help alleviate anxiety and depression.
The powder form tastes good compared to other powders we’ve tried and their capsules are convenient for on the go.
#2. FreshCap Lion’s Mane Capsules and Powder
Also available in powder, gummies, drink blends and pet range
Pros
- Extracted from mushroom fruiting bodies
- Dual-extracted for increased bioavailability
- Does not contain any grain filler
- An impressive amount of 31% beta-glucan amount specified on the label
- Tegan, one of the founders of FreshCap, has a degree in nutrition and food science
Cons
- Sometimes low stock availability
- No international shipping outside of Canada and the United States
- Certificate of analysis available on request only.
Our review and experience with this Lion’s Mane supplement
FreshCap is our second pick for the best Lion’s mane supplement. We love this product because it uses a Dual extraction 4:1 extraction ratio which results in an outstanding 31% beta glucan content. This is the highest we have seen on the market. Every batch is tested heavy metals, potency, pesticides, pathogens and allergens in a US based GMP certified facility. We are happy that their product is non GMO, organic, and uses mushroom fruiting bodies with no grain or mycelium filler
The taste of this product is sweet and is delicious when mixed with tea and coffee. After 2 weeks of taking FreshCap Lion’s Mane we felt a reduction of brain fog, and improved mental clarity and focus.
#3. Nootropics Depot Lion’s Mane Extract Powder
Pros
- Contains 100% mushroom fruiting bodies
- Hot water extracted for bioavailability
- Does not contain any grain filler
- Manufactured in cGMP certified facility and iso17025 certified
- Health benefits include promotion of cognitive function, immune function and cardiovascular function
Cons
- Lower beta-glucan content
Our review and experience with this Lion’s Mane supplement
Nootropics Depot’s Lion’s Mane is our third choice for the best Lion’s Mane supplement. It uses a 1:1 hot water extraction ratio which results in a 25% beta-glucan content. Their product does not contain mycelium or any grain filler and is made of non GMO, organic, fruiting bodies.
After taking this product for 2 weeks we felt improvement across cognitive function, memory, verbal recall and brain fog. We also felt an uplift in mood and creativity. Compared to the Real Mushrooms and FreshCap, the benefits seemed a little more subtle.
What is Lion’s mane mushroom?
Lion’s Mane Mushroom, or Hericium erinaceus, is a medicinal fungus that has a long history of usage in traditional Chinese medicine. Hericium erinaceus mushroom has many beneficial properties; however, it is most well-known for its ability to support overall cognitive functioning and promote positive brain and nerve-health-related activities.
While it is a top supplement to use for a healthy and sharp brain, it is not going to magically transform you into a brainiac overnight. However, you can get the best out of Lion’s mane mushroom when coupled with a healthy lifestyle consistently over time.
What are the health benefits?
Hericenones and erinacines which are derived from the mushroom, have various neuroprotective properties. They enhance the release of Nerve Growth Factors (NGF) which encourages neurogenesis (neural growth).
Furthermore, the mushroom mycelium has also been shown to activate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These are proteins that promote the survival of nerve cells by playing a role in their growth, maturation, and maintenance.
Both these factors in Lion’s mane mushroom are known to protect against:
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’ disease
- Depression
- Neuropathic pain
- Hearing defects
Additionally, the mushroom contains beta-glucans, which are polysaccharides that:
- Promotes gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria
- Reduces blood cholesterol levels
- Supports the immune system
Buying Guide for A highly potent Lion’s Mane Mushroom supplement
Throughout our research, we have a certain criteria that we follow to identify a highly potent Lion’s Mane supplement. If you are unsure about what to look for when buying Lion’s mane supplements, we are here to help you.
There are several vital things we look for when evaluating the quality of a lion’s mane mushroom supplement. Here are the important ones that will help you determine the safety and purity of your desired product.
It must derive from Lion’s Mane mushroom fruit body
The fruiting body is the umbrella shaped part of the mushroom which consists of the stalk and the cap. Mycelium, on the other hand, is the root system of the mushroom, present underground. They are thin and thread-like and are spread under the soil.
So why is this important?
If you want to benefit from the bio-compounds in these mushrooms, it is extremely important to know which part you’re getting when you purchase a supplement.
Hericenones and beta-glucans are typically found in the fruiting bodies, and erinacines are derived from the mycelia of the mushroom. To get the benefit of both of these bioactive compounds, it is necessary to select a supplement that contains both the fruit bodies and the mycelium of lion’s mane mushrooms. However, there is a catch!
Mycelium on grain (or myceliated Rice, myceliated biomass) is an approach to growing Lion’s mane mushrooms to create supplements, without producing an actual mushroom. Here the mushroom is cultured on a grain substrate, that is most commonly oats, rice, or sorghum.
While these grains may provide a base for the mycelium to grow on, it also makes up the bulk of the final finished supplement. This means that it contains very little of the actual mycelium. Furthermore, it may contain no mushroom fruiting bodies and may have as much as 70% of starch from grain. It is also cheaper and easier to grow mycelium on grain than it is to grow fruiting bodies, so many products use Lion’s Mane mycelium.
