Lion's Mane Mushroom — Cognitive Benefits & Research
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Found in: Focus by Of The Gods
Lion's Mane is a culinary and medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine. Modern research has identified it as one of the only natural compounds known to stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) — a protein essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons.†
Biochemical Profile & Mechanism of Action
Lion's Mane contains two unique classes of bioactive terpenoids not found in other fungi:
- Hericenones (found in the fruiting body) — cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate NGF synthesis in astrocytes
- Erinacines (found in the mycelium) — potent inducers of NGF expression with demonstrated neuroprotective activity
These compounds promote neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to form new synaptic connections — which is fundamental to learning, memory consolidation, and cognitive flexibility.†
Research-Supported Benefits
- Cognitive function: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that daily supplementation with Hericium erinaceus significantly improved cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment over 16 weeks (Mori et al., 2009).†
- Neurotrophic activity: In vitro studies demonstrate that Lion's Mane extracts promote neurite outgrowth — the physical extension of nerve cell projections — indicating direct neurotrophic effects (Lai et al., 2013).†
- Mood & well-being: A randomized controlled trial reported reductions in depression and anxiety scores after 4 weeks of Lion's Mane supplementation (Nagano et al., 2010).†
- Neuroprotection: Preclinical evidence suggests protective effects against amyloid-β induced neurotoxicity, supporting healthy brain aging (Tsai-Teng et al., 2016).†
Why It's in Focus
Each serving of Focus delivers a full clinical serving of Lion's Mane extract, selected for its dual hericenone and erinacine content. Combined with Reishi, L-Theanine, and L-Tyrosine, it forms the cognitive core of our nootropic stack.†
Scientific References
- Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634
- Lai, P.-L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K.-H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., Abdullah, N., & Malek, S. N. A. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6), 539–554. doi:10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v15.i6.30
- Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231–237. doi:10.2220/biomedres.31.231
- Tsai-Teng, T., Chin-Chu, C., Li-Ya, L., Wan-Ping, C., Chung-Kuang, L., Chien-Chang, S., Chi-Ying, H. F., Chien-Chih, C., & Shiao, Y.-J. (2016). Erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Journal of Biomedical Science, 23(1), 49. doi:10.1186/s12929-016-0266-z
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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from 29 reviewsBeen a long time imbiber. Love the switch to monk fruit sweetened vs Axe-K….less sweet and better flavor. On its own, mixed with a little chai, or even in an Americano, Focus is my morning go-to to steer my morning in a productive, engaged direction
My partner and I live and die by this, really can't have our coffee without it anymore. My partner says his focus and memory have never been better after using this for a couple months and we don't get the coffee jitters/anxiety when we have this. Definitely can feel the difference from when we use it vs don't use it. Love love love!!
Finally, a mushroom based product where I know the how much I am getting from each major supplement. On top of that, this tastes great and fits into my morning routine. I'm glad they offered me a discount for the subscription plan!
This stuff tastes amazing. It tastes just like cocoa powder but also gives me a sense of alertness, but without the jitters that too much caffeine can give.I recommend adding it in milk (or water, both are great) to make a hot cocoa type drink.
Great product with amazing flavor and friendly customer service.
I started putting this supplement in my morning coffee and noticed a pretty big difference in how long I felt energy throughout the day as well as a pretty big reduction in anxiety. My coffee just isn't the same without it now.
I hate mushrooms. I had no idea it was made from mushrooms! I love this stuff! Gove it a try!
Tried this for the first time at a farmers market and it tasted so good as hot chocolate. Great way to incorporate mushrooms that have so many health benefits.
Ive been using it for two weeks now and with my daily busy schedule, this supplement is a way to go powder with all my favorite drinks in the morning! My daily cup of coffee/ hot chocolate and even added it in my protein shake.
While having a great taste, it also enhanced immune health to reducing stress to better mental clarity and focus!
Of the Gods made me feel great during my morning routine! The taste was amazing in my hot chocolate too! I’m hyped about this product!
Had this product at a Christmas market today and it was so so so yummy!! My husband and I both loved it. I found the effect quite calming and it reduced my headache. We met the founders and they were cool people! They know their stuff when it comes to science and ingredients. 10/10 brand, company and product. Would recommend!
I've been taking reishi mushrooms for years, and Of The Gods is by far the best tasting mushroom supplement I've ever tried. I love that they are transparent about the amount of each ingredient in the bottle, which really sets them apart. The quality and flavor are unmatched, and it's now my go-to choice for mushroom supplements!
My wife and I drink it every morning mixed into hot water.
I love this product! I tend to get bored of the same old morning drink and so I’m always on the lookout for products that taste delicious but are also healthy. I started drinking OTG almost a year ago and it’s absolutely delicious! I’m not a fan of synthetic flavoring but I find OTG to be very well balanced and temperate. When I add it to my coffee in the morning or my smoothies in the afternoon, I find the taste to be more complimentary than over-powering. OTG is also delicious on it own, which is great when I need a change. It’s similar to a healthy hot chocolate! SO good! It gives me a gentle boost in the morning to start my day. I would highly recommend this product for a healthy addition to your diet.
This supplement has a delicious creamy chocolatey flavor and is rich and smooth in taste. It really worked to stabilize my energy level. You didn't get that rush then crash that you get with coffee. A great way to start your morning!
Amazing taste & service
Been a long time imbiber. Love the switch to monk fruit sweetened vs Axe-K….less sweet and better flavor. On its own, mixed with a little chai, or even in an Americano, Focus is my morning go-to to steer my morning in a productive, engaged direction
My partner and I live and die by this, really can't have our coffee without it anymore. My partner says his focus and memory have never been better after using this for a couple months and we don't get the coffee jitters/anxiety when we have this. Definitely can feel the difference from when we use it vs don't use it. Love love love!!
Finally, a mushroom based product where I know the how much I am getting from each major supplement. On top of that, this tastes great and fits into my morning routine. I'm glad they offered me a discount for the subscription plan!