Proprietary lion’s mane extract shown to improve cognitive function in recent study

Photo © AdobeStock.com/khumthong

In a recent news release, Texas-based ingredient producer Applied Food Sciences (AFS) introduced its MycoThrive Lion’s Mane organic extract. The company also announced the significance results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study that tested the effects on cognition of its lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) extract, compared with guayusa extract (which is derived from a tropical evergreen tree) and a placebo. According to AFS, lion’s mane is noted for its cognitive and emotional support and its compounds include β-glucan polysaccharides, proteins, hericenones, and erinacines, which have demonstrated nootropic effects.

The study, published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients, involved 40 participants who were given a single dose of 60 mg of guayusa extract, or 1 mg of lion’s mane, or the placebo, and were assessed before ingesting the dose, 1 hour after ingestion, and 2 hours after ingestion. The assessments included neuropsychological tests, vital signs, and subjective assessments of cognitive perception and mood, including “mental clarity, focus, concentration, anxiety/stress, and happiness.”¹

According to the results of the study, participants who ingested the lion’s mane extract demonstrated improved working memory, complex attention, and reaction time 2 hours post ingestion and perceptions of happiness over a 2-hour period. Participants who ingested the guayusa extract demonstrated, at the 1 and 2 hour assessments, “improved mental clarity, focus, concentration, mood, and productivity.” It also raised participants’ blood pressure, and “significantly improved cognitive performance and self-perceived cognitive indices of affect over a 2 h period and perceptions of happiness 2 h post ingestion.”¹

“This research challenges the prevailing belief that lion's mane can only provide more long-term, chronic benefits (i.e., 30-60 days use),” the news release stated. “Instead, the study takes a significant step towards understanding lion's mane's more immediate cognitive advantages for healthy adults in as little as 60 minutes post-ingestion.” It also noted that this study contributed to understanding the effects of lion’s mane on healthy adults, whereas most studies were comprised of participants with various health conditions and impairments.

The study was funded in part by AFS.

Reference

1. La Monica, M.B.; Raub, B.; Ziegenfuss, E.J.; Hartshorn, S.; Grdic, J.; Gustat, A.; Sandrock, J.; and Ziegenfuss, T.N.; Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion’s Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance Nutrients. 2023, 15(24): 5018. DOI: 10.3390/nu15245018