Lion's Mane Mushroom: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine.

Lion's mane mushroom might improve nerve development and function. It might also protect nerves from becoming damaged. It also seems to help protect the lining in the stomach.

People use lion's mane mushroom for Alzheimer disease, dementia, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using lion's mane mushroom for COVID-19.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Lion's Mane Mushroom overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using lion's mane mushroom.

Bleeding conditions: Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding conditions.

Surgery: Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting and reduce blood glucose levels. This might cause extra bleeding, and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using lion's mane mushroom at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane mushroom might lower blood sugar levels. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane mushroom can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lion's mane mushroom might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Lion's Mane Mushroom - Uses, Side Effects, and More