How Much Lion's Mane is Too Much? Medical Studies & My Personal Experience

Lion’s Mane is renowned for its powerful effects on focus, cognition, and even mood according to expert research studies. As studies continue to examine the effects of Lion’s Mane and its popularity continues to grow, so do concerns about its safety. Is there such a thing as too much Lion’s Mane? Can you overdose on it?

The answer to the both of these questions is a resounding no. Clinically, Lion’s Mane has little risk of overdose, and doses are safe in the thousands of milligrams (3,000mg to 5,000mg or more).

However, there are still certain precautions you should take if you’re considering starting a Lion’s Mane supplement regimen. Still, advancing research in the exciting field of nootropics, including Lion’s Mane, is proving time and time again that the benefits of mushrooms, like Lion’s Mane, far outweigh its minimal risks.

What is Lion’s Mane?

Lion's Mane mushroom, known by its scientific name Hericium erinaceus or H. erinaceus, is a medicinal and edible fungus native to Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, prized for its ability to improve cognitive function and overall health.

Ancient Japanese and Chinese medicinal uses for lion's mane range from cognitive to physical, and include:

• Spleen fortification
• Improved gut health
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-inflammatory
• Insomnia treatment
• Weakness and loss of strength improvement

It might seem almost impossible that a mushroom growing on the barks of rotting hardwood trees would hold such potent effects. However, studies have shown that many of its benefits, including its neuroprotective properties and cardiovascular protective properties, have been shown in cell culture or in animal models.

In short, Lion's Mane isn't just a fad. It's an important, highly prized and highly researched mushroom backed by science to deliver a host of benefits from brain to gut, and beyond.

Is Lion’s Mane a Psychedelic Mushroom?

When most people hear the term "medicinal mushroom," they might think of psychedelic mushrooms like psilocybin. Unlike psychedelic mushrooms, Lion's Mane does not contain any psychoactive compounds and is not known to induce hallucinations or alter one's perception of reality.

You can rest assured taking it and incorporating it in your daily supplement regimen won't lead to any psychedelic experiences!

How Does Lion's Mane Work?

While the exact mechanism of action is still being studied, Lion's Mane contains compounds such as hericenones and erinacines that have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the body.

NGF is a neurotrophic factor, or protein, responsible for the maintenance and regeneration of neurons in the brain, making it essential for cognitive function. Lack of NGF has been linked to issues like depression, anxiety, and even Alzheimers.

According to the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, studies have shown several real, physical effects of Lion's Mane during studies on mice. These included:

• Increase NGF expression and secretion
• Lower inflammation
• Prevention of amyloid beta toxicity
• Protection against ER stress, which has been linked with diabetes, neurodegeneration, and cancer
• Protect against oxidative stress.

So, we know that works on the body physically. While this is excellent news for those who want a proven nootropic to add to the supplements, it also might make some people cautious.

After all, if Lion's Mane works on the body, does it mean it can lead to an overdose?

Medical Research on Lion’s Mane and Dosages

Fortunately, we know from reading these studies that even super high doses of Lion's Mane given for weeks on end don't cause much harm.

The same report from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation found that doses in the thousands of milligrams per kilogram of body weight do not produce any toxicity or harm.

The Foundation looked at two small clinical trials that demonstrated taking up to 3 grams per day of lion’s mane extract over 16 weeks did not appear to have negatively impact patients. These adverse effects were measured using a complete blood profile and evaluating patients.

Remember, these studies are using grams, not milligrams, and over an extended period. Even this amount did not seem to cause any adverse effects, except for mild gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients. To help understand how much dosage was used in these experiments, use this conversion:

1,000 mg = 1 gram

In addition, studies performed on rodents showed that 5 grams per day seemed to be safe in animal studies. Even an open-label study described in a review (Kawagishi 2008) on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or cerebrovascular dementia.

These patients were given 5 grams of lion’s mane powdered mushroom in their soup, daily for 6 months, with no adverse effects. Some bedridden patients were even able to get up for meals after this study!

How Much Lion's Mane Dosage in One Supplement Capsule?

Of course, it's highly unlikely you'll use high doses like those used in studies. Most high-quality Lion's Mane supplements and nootropics range between 200mg to 300mg per capsule, with some suppliers suggesting to take 2 per day.

Even with these lower doses, reviews of such products are undeniably positive. You can find a plethora of online testimonials that show Lion's Mane:

• Reduces brain fog
• Has a calming effect
• Boosts mood
• Boosts stamina
• Reduces stress
• and more

Personally, Lion's Mane has had a significant improvement on my focus and mental clarity. Not even a cup of coffee can stand up to a single 500mg dose of Lion's Mane. Even a half gram dose does nothing to adversely affect me.

If you're weary of trying a single capsule of Lion's Mane, don't worry. There are tons of other options, including tasty gummies that contain extracts of Lion's Mane along with other powerful nootropics like Reishi and Cordyceps.

Liver Toxicity Effects

If you're still unsure of whether or not Lion's Mane can cause an overdose, a study on its effects on the liver might bring you peace. The liver is responsible for filtering and breaking down toxins in the body. This is why overdoses, such as alcohol poisoning or Tylenol overdoses, can wreak havoc on the liver. The more toxins the liver has to process, the harder it has to work, and the more likely damage can occur.

Fortunately, Lion's Mane is far from dangerous on the liver. In fact, the National Institutes of Health classifies Lion's Mane as having a likelihood score of damaging the liver as "E". This means there is little evidence that it can cause liver injury through:

• Typical oral doses
• As a component of herbal products
• As a component of teas

It also means it is clinically unlikely to be the culprit of liver toxicity or injuries. The same can't be said of other popular stress reducers, like alcohol. Even popular over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol have a higher risk of liver toxicity than Lion's Mane.

Tips to Stay Safe

Even though Lion's Mane is proven to be clinically safe from with few adverse side effects and overdose risk, there are still certain precautions to take when consuming it as a supplement.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while reaping the benefits of Lion's Mane.

Buy From Trusted Supplement Suppliers

Not all health supplement suppliers are created equal. When choosing a supplement, be it a gummy, capsule, tinctures, or other forms of Lion's Mane, it's important to look for highly reputable suppliers. Online reviews are an excellent way of ensuring the product you're using is trusted by others.

At NutriMycos, we take pride in being a trusted source for high-quality Lion's Mane and nootropic supplements. Our products are:

• Made in FDA and cGMP certified factories
• 100% natural, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free
• Made in the US using high-quality ingredients

If you can