What Does the Evidence Say About Lion’s Mane and ADHD?
Some early research suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) could support certain cognitive functions, including focus and learning—areas often affected in people with ADHD. However, current scientific evidence is limited, and there is not enough high-quality research to confirm that lion’s mane can reliably improve ADHD symptoms.
Lion’s mane is an edible mushroom native to East Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Historically, it has been associated with supporting mental wellbeing and has been used in the context of conditions such as anxiety and low mood.
Today, lion’s mane is widely available in health food shops and online, most commonly sold as a dietary supplement or extract rather than as a whole food. While it’s popular in the wellness space, more rigorous studies are needed before any firm conclusions can be made about its role in ADHD.
Is Lion’s Mane Useful for ADHD?
At present, there is only a limited amount of human research exploring the health benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms. Most existing studies focus on brain health and mental functioning rather than ADHD specifically.
Scientific interest in lion’s mane largely centres on its potential effects on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers believe this mushroom may have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties, meaning it could help protect brain cells and support nerve growth.
Because of these possible effects, some scientists classify lion’s mane as a nootropic, sometimes referred to as a “smart drug.” Nootropics are substances thought to enhance cognitive abilities like memory, focus, and mental alertness. However, much broader and higher-quality research is still needed to determine whether nootropic supplements are both safe and genuinely effective.
What Does the Research Suggest?
There are currently no studies that directly examine how lion’s mane affects ADHD. That said, a small number of clinical trials and reviews suggest it may influence cognitive functions and emotional wellbeing in ways that could overlap with ADHD-related symptoms:
- A small 2023 study found that lion’s mane supplementation may help reduce stress and improve cognitive performance, including learning ability and processing speed.
- A 2022 narrative review examined the therapeutic effects of lion’s mane in people with Alzheimer’s disease. It referenced three clinical trials showing improvements in thinking skills and mental wellbeing—areas that are often challenging for individuals with ADHD.
- A 2021 animal study investigating mushrooms and neurodegenerative diseases suggested that lion’s mane may enhance certain cognitive functions, particularly memory.
While these findings are promising, they are not sufficient to confirm lion’s mane as an effective treatment for ADHD. More large-scale, ADHD-specific clinical trials are needed before any clear recommendations can be made.
How to Use Lion’s Mane in the UK
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be consumed either as a food or as a supplement. Some people choose to cook and eat the mushroom itself, while others opt for supplements for convenience.
In the UK, lion’s mane is widely available from health food shops and online retailers in several forms, including:
- Powders
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Liquid extracts
UK Safety and Dosage Guidance ⚠️
In the UK, dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not medicines. They are overseen by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) rather than the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means supplements do not undergo the same testing, approval, or monitoring as prescription or over-the-counter medications.
As a result, there is no official recommended dosage for lion’s mane in the UK, and product quality, strength, and purity can vary between brands.
Clinical studies investigating the effects of lion’s mane on cognitive function have used a range of dosages, including amounts such as 1.8 grams per day and up to 10 grams per day in adults. However, these dosages were used in controlled research settings and are not intended as general guidance for the public.
To stay safe, it’s best to follow the dosage instructions on the product label and choose supplements from reputable manufacturers. If you have ADHD, are taking prescribed medication, are pregnant, or have an underlying health condition, you should speak with a GP, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional before trying lion’s mane supplements.
Is Lion’s Mane Safe to Use?
At present, there are no large-scale clinical trials specifically designed to assess the overall safety of lion’s mane mushrooms. That said, lion’s mane is generally considered well tolerated, and most people report few or no side effects when using it.
Potential Side Effects
Some mild side effects have been reported in research studies and user accounts. These may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal or stomach discomfort
There has also been at least one documented case of an acute hypersensitivity reaction to lion’s mane. This type of immune response can cause symptoms such as skin rash, itching, nausea, or vomiting. Although rare, it highlights the importance of stopping use and seeking medical advice if any unusual reactions occur.
Possible Medication Interactions
Lion’s mane may interact with certain medications, including:
- Blood-thinning medications
- Diabetes medications, as lion’s mane may influence blood sugar levels
Anyone taking prescription medication should speak with a GP or pharmacist before adding lion’s mane supplements to their routine.
Who Should Be Cautious?
There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm whether lion’s mane is safe for:
- Pregnant people
- Those who are breastfeeding
- Children
In the UK, supplements are regulated as foods rather than medicines, meaning they are not tested or approved to the same standards as medications. For this reason, it’s advisable to choose products from reputable manufacturers and seek guidance from a healthcare professional before use—particularly if you have an underlying health condition or take regular medication.
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