How can Lion's Mane affect the brain and nervous system?
NGF - Nerve Growth Factor and Neurological Health
Lion's Mane has become a very popular mushroom due to its potential positive effects on the brain and nervous system. It is mainly the bioactive compounds hericenones and erinacins that have been shown in preclinical studies to stimulate the production of NGF (nerve growth factor) .
What is NGF and why is it important?
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic protein that helps nerve cells grow, survive, and form new connections. It is essential for the development and maintenance of the nervous system, both in children and adults.
What does research say about Lion's Mane and NGF?
Preclinical studies in cell cultures and animal models have shown that Lion's Mane can stimulate the production of NGF. Both hericenones from the fruiting body and erinacins from the mycelium have been studied, but it is erinacins in particular that have shown NGF effects in laboratory studies.
In another smaller study, women who were given Lion's Mane fruiting bodies added to crackers daily for four weeks reported lower levels of anxiety and depression . Although NGF was not measured, the study points to possible psychological benefits.
Fruit body vs. mycelium - where are the active ingredients found?
Hericenones are found in the visible part of the mushroom, called the fruiting body. Erinacins are found in the underground part, called the mycelium or the "roots" of the mushroom.
Hericenones and erinacines in dietary supplements
When choosing a supplement, it is important to check whether it is made from the fruiting body or mycelium. This greatly affects which nutrients you get access to.
Some supplements do not state whether they are made from mycelium or fruiting bodies, this is a bad habit in the industry that consumers need to be aware of!
Feel free to read our article for a deep dive into this: Fruiting body or mycelium - which is best in supplements?
NGF affects nerve cells in two main parts of the body
The central nervous system (CNS)
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord - the body's main control center. It is where conscious thought, memory, interpretation of sensory input, and coordination of movement take place.
NGF in this area contributes to, among other things:
• Maintaining healthy neurons in the brain
• Supporting neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new connections and learn new things
• Protecting against degeneration, as seen in conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
The peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord , those that go to muscles, skin, and organs. These nerves send signals to and from the central nervous system, controlling, among other things:
• Movements (motor nerves)
• Sensory experiences such as touch, pain, and temperature (sensory nerves)
• Functions such as breathing, digestion, and heartbeat (autonomic nerves)
NGF is important in this system because it helps repair and maintain damaged or weakened nerves, which can be important in cases such as nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy.
Why is this important in practice?
When NGF is stimulated in the right way – for example through diet or functional supplements like Lion's Mane – it can have noticeable effects in everyday life:
- Better cognitive function: Sharper memory, faster information processing and better learning
- Better nerve health: Reduced risk of neuropathy and support for nerve damage
- Age prevention: Potential protection against cognitive decline and dementia-related conditions
- Better neuromuscular coordination: Important for balance, reaction and movement – especially in the elderly
In practice, this means that NGF is not just an advanced biological mechanism – it can also have a real influence on how you function mentally, physically and emotionally , day by day.
A nuanced perspective on NGF
When we talk about “stimulating NGF properly” , we mean supporting the body’s natural and balanced production – for example through:
• Adaptogens
• Physical activity
• Healthy nutrition and omega-3 fatty acids
• Mental training and learning
• Good sleep
Lion's Mane, unlike synthetic alternatives, appears in studies to have a mild, adaptogenic effect – where the body itself regulates its response based on needs.
NGF summarized - the key to brain health
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a critical component in the body's ability to protect, repair and regenerate nerve cells. Through substances such as hericenones and erinacines, Lion's Mane shows promising results.
However, it is important to see Lion's Mane as one piece of a larger puzzle. Diet, sleep, physical activity and mental stimulation are all factors that affect the nervous system.
When Lion's Mane is combined with good habits, you get a more robust and natural foundation for neurological health.