We recommend products with fruit bodies as the main ingredient. Remember that supplements produced from the Lion’s Mane mycelium itself are not inferior to the ones containing fruiting bodies. It is the filler grains that degrade their quality.
The Extraction Method
Medicinal mushrooms contain a wide variety of active components which needs to be extracted for your body to access them. A fungal extract is made by soaking the raw mushroom parts in alcohol or hot water. This breaks down the cells of the mushroom, releasing the trapped components.
A hot water extract can isolate beta-glucans, while alcohol extraction may be better in isolating the hericenones and erinacines, which are known to induce NGF.
Dual extraction
A dual extract is a two-step process that combines the extraction with alcohol or hot water followed by a second extraction using other methods. The liquid obtained from both the steps is combined to form an ultimate dual-extract. When purchasing a Lion’s mane supplement, look for those with a dual extraction as it pulls out all of the beneficial constituents.
Regardless of the extraction method, the most important markers of quality we look for is beta-glucans. “With any extraction method, you need to verify your results. We’ve seen reishi mushroom hot water extracts with more triterpenes than reishi mushroom dual extracts. If you’re not analyzing for the important compounds then it’s basically marketing speak.” says Skye Chilton, the founder of Real Mushrooms.
Extraction ratio
The extraction ratio refers to the amount of raw material used to produce the finished extract. For instance, a 4:1 extract would mean it took 4 lbs of mushrooms to make 1 lb of extract. Sometimes you’ll come across supplements that are labeled as having high extraction ratios. You may think that these are way more concentrated and more powerful, however, this is deceiving.
A higher extraction ratio past a certain point provides no additional benefits and in fact, may be detrimental to the overall quality of an extract. The potency of an extract is also not measured by an extraction ratio, but rather determined by the percentage of bioactive compounds present. The ideal Lion’s mane mushroom extracts will have an 8:1 extraction ratio or less.
Beta glucan amounts must be stated on the label
The benefits of functional mushrooms, like Lion’s mane mushroom, are derived from their bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans. That is why you should look for it in your mushroom supplement. And the higher amount of beta-glucans, the better it is!
Beta glucans are a type of polysaccharide that occurs within the cell walls of the mushroom and have been shown to exhibit a wide array of health properties. The benefits of beta-glucans are diverse but usually tied to improved immune function, digestive health, improved well-being, and anti-cancer properties.
The term polysaccharides include all types of complex carbohydrates present in the product and not just beta-glucans. This also includes the inactive alpha glucans from grain starch. If the product mentions both polysaccharides and beta-glucans, the total amount of the former should not exceed the latter by more than 5%.
High levels of polysaccharides are a sign of adulteration with grain starch, especially when the beta-glucan content is not stated.
The Lion’s Mane supplement must be organic
Always look for organic Lion’s mane supplements. This verifies that the cultivation process compliant and is grown without using harmful chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides.
Look for the widely recognized stamp of quality and integrity of a Certificate Organic from the regulatory body:
- the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification for the United States
Certificate of Analysis
Also, look for a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is important to avoid foreign contaminants such as heavy metals as well as to identify the beneficial compounds. This can be either produced by your seller upon request or displayed on their website.
Chinese grown Lion’s Mane Mushroom vs North American grown
There is frequent discussion about the quality of health foods and supplements coming from China. Yes, some areas of China have high rates of air pollution which can negatively affect the quality of soil with unwanted pollutants and heavy-metals. But this does not mean that all Chinese mushroom products are bad.
China has been using mushroom-based medicine for Tradition medicine for thousands of years, long before it became popular in the West. China is the largest producer of organic medicinal mushrooms in the world and grow their products from provincial areas in rural mountain provinces.
With decades of research and usage, China produces some of the most potent medicinal mushroom products on the market, and also has some of the most sophisticated extraction labs in the world.
Growing Lion’s Mane Mushroom in North America
Growing organic mushrooms in North America to create extract powders from the fruiting body is not economical and profitable for many companies, which is why myceliated grain is grown instead. Majority of American grown mushroom companies sell supplements where the main ingredient is myceliated grain and mycelium biomass. While there are studies showing the efficacy of mycelium, these studies are on pure mycelium, and not mycelium grain.
High Quality Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplements
Our team of contributors specializing in mycology, agronomy, environmental science, neuroscience, molecular biology, and general health look for the best quality medicinal mushroom supplement on the market in different countries.
Are you in Australia? Check out our recommendations for the best Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements in Australia
Are you in Canada? Check out our recommendations for the best Lion’s Mane mushrooms in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lion’s Mane Do To The Brain?
Lion’s mane mushroom has been demonstrated to improve clarity, focus, and memory. Preclinical research indicates that Lion’s mane may also decrease brain inflammation and increase the release of proteins, like Nerve growth factors, that can lengthen neurons. Additionally, it has been proven to reduce the signs of anxiety and depression.
