Lion’s Mane is a gem of a mushroom that supplies us with an array of cognitive benefits. Here, our nootropics expert James Dixon explains what it can do for you, and provides a variation of the very best Lion’s Mane supplements available today.
With the ever increasing demands on our bodies and minds it’s more important than ever to find ways to enhance cognitive function and support mental wellbeing. For me, you could do a lot worse than finding a good Lion’s Mane mushroom supplement.
This super little mushroom has been linked to a host of benefits, including (but far from limited to) the likes of improved memory, focus, and mood – and doing so all completely naturally. I personally love Lion’s Mane and, luckily, there are plenty of supplements out there that either make great use of it in broader, more comprehensive formulas, or supply it straight in high-quality doses.
Quick Verdict: Top Lion’s Mane Supplement
If you’re looking for a supplement that can optimize your cognitive function, improve your memory, focus, and overall mental wellbeing, you could do far, far worse than Nooceptin. It’s an exceptional choice.
With its unique blend of well-researched ingredients, including Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba, and phosphatidylserine, Nooceptin delivers impressive cognitive benefits from natural sources, all fully backed by up-to-date research.
It’s a fantastic source of Lion’s Mane mushroom, of course. It’s also a perfect example of a high-quality nootropic supplement using Lion’s Mane as part of a broader, more comprehensive formula dedicated to improving your cognitive and mental wellbeing pretty much across the board.
Our top Lion’s Mane supplements
This powerful mushroom can indeed be cooked directly into your meal – which I do so myself occasionally, as explained later on. However, it’s easiest and more consistent to rely for the most part on supplements – they are easier to take, to live with, and to dose properly, and will generally include other bits and pieces for added benefits.
And, happily, there are some really wonderful supplements out there either based on Lion’s Mane mushroom, or simply using it as one ingredient among many.
Nooceptin
Let’s start with one of my favorite supplements, the nootropic compound Nooceptin.
I love nootropics – or, at least, higher-end nootropics. They generally work so incredibly well, giving you a slew of benefits that really can feel like a full reinvention and reinvigoration of yourself. Nooceptin is reasonably new to the market – I only first took it myself pretty recently. But I’m sold on it. I was sold pretty much from my first month on it.
And, as you might expect, Lion’s Mane mushroom is one of Nooceptin’s key ingredients – it sets Nooceptin apart from the crowd and makes it work incredibly well. As we’ve seen, Lion’s Mane mushroom is fantastic for promoting mental clarity and focus, as well as keeping stress and anxiety levels down and generally enhancing your overall wellbeing.
Rich in beneficial compounds including the likes of beta glucans, erinacines, and hericenones, which actively work together to enhance overall brain function, it forms a robust basis on which Nooceptin has been able to build really quite admirably.
When using Nooceptin as part of my daily routine when it first came out, I soon began to experience a notable increase in mental sharpness and concentration. The Lion’s Mane mushroom included in its formula undoubtedly contributed to this positive change. I found myself more focused and able to complete tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy, as you would expect of anything with Lion’s Mane mushroom in it.
There is far more to Nooceptin than Lion’s Mane mushroom alone, of course. It’s an incredibly comprehensive nootropic, with a formula bursting with brain-boosting compounds. It’s a cognitive-enhancing supplement that contains a unique blend of natural ingredients designed to support cognitive function, memory retention, and overall mental wellbeing. It makes great use of several well-researched compounds, including Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, alongside plenty more.
Firstly, you have bacopa monnieri, one of my personal favorites. It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a memory and cognitive enhancer. Several studies have shown its benefits in improving memory retention, focus, and overall cognitive function, and I’ve always felt its presence whenever I’ve taken it – it does a lot of the heavy lifting, here.
Then there is ginkgo biloba, a fantastic little herb known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba may improve cognitive function, memory recall, and mental clarity, synergizing with the Lion’s Mane mushroom content incredibly well.
You get a good dose of the phospholipid phosphatidylserine, too, which I love about Nooceptin. Phosphatidylserine is essential for the proper functioning of brain cells. It helps to improve nerve cell communication, supports cognitive function, and can help in warding off mental fatigue. Again, the synergy with Lion’s Mane mushroom is pretty pronounced.
Huperzine A, a compound derived from the Chinese herb huperzia serrata, is known for its memory-enhancing effects. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential to memory and learning, and it’s used to great effect here. Everything else builds you up – Huperzine A stops you from falling down again.
