It has demonstrated potential cognitive improvements.
Draco Natural Products (San Jose, CA) has introduced a bioactive extract of lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) with scientific evidence for cognitive health.
Also known as pom pom mushroom or bearded tooth mushroom, this species of mushroom is commonly regarded in Asian countries, including Chine and Japan.
Lion’s mane mushroom is believed to improve cognitive function do to its diterpene compounds, which may stimulate nerve growth factor to improve nerve growth.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 30 Japanese adults found that those who took 3 g of the mushroom extract for 16 weeks improved cognitive scores (via the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale) at 8, 12, and 16 weeks compared to placebo. Such improvements decreased at 4 weeks after termination of supplementation. The research was published in 2008 in Phytotherapy Research.