08 Jul 2024 — MycoThrive’s new Nordic lion’s mane functional ingredient has undergone a clinical study to evaluate attention, working memory, mental processing speed and mood in healthy adults. The ingredient is part of MycoThrive’s premium line of functional mushrooms, which includes cordyceps, chaga, reishi, maitake and shiitake.

The placebo-controlled crossover study, commissioned by Applied Food Sciences (AFS), was designed to evaluate attention, working memory, mental processing speed and mood in healthy adults.

Forty healthy adults were assessed on the acute (single-dose) response to 1000 mg of Lion’s Mane in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. The study, published in MDPI Nutrients, examined its effects on mental acuity and mood.

Nootropic advantage
Lion’s Mane mushroom is prized for its nootropic properties and fits the consumer trend of natural supplements to enhance cognitive function. MycoThrive urges the industry to support the ingredient with more high-quality scientific research to boost its appeal. More research will also help determine better dosage levels and functionality.

The primary bioactive compounds found in Lion’s Mane include β-glucan polysaccharides, proteins, hericenones and erinacines, which all affect how the ingredient functions in the body. Evidence suggests that the primary mechanism of action for cognitive support is through the stimulation of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis.

NGF is essential for brain cell growth, neuroprotection and cognitive processes such as memory, attention and spatial navigation. AFS partnered with mushroom biotechnologists in Finland to source Nordic-grown Lion’s Mane.

Cognitive benefits in adults
MycoThrive claims that Lion’s Mane studies have examined its impact on people with known health conditions. Understanding the cognitive benefits of lion’s mane in healthy adults is a milestone.

The researchers of the current study argue that their work challenges the belief that Lion’s Mane only provides long-term chronic benefits, such as 30–60 days of use. The study examined a single dose of 1000 mg of MycoThrive Lion’s Mane compared with 650 mg of guayusa extract (AmaTea Max) and a placebo.

Cognitive function was measured using neuropsychological assessments such as Go/No-Go, Serial-Sevens and N-Back tasks. Participants were also given subject assessments for cognitive perception based on a visual analog scale and mood based on a subjective happiness scale.

Participants taking MycoThrive Lion’s Mane demonstrated acute improvements in working memory, attention, concentration and reaction time that were statistically significant compared to the placebo. It also helped improve the participants’ moods and sense of happiness compared to their peers.

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, discovered Lion’s Mane mushrooms to improve brain cell growth and memory in pre-clinical trials. The team revealed active compounds from the mushroom boost nerve growth and enhance memory.

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