Finally, Nooceptin includes vitamin B6. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in nerve function and the production of neurotransmitters. It also helps to maintain healthy cognitive function and mental wellbeing.
These all do in some part what Lion’s Mane mushroom does overall, bolstering it, supporting it, synergizing with it. If you want something that reaches pretty far and wide to make the most of its Lion’s Mane mushroom and the benefits it offers, you get it here. Nooceptin is the way to go.
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Capsules
Now let’s turn our attention to something a little more focus – Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Capsules are pretty wonderful and are completely perfect for anybody looking for a concentrated dose of Lion’s Mane mushroom without anything else added in.
As you would expect, Real Mushrooms’ offering is perfect for supporting optimal cognitive function and overall brain health with a completely natural methodology – it’s all down to the mushrooms and their potent array of beta glucans, erinacines, and hericenones, amongst other things.
You get a particularly high-quality form of Lion’s Mane mushroom, here, too – the company behind it have a stellar reputation for quality, potency, transparency, and everything else you want to see to make sure you’re getting the best. If I was simply looking for a Lion’s Mane mushroom without all the bumpf included in some of the other supplements out there, this is the one I would go for.
In fact, it is often the one I’ve gone for. And I’ve been a very happy customer each time.
I’ve given it a good trial run, taking it in isolation for a couple of months, whilst winding down my broader nootropic use. The results were impressive – almost as impressive as you would see from some of the mid-tier, broader nootropic formulae on the market. My stress and anxiety plummeted pretty quickly – tasks that once felt overwhelming seemed suddenly more manageable – whilst my focus and ability to concentrate shot up.
Everything you would expect of Lion’s Mane mushrooms, which is always nice to see.
There isn’t too much else to talk about. Such is the case with any minimalist formula. The benefits are what you would want of Lion’s Mane mushrooms, ramped up a bit due to the high quality and potency at work, with no notable downsides. I’d recommend it to anybody looking for a pure Lion’s Mane mushroom hit.
Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder
Let’s go for something that gives you a lot, all without veering from the world of fungi. Enter Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder, one of the best mushroom powders going. It harnesses the power of the medicinal mushroom – which is no joke, when you look into it – including, of course, a good hit of Lion’s Mane mushroom.
Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder is organic, vegan, and gluten-free, making it a safe and accessible option for people with various dietary requirements. The powder is an excellent way to incorporate the benefits of mushroom nutrition into one’s lifestyle in an easy and convenient manner.
One of the most impressive aspects of Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder is its impressive array of ingredients. The powder contains 7 different types of mushrooms, each with a unique range of benefits for the body, each of which works synergistically with everything else for some of the most comprehensive wellbeing benefits I’ve ever seen from a single supplement.
The first mushroom in Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder is the Chaga mushroom, known for its potent antioxidant properties. This mushroom is highly beneficial for immune system function, as it helps protect against harmful free radicals and other toxins.
Then there is the Cordyceps mushroom, known for its energy-boosting properties. It helps to improve athletic performance and endurance while also supporting respiratory health.
The third mushroom in this blend is the Lion’s Mane mushroom, which is of course what we’re looking for here. As we know, it’s widely recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It contains compounds that can help support brain health, improve cognitive function, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, giving you a nootropic kick like few others.
Reishi mushroom comes up next in the blend – it’s believed to be the ‘Queen of Mushrooms’, it’s so good. With its potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, Reishi is an excellent option for individuals who are seeking a natural way to lower inflammation and improve overall health.
Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms are also included in the blend. Maitake is known for its potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels, improving digestion, and supporting immune system health, whilst Shiitake mushroom is known for its impressive nutrient profile and potential immune-boosting properties. It’s also believed to support cardiovascular health and promote healthy skin.
Last – but far, far from least – we have Tremella mushroom. Tremella is known for its moisturizing and skin-rejuvenating effects. It’s often used in traditional Chinese medicine to support overall vitality and longevity.
You get a lot with Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder. It really is an exceptional product, combining the power of medicinal mushrooms with modern health science. It provides a vast array of health benefits, including cognitive enhancement, immune system support, energy-boosting, and skin-rejuvenating effects.
I do have one gripe. We can see the unifying factor in the formula – everything is fungal. That keeps the ingredients pretty well tied together. As for the benefits, the focus… well, that seems a little wandering to me. Though all of the benefits are good – and they really are good – they are pretty disparate. It doesn’t strike me as particularly cohesive to look for skin-rejuvenation from your nootropic, or brain-boosting effects from a supplement for cardiovascular health.
