Potential Benefits and Limitations of Hericium erinaceus Supplementation
- 1Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Franje Kuhača 18, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- 2Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vukovarska 17, 34000 Požega, Croatia
- 3Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) is an edible and medicinal mushroom that has attracted increasing scientific interest as a dietary supplement because of its potential effects on cognitive function, neuroprotection, mental well-being and healthy ageing. Its biological activities have been primarily attributed to bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, hericenones and erinacines, which may influence neurotrophic signalling, neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, inflammation and neuronal survival. This review examines the potential benefits and limitations of H. erinaceus supplementation, with emphasis on its bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, cognitive and neuroprotective effects, mental-health-related outcomes, safety and product quality. Experimental studies provide evidence for neurotrophic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, while clinical studies suggest possible benefits for cognitive outcomes, particularly information-processing speed, subjective stress and well-being. However, findings are inconsistent across study populations and outcomes, and evidence regarding neurodegenerative diseases is still largely derived from preclinical studies. Interpretation is further complicated by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, variability in supplement formulations, differences between fruiting-body-derived and mycelium-derived preparations and insufficient standardisation of bioactive compounds. Although H. erinaceus supplementation is generally well tolerated, its safety during prolonged use and optimal dosage remains unclear. Overall, H. erinaceus shows potential as a dietary supplement for supporting cognitive and neurological health, but further well-designed clinical trials involving larger populations, longer intervention periods and standardised, well-characterised preparations are needed to confirm its clinical effectiveness and establish reliable recommendations for safe supplementation.
Related
- A Pilot Proof-of-Concept Study to Evaluate the Physiological and Cognitive Impacts of Hericium erinaceus on Healthy Adults
- Maternal DHA Supplementation and Fetal Brain Development: Benefits, Risks, and Individual Needs
- Feasibility and potential benefits of daily online adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer without margin reduction using an RTT-only workflow
- Iron Supplementation and Copper Homeostasis: Evidence for Potential Copper Depletion, Biomarker Challenges, and Clinical Implications
- Exploring the potential benefits of Shirodhara as an add-on therapy for alleviating post-COVID anxiety and depression: A case study.
BibTeX
@article{barisic2026potential,
title = {{Potential Benefits and Limitations of Hericium erinaceus Supplementation}},
author = {Marina Barišić and Sunčana Včelik and Biljana Crevar and Tomislav Soldo and Maja Miškulin and Tihomir Kovač},
journal = {Nutrients},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/nu18213469},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/21/3469},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Potential Benefits and Limitations of Hericium erinaceus Supplementation
AU - Marina Barišić
AU - Sunčana Včelik
AU - Biljana Crevar
AU - Tomislav Soldo
AU - Maja Miškulin
AU - Tihomir Kovač
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/22
JO - Nutrients
DO - 10.3390/nu18213469
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/21/3469
AB - Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) is an edible and medicinal mushroom that has attracted increasing scientific interest as a dietary supplement because of its potential effects on cognitive function, neuroprotection, mental well-being and healthy ageing. Its biological activities have been primarily attributed to bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, hericenones and erinacines, which may influence neurotrophic signalling, neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, inflammation and neuronal survival. This review examines the potential benefits and limitations of H. erinaceus supplementation, with emphasis on its bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, cognitive and neuroprotective effects, mental-health-related outcomes, safety and product quality. Experimental studies provide evidence for neurotrophic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, while clinical studies suggest possible benefits for cognitive outcomes, particularly information-processing speed, subjective stress and well-being. However, findings are inconsistent across study populations and outcomes, and evidence regarding neurodegenerative diseases is still largely derived from preclinical studies. Interpretation is further complicated by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, variability in supplement formulations, differences between fruiting-body-derived and mycelium-derived preparations and insufficient standardisation of bioactive compounds. Although H. erinaceus supplementation is generally well tolerated, its safety during prolonged use and optimal dosage remains unclear. Overall, H. erinaceus shows potential as a dietary supplement for supporting cognitive and neurological health, but further well-designed clinical trials involving larger populations, longer intervention periods and standardised, well-characterised preparations are needed to confirm its clinical effectiveness and establish reliable recommendations for safe supplementation.
SN - 2072-6643
ER -