Science behind shroom
An evidence-based overview of published scientific research on Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) and officially authorised EFSA health claims for vitamins and minerals used in Shroom products.
Important clarification
The scientific studies presented below relate to individual ingredients (e.g. Lion’s Mane) and do not constitute health claims for Shroom products. Results are based on controlled research settings.
Lion’s Mane currently has no authorised health claims in the EFSA register. The only authorised health claims applicable to Shroom products concern zinc and vitamin C.
✓ EFSA-authorised health claims
Zinc
- • Contributes to normal cognitive function
- • Contributes to normal DNA synthesis
- • Helps protect cells from oxidative stress
- • Supports normal immune system function
- • Contributes to healthy skin, hair and nails
Vitamin C
- • Contributes to normal nervous system function
- • Helps protect cells from oxidative stress
- • Reduces tiredness and fatigue
- • Supports immune system function
Research on Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake on mild cognitive impairment
Mori K. et al.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing cognitive outcomes after 16 weeks of Lion’s Mane extract intake in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
View on PubMedPMID: 18844328
Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks of Hericium erinaceus intake
Nagano M., Shimizu K., Kondo R., et al.
Randomised, placebo-controlled study evaluating mood-related outcomes in menopausal women after four weeks of Lion’s Mane intake.
View on PubMedPMID: 20834180
The acute and chronic effects of Lion’s Mane supplementation on cognitive function
Docherty S., Doughty F.L., Smith E.F.
Systematic review summarising available clinical trials investigating both short-term and long-term cognitive effects of Lion’s Mane supplementation.
View on PubMedPMID: 38004235
Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus on cognition and mood
Docherty S., et al.
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study assessing acute cognitive and mood-related responses to a standardised Lion’s Mane extract in healthy adults.
View on PubMedPMID: 40276537
A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health
Various authors
Broad narrative review covering functional mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, and their potential influence on mood and neurocognitive health.
View on PubMedPMID: 38246232
Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement
Various authors
Systematic review analysing reported benefits, safety profile, and practical applications of Lion’s Mane as a dietary supplement.
View on PubMedPMID: 40959699
Lion’s Mane Mushroom: a neuroprotective fungus with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential
Various authors
Narrative review discussing proposed neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Lion’s Mane compounds.
View on PubMedPMID: 40284172
Unveiling the role of erinacines in the neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus
Various authors
Systematic review focused on erinacines—bioactive compounds found in Lion’s Mane— and their neuroprotective effects in preclinical models.
View on PubMedPMID: 40626304