Functional Mushroom series

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• (no title)May 4, 2026
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Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Benefits for the Brain, Cognition & Overall Health
What does the science actually say about Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been used as a culinary and traditional medicinal mushroom for centuries, but in recent years it has attracted considerable attention from modern researchers studying brain health, cognition, nerve growth and inflammation.
Unlike many wellness trends, there is legitimate scientific research behind the interest in Lion’s Mane—but it is also important to understand what the research does and does not prove.
At Billiams Fungi, we believe in learning about mushrooms through both traditional knowledge and modern science.
What Makes Lion’s Mane Different?
Lion’s Mane is an unusual-looking edible mushroom recognized by its long, white, cascading spines.
Researchers have identified several groups of naturally occurring compounds in Lion’s Mane, including hericenones, which are primarily associated with the fruiting body, and erinacines, which are predominantly found in the mycelium.
These compounds have attracted particular interest because laboratory and animal studies suggest they may influence pathways associated with nerve growth factor (NGF), neurogenesis, inflammation and neuronal protection.
But here’s the important part:
Promising biological activity does not automatically mean that eating Lion’s Mane will produce the same effects in humans.
That is why human clinical research is especially important.
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🧠 Lion’s Mane & Brain Health
One of the biggest reasons people are interested in Lion’s Mane is its potential relationship with the nervous system.
Researchers are particularly interested in compounds that may influence nerve growth factor (NGF) and other neurotrophic pathways. NGF is involved in the growth, maintenance and survival of certain neurons.
Research reviews have found that Lion’s Mane compounds can stimulate neurotrophic and neuroprotective pathways in laboratory and animal models. However, researchers emphasize that these findings cannot simply be translated into proven effects in humans.
This is one of the most exciting areas of Lion’s Mane research—but also one where more human studies are needed.
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🧠 Cognition & Memory
There have been several human studies examining whether Lion’s Mane supplementation can influence cognitive function.
A study involving mild cognitive impairment
One of the better-known clinical trials involved 30 adults between 50 and 80 years old with mild cognitive impairment.
Participants received Lion’s Mane powder or placebo for 16 weeks.
The Lion’s Mane group showed significantly higher scores on a cognitive-function test at weeks 8, 12 and 16 compared with the placebo group. Interestingly, scores declined after participants stopped taking the mushroom.
This was a relatively small study, so it shouldn’t be interpreted as proof that Lion’s Mane prevents dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
But it was an interesting early human study that helped motivate additional research.
Another randomized trial
A 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study also investigated Lion’s Mane supplementation and cognitive function. Researchers reported improvement on one measure of cognitive function following 12 weeks of supplementation.
Again, these studies are encouraging—but they are relatively small compared with the large clinical trials normally required to establish a medical treatment.
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What About Healthy Younger Adults?
This is where the research gets particularly interesting.
A 2023 randomized, double-blind pilot study examined 41 healthy adults between 18 and 45 years old.
Participants consumed 1.8 grams of Lion’s Mane and were tested for cognitive performance and mood.
After a single dose, researchers observed faster performance on a Stroop task 60 minutes after consumption. However, the overall findings were mixed, and the study was relatively small.
Then a 2025 randomized, placebo-controlled study examined an acute dose of standardized Lion’s Mane fruiting-body extract in 18 healthy adults aged 18–35.
The researchers did not find a significant overall improvement in global cognitive function or mood, although one individual motor/psychomotor test showed improved performance.
That’s an important finding because it shows why we shouldn’t simply say:
“Lion’s Mane makes you smarter.”
The evidence isn’t that simple.
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🧠 Could Lion’s Mane Support Nerve Health?
This is one of the most promising areas of preclinical research.
Laboratory and animal research suggests Lion’s Mane compounds may influence pathways involved in:
● Nerve growth
● Neurogenesis
● Antioxidant activity
● Inflammation
● Neuronal survival
● Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Erinacines in particular have received significant scientific attention because of their potential neurotrophic activity.
However, much of this research has been conducted in cells or animals, rather than humans.
So these findings should be viewed as promising scientific evidence—not established medical benefits.
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🛡️ Lion’s Mane & Antioxidant / Immune Activity
Lion’s Mane also contains polysaccharides, phenolic compounds and other bioactive substances that have demonstrated antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity in laboratory research.
Researchers are investigating whether these properties could contribute to broader health effects.
Again, however, laboratory antioxidant activity doesn’t necessarily mean that taking a Lion’s Mane supplement will produce a measurable health outcome in a person.
That’s why continued clinical research matters.
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What Does the Overall Research Say?
A 2025 systematic review examined the available research on Lion’s Mane supplements, including randomized controlled trials, pilot clinical trials, laboratory studies and other research.
The review found promising evidence involving cognitive function and neurological health, but it also highlighted the limited number and size of human clinical trials. Reported potential side effects included digestive discomfort, headache and allergic reactions.
A separate review of human mushroom research found that intervention studies involving Lion’s Mane showed mixed results, and concluded that larger and better-designed human trials are still needed.
In other words:
The science is promising—but it isn’t finished.
That’s actually what makes Lion’s Mane so interesting.
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Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium
You’ll often see Lion’s Mane products made from either fruiting bodies, mycelium, or a combination of the two.
This distinction matters because researchers have identified different compounds in different parts of the mushroom.
Fruiting bodies contain compounds including hericenones and polysaccharides.
Mycelium contains compounds including erinacines, which have received considerable attention in neurological research.
This doesn’t automatically mean one form is universally “better.”
It means consumers should pay attention to what part of the mushroom is actually being used and how the product is extracted.
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What We Still Don’t Know
Despite the growing research, there are still important unanswered questions.
Researchers are continuing to investigate:
● Which Lion’s Mane compounds are most important
● Fruiting body vs. mycelium preparations
● Extraction methods
● Appropriate amounts
● How long supplementation needs to continue
● Which populations may benefit most
● How Lion’s Mane compounds are absorbed and metabolized
● Whether long-term supplementation produces meaningful cognitive benefits
These questions are especially important because different studies have used different preparations, doses and extraction methods.
That makes it difficult to compare one Lion’s Mane product directly with another.
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The Bottom Line
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is one of the most interesting functional mushrooms being studied for brain and nervous-system health.
Research has identified compounds with neurotrophic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity, particularly in laboratory and animal models. Several small human studies have also reported potentially beneficial effects on aspects of cognition.
But the human evidence is still developing.
Lion’s Mane should not be considered a treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, anxiety or any other medical condition.
Instead, it is best viewed as an interesting functional mushroom with a growing body of scientific research behind it.
At Billiams Fungi, that’s exactly why we believe education matters.
Learn about the mushroom. Understand the research. Know what you’re putting into your body.
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⚠️ A Note From Billiams Fungi
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information presented is a summary of current research and should not be considered medical advice. If you have a medical condition, take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have concerns about using mushroom supplements, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Shiitake Mushrooms and Blood Sugar: What the Research Really Says

