dosing · cognition
Hericium erinaceus
Lion's mane dosage calculator
The lion's mane dosage calculator is built on data from the two primary human clinical trials on Hericium erinaceus cogn...
For informational and research purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any supplement protocol. Individual responses to supplementation vary.
Research basis
Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, et al. · 2009
Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, et al. · 2010
Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake
About this calculator
The lion's mane dosage calculator is built on data from the two primary human clinical trials on Hericium erinaceus cognition and mood. The Mori et al. 2009 double-blind trial used 1,000 mg of standardised extract three times daily (3g total) in adults aged 50–80 with mild cognitive impairment, finding significant improvement in cognitive function scores at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The Nagano et al. 2010 trial used 500 mg four times daily (2g total) and found reduced anxiety and irritation in menopausal women after 4 weeks. This calculator adjusts these reference doses for your bodyweight and extract form, producing a personalised daily range with timing guidance.
Frequently asked
What dose of lion's mane did clinical trials use?
The Mori 2009 trial used 3,000 mg daily (1,000 mg three times) of standardised extract for mild cognitive impairment. The Nagano 2010 anxiety trial used 2,000 mg daily (500 mg four times).
How long does lion's mane take to work?
Most clinical studies observe measurable cognitive improvements at 8 weeks with peak effects at 12–16 weeks. Neuroplasticity-related changes are cumulative, not acute.
Should I take lion's mane in the morning or evening?
Morning and midday with food. Lion's mane can be mildly stimulating for some users — evening doses may affect sleep quality.
What is the difference between extract and whole powder?
Standardised extract concentrates the active hericenones and beta-glucans. Whole powder is less processed but requires approximately 4x the dose to achieve equivalent potency.
Is lion's mane safe long-term?
The clinical trials ran up to 16 weeks with no serious adverse events reported. Long-term safety data beyond this period has not been formally studied but traditional use spans centuries.
Research background
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is the only functional mushroom known to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis via its unique hericenone and erinacine compounds. Two key human trials form the basis of this calculator: Mori et al. 2009 (MCI, cognitive function) and Nagano et al. 2010 (anxiety, mood). Both used hot water or standardised dual extracts of the fruiting body.