Are Lion’s Mane Supplements Safe?
Yes, Lion’s mane mushrooms are safe for genereally consumption. In some unique circumstances, the supplements can cause skin rashes, nausea, and abdominal discomfort as side effects. Additionally, it might interact with diabetes medications and blood-clotting drugs like warfarin.
Can You Take Lion’s Mane Every Day?
Yes, you can consume Lion’s Mane mushroom everyday. Research to date indicates that the mushroom supplements, when taken by mouth, up to 1 gram daily for up to 16 weeks, are typically well tolerated and safe.
Lion’s Mane Powder vs. Capsules – Which is more effective?
Lion’s mane capsules often contain the powdered mushroom, so choosing between Lion’s mane powders vs. capsules is essentially a matter of personal preference. Lion’s mane capsules are convenient, easy to use, and travel-friendly. And, if you aren’t a fan of the taste of the mushroom powder, you can opt for tasteless capsules. Mushroom powders are good if you like the flavor of Lion’s mane mushroom and want to add it to food and drinks.
How Does Lion’s Mane Make You Feel?
A Lion’s mane mushroom supplement can help you feel calmer and less anxious. There is no psychoactivity in Hericium erinaceus. You’ll only experience increased clarity and focus as a “high.”
Does Lion’s Mane Make You High?
No, Lion’s Mane will not make you high. It is not a hallucinogenic mushroom like the psilocybin-rich “magic mushrooms.” That means you won’t experience any mental impairment while enjoying Lion’s Mane’s benefits for improving cognition.
How Long Does It Take For Lion’s Mane Supplements To Work?
Lion’s mane is not a swift horse, so you won’t be able to pop a supplement and start feeling the effects right away. Before you start noticing any effects, your system needs to become accustomed to the mushroom through regular use. The intent behind your use of Lion’s mane and the results you hope to achieve may also affect how long it takes to work. However, it appears that it takes users between three days and two weeks on average to report noticing a change.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Lion’s Mane?
One of the best things about Lion’s mane mushrooms is that stopping use won’t result in cognitive decline or withdrawal symptoms. With Lion’s mane Mushroom, there is no chance of tolerance building, addiction, receptor down-regulation, or withdrawal.
When Is The Best Time Of The Day To Take Lion’s Mane?
The best time of the day to take Lion’s Mane is in the morning or early afternoon for best results. This way, you will experience its energizing effects all day long. On the other hand, taking Lion’s mane later in the day might leave you feeling restless and unable to fall asleep. But some people may prefer to take the mushroom in the evening as it gives them a more calming effect. If you’re unsure of the ideal time to take Lion’s mane, our best advice is to give it a try for a few days and pay close attention to the feelings it creates.
Is Lion’s Mane Good For Inflammation?
Research shows that Lion’s mane mushrooms contain potent anti-inflammatory substances that may help reduce the impact of illnesses like digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, heart diseases, and even cancer.
What Should You Not Take Lion’s Mane With?
Lion’s mane mushroom may slow the process of blood clotting. The risk of bleeding and bruising may increase if Lion’s mane mushroom supplement is taken with drugs that slow blood clotting, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. If you take diabetes medications, Lion’s mane may not be recommended because it also has antihyperglycemic effects.
Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom Legal in the United States?
Yes, Lion’s Mane mushroom is legal for purchase and consumption in the United States.
In the US, all Lion’s Mane supplements and medicinal mushroom products must be registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Can lion’s mane be purchased from my doctor?
Although Lion’s Mane is considered a Medicinal Mushroom, you cannot buy it from your doctor. You also do not need a prescription for it. It is considered a complementary therapeutic medicine, that can be purchased online or in stores. You may however be able to purchase dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner.
Can lion’s mane be purchased from a naturopath?
Yes, many US naturopaths sell Lion’s Mane supplements as part of their treatment for various illnesses.
How much does lion’s mane mushrooms cost in North America?
The price of Lion’s Mane in the United States can vary, depending on the product type and producer.
Lion’s Mane Extracts, powders and capsules can range from $20 USD per product to over $80 USD.
Best medicinal mushrooms Supplements in the United States
Outside of Lion’s Mane mushrooms. we’ve also done a great deal of research for other medicinal mushroom supplements in the United States. Our team applies the same criteria of looking for organic, fruiting body and proven beta-glucan amounts within our review process when looking for the best medicinal mushroom powders and capsules. Check out the follow posts for high quality supplements across the US.
- Best Chaga Mushroom Supplements in the US
- Best Cordyceps Mushroom Supplements in the US
- Best Reishi Mushroom Supplements in the US
- Best Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplements in the US
Conclusion
Not all Lion’s Mane mushroom products are created equal and that’s where our buying guide and selection process can help you make an informed purchase. Make sure you keep in mind everything that we have discussed to ensure you buy only the best Lion’s mane mushroom supplements in the United States.
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