Could one of the world’s most popular edible mushrooms also support healthy blood sugar and metabolic health?

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) have been eaten for centuries and are valued for their rich flavor, nutritional content, and naturally occurring compounds such as beta-glucans and other polysaccharides.

Today, researchers are taking a closer look at shiitake and other functional mushrooms to understand how they may influence glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and overall metabolic health.

For people interested in diabetes and nutrition, this research is particularly interesting—but it is important to separate what scientists are discovering from what has actually been proven in humans.

Shiitake Mushrooms and Diabetes

One of the most interesting areas of shiitake research is its potential relationship with blood sugar regulation.

Laboratory and preclinical research suggests that compounds found in shiitake may influence several pathways involved in glucose metabolism, including carbohydrate digestion and absorption, insulin signaling, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

A 2023 review specifically examining lentinan—the beta-glucan found in shiitake—described several possible mechanisms through which shiitake compounds could influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. However, the researchers also emphasized that the evidence is still inconclusive and that additional human clinical trials are needed. (ScienceDirect)

More recently, a 2026 study examining shiitake compounds and Type 2 diabetes used molecular and network-analysis techniques to investigate how shiitake peptides and polysaccharides may interact with pathways associated with Type 2 diabetes. The findings add to the scientific interest surrounding shiitake, but this type of research does not prove that eating shiitake mushrooms treats diabetes. (PubMed)

What About Human Studies?

This is where the story gets more interesting—and where we need to be honest about the limitations.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 80 adults with prediabetes investigated a mixture containing aronia, red ginseng, shiitake mushroom, and nattokinase for 12 weeks.

The group receiving the mixture showed improvements in insulin resistance and markers associated with insulin sensitivity. However, because shiitake was only one ingredient in a four-ingredient mixture, the study cannot tell us that shiitake alone caused those effects. Fasting blood glucose itself was not significantly different between the groups. (PubMed Central (PMC))

There have also been human studies investigating shiitake as part of meals and its effect on post-meal blood glucose. One controlled study found that adding shiitake powder to a high-fat meal did not significantly change post-meal glucose in the small group studied. (PubMed Central (PMC))

So the current takeaway is:

Shiitake mushrooms are promising, but we do not yet have enough evidence to say that shiitake mushrooms treat diabetes.

And that’s an important distinction.

Type 1 Diabetes vs. Type 2 Diabetes

It is also important to understand that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are very different conditions.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.