This is a small and silly gripe. With its natural and organic ingredients, Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder is a safe and convenient option for anyone seeking a natural way to improve their overall health and wellbeing. You can’t really knock it. But figure out what you want before you buy.
If you want a nootropic formula that really makes the most of Lion’s Mane mushroom, look elsewhere. However, if you want to fully rejuvenate yourself using the simple yet profound power of the humble mushroom… well, you can’t do much better. Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Powder is really the only name you need to know.
Verdict
I’ve given you some really decent options here. Whether you’re interested in a comprehensive, wide-ranging nootropic supplement, a quick hit of pure Lion’s Mane mushroom, or a broader mushroom supplement, you will have seen something worth looking into in the list above.
They are all good options for anybody looking to enjoy and make use of Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
However, I think we can do a bit better. Lion’s Mane mushroom is a great ingredient, but the market abounds with great nootropic compounds. There are so many out there that it seems a little daft to limit yourself to just one, if you can help it. Or so I’ve always found.
I love nootropics. I like to go with complete nootropic supplements where I can – something that gives you Lion’s Mane mushroom working synergistically with everything else the nootropic supplement world has to offer.
So it’s got to be Nooceptin for me.
Firstly, it’s one of the best nootropics on the market, hands down. There are a couple that would tie with it for the top spot – I can think of a couple, ones I use myself, that can give it a run for its money. But it’s tight. And some of them don’t contain Lion’s Mane mushroom.
Secondly, then, it’s a source of Lion’s Mane mushroom – and so much more. Nooceptin is a powerful cognitive-enhancing supplement that combines its potent Lion’s Mane mushroom content with other carefully selected ingredients to deliver optimal benefits. Everything else in it (and there is plenty) works to make the most of the Lion’s Mane mushroom on offer. This unique blend is designed to optimize brain function, improve memory, focus, and concentration, and support overall cognitive health.
And it works incredibly well. I’ve always had great results from it. I suspect anyone would. If you’re in need of a bit of a brain boost, something that will help to optimize your cognitive functioning and wellbeing whilst keeping you in robust mental health and ringfencing your longer-term brain health, all whilst enjoying the benefits offered by Lion’s Mane Mushroom… well, it can only be Nooceptin.
My experience taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom
I’m always up for finding natural ways to enhance my cognitive function and overall wellbeing. As part of this pursuit, I’ve tried most nootropic supplements going, as well as plenty of their constituent ingredients individually – Lion’s Mane mushroom included. And, whenever I’ve been on any kind of Lion’s Mane mushroom – either as part of a cohesive nootropic supplement, on its own, or in any other format, I’ve always done incredibly well.
First and foremost, the impact on my cognitive abilities is always incredibly welcome. I’m a writer, of course. As such, keeping my brain healthy and switched on is obviously essential. Prior to using nootropics, including Lion’s Mane mushroom and supplements that make good use of it, I often struggled with maintaining focus and concentration, especially over long days with high wordcounts needed for hefty deadlines.
Nootropics have always helped. Lion’s Mane mushroom, which I’ve used in isolation, has always helped. After just a few weeks of consistent use, I always see a significant improvement in clarity and mental agility. I find myself suddenly able to tackle challenging projects with ease, and with a sense of mental clarity that I rarely experience under any other circumstances.
But it doesn’t stop there. Lion’s Mane mushroom has also had a profound effect on my memory and learning capabilities – as it should, of course, but it’s always lovely to see the theory come good in real life.
This was always particularly useful when I was a student – going through to master’s level a couple of years ago, using nootropics got me through. It’s also incredibly useful now, both in my professional and, really, my private life. I have noticed that I am able to retain information more easily, recall facts effortlessly, and stay far more organized, far more easily.
It feels as though my brain has been given a powerful boost, making studying, learning, and researching far more enjoyable and effective.
Another area where I have noticed a positive impact is my mood and overall mental wellbeing. As above, this is quite a big deal for me. Lion’s Mane mushroom possesses neuroprotective properties; it’s also able to help better regulate serotonin and BDNF levels. This has all played a significant role in helping me to better stabilize my mood and keep symptoms of anxiety and stress to a bit of a minimum.
Lion’s Mane mushroom, and products making good use of it, give me a greater sense of calmness alongside improved mental resilience, allowing me to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and a far more positive outlook.