Because people with Type 1 diabetes require insulin, eating shiitake mushrooms cannot replace insulin therapy.

There is currently not enough human evidence to claim that shiitake mushrooms can prevent, reverse, or treat Type 1 diabetes.

However, shiitake can still be a nutritious, low-calorie food that can fit into an overall healthy eating pattern.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and/or inadequate insulin production.

This is where mushroom research becomes particularly interesting.

Scientists are investigating whether compounds found in mushrooms can influence:

• Insulin sensitivity
• Glucose uptake
• Carbohydrate digestion
• Inflammation
• Oxidative stress
• Lipid metabolism
• Gut microbiome activity

These mechanisms may help explain why researchers continue to investigate mushrooms as part of a healthy diet for metabolic health.

But again, promising research is not the same thing as a proven diabetes treatment.

The American Diabetes Association’s 2026 Standards of Care recommend individualized nutrition plans for people with diabetes, emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and non-starchy vegetables while limiting highly processed foods and added sugars. (DOI)

Shiitake Isn’t the Only Mushroom Being Studied

Shiitake is just one member of a much larger group of mushrooms being investigated for metabolic health.

🍄 Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) have some particularly interesting human research.

A systematic review examining eight clinical trials found that oyster mushroom consumption was associated in several studies with improvements in glucose metabolism, including reductions in fasting or post-meal blood glucose. Some studies also reported improvements in cholesterol and triglycerides.

However, the review noted that many of the studies had methodological weaknesses, meaning the overall evidence was considered low quality and more research is needed. (PubMed)

🍄 Maitake

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), sometimes called Hen of the Woods, has also received significant attention.

Researchers have investigated compounds in maitake for their potential effects on insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. Animal studies have shown promising results, and limited human research has also generated interest.

However, clinical evidence remains limited, so maitake should not be presented as a diabetes treatment. (PubMed Central (PMC))

🍄 Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi) is another mushroom frequently investigated for metabolic and inflammatory pathways.

Much of the diabetes-related research involving reishi has been laboratory or animal research. That makes it scientifically interesting, but it does not yet provide enough evidence to recommend reishi as a treatment for diabetes.

🍄 Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is probably best known for research involving the nervous system, cognition, and neuroprotective mechanisms.

It is also being investigated for metabolic and inflammatory effects, but there is currently not enough evidence to claim that Lion’s Mane treats diabetes.

This is a good example of why different mushrooms shouldn’t all be marketed as doing the same thing.

Each species contains a different combination of compounds, and researchers are still learning how those compounds interact with the human body.

Why Mushrooms May Be Interesting for Metabolic Health

One reason mushrooms have attracted so much scientific interest is their combination of:

Beta-glucans

These complex carbohydrates are found in the cell walls of many fungi and are being studied for their effects on immune function, metabolism, and gut health.

Dietary fiber

Mushrooms can contribute fiber to the diet, which is important for digestive and metabolic health.

Antioxidant compounds

Mushrooms contain compounds involved in antioxidant activity and protection against oxidative stress.

Ergothioneine

Mushrooms are one of the notable dietary sources of ergothioneine, an antioxidant compound that continues to be investigated for its potential role in human health.

Low energy density

Whole mushrooms provide relatively few calories while adding flavor, texture, and nutrients to meals.

These characteristics make mushrooms an interesting food to include in an overall nutrient-dense eating pattern.

So, Can Shiitake Mushrooms Help With Diabetes?

The most scientifically responsible answer is:

They may support aspects of metabolic health, but we don’t currently have enough evidence to say that shiitake mushrooms treat or control diabetes.

The research is promising enough to justify continued investigation, particularly regarding insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and the effects of mushroom polysaccharides such as lentinan.

But people with diabetes should not stop insulin, metformin, or any other prescribed treatment because they begin eating mushrooms or taking mushroom supplements.

Mushrooms should be viewed as food first—not medicine.

The Bigger Picture

Perhaps the most exciting thing about mushroom research isn’t that one particular mushroom may become a “diabetes cure.”

It’s that researchers are discovering that edible fungi contain a remarkable variety of biologically active compounds that may interact with different systems throughout the body.

And we’re still learning.

As research continues, we may discover that different mushroom species—and even different parts or extracts of the same mushroom—have very different effects.

That’s one of the reasons we believe education matters.

At Billiams Fungi, our goal is to help people learn about mushrooms, understand the research behind them, and make informed decisions about incorporating these fascinating fungi into their lives.

The science is developing. The mushrooms are fascinating. And there’s still a lot left to discover.

A Note on Diabetes and Safety

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, talk with your healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or adding concentrated mushroom extracts or supplements.

Mushrooms can be part of a healthy diet, but they should not replace prescribed diabetes medications, insulin, or medical care.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.