I always value natural remedies and holistic health, and pay great attention to it where I can. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that I thumb my nose at synthesized medications and modern medical intervention where it’s necessary – far from it. But I appreciate that Lion’s Mane mushroom is a natural and sustainable solution for many common ailments – cognitive and mental wellbeing in particular.
It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and its safety profile is well-established. I find comfort in knowing that I am nourishing my mind and body with a natural substance that has been trusted and revered for its medicinal properties over such a long and illustrious history.
Then there is the pleasure of using Lion’s Mane mushroom. As is so often the case, supplementation is easiest – I always recommend it, and love the supplements included in the list below. However, you should also sometimes look into using Lion’s Mane mushrooms themselves, as ingredients in cooking.
The unique flavor and texture are always a delightful twist to my culinary adventures. Whether sautéed, added to stir fries, or incorporated into soups, it’s always a bit of a star ingredient. It’s not only a beneficial addition to my health regimen – it’s also a delicious ingredient, which is always nice.
For a very long time I’ve loved using Lion’s Mane mushroom, and have used it in various forms, and as parts of various formulae. From its ability to enhance cognitive function and improve memory to its positive impact on mood and overall wellbeing, it’s a natural solution for a great many things, while sitting comfortably alongside my values and health goals. By making good use of nootropics like Lion’s Mane mushroom, I have unlocked a new level of mental clarity, focus, and overall vitality.
I cannot recommend this incredible mushroom enough to anyone seeking to optimize their brain function and wellbeing naturally (with a taste and texture to envy!).
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s Mane mushroom is an edible type of mushroom that’s been utilized in a number of traditional medicines. For example, it has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential medicinal properties – properties which are being increasingly borne out by modern research. Its botanical name Hericium erinaceus.
It is characterized by its shaggy, white appearance that resembles the mane of a lion, hence its name.
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a bit of a treasure trove of various bioactive substances that contribute to its numerous health benefits. It is rich in beta-glucan polysaccharides, erinacines, and hericenones, which are believed to be the key components responsible for its remarkable effects.
What is particularly fascinating about Lion’s Mane mushroom is its potential to enhance cognitive function. This is why you’ll often see it included in nootropic supplements’ formulae – it’s where I’ve generally had the best experiences with it.
Research backs it all up, too – its bioactive compounds can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain. NGF is a protein that plays a crucial role in the survival, growth, and maintenance of neurons. By promoting NGF synthesis, Lion’s Mane mushroom may support the creation of new neural pathways and help protect existing brain cells, thereby improving memory, focus, and concentration.
It doesn’t end there, though. Lion’s Mane mushroom possesses some quite potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can work well to keep your brain young. They make it an intriguing candidate for combating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and for more generally slowing down age-related cognitive decline.
This is because chronic inflammation in the brain can contribute to cognitive decline. Lion’s Mane mushroom has shown potential in reducing neuroinflammation through its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory molecules. This anti-inflammatory action, along with its antioxidant properties, helps it to protect brain cells from oxidative stress and damage.
The bioactive compounds in this mushroom help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases. By reducing oxidative stress and supporting cellular health, Lion’s Mane mushroom can go beyond simply aiding brain health – it may help across a broad range of areas, including cardiovascular health, immune system function, and gastrointestinal health.
As well as all of this, Lion’s Mane mushroom has been found to exert potential benefits on mental wellbeing. This is where it really kicks into gear for me – this is where I love it. Plenty of studies have suggested that it may possess antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
I’ve certainly always found this to be true. I suffer with both, and my symptoms are always eased when I’m taking a good-quality Lion’s Mane mushroom supplement (like any of those found below).
This may be because of its ability to enhance the production of compounds like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin, which are involved in regulating mood and emotional balance. These should help you to more ably maintain an even, elevated mood, contributing to an improved overall sense of wellbeing.
Lion’s Mane mushroom’s rich composition of bioactive substances makes for some truly phenomenal therapeutic effects. From its cognitive-enhancing properties to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective capabilities, it shows a great deal of promise as a natural treatment option for various health conditions. It’s always served me incredibly well.
Lion mane’s ability to promote brain health, protect against neurodegeneration, and improve mental wellbeing makes it an incredibly valuable addition to any supplement regime and/or wellness routine.
James Dixon is one of the key players in the SOMA Analytics’ team. He is a personal trainer and is educated to Masters level in Philosophy. He is a published author and is a keen advocate of high quality nootropic supplements.
James enjoys helping others to reach their peak both physically and mentally and believes that expressing his knowledge through his writing is an effective way to positively impact the wellbeing of others on a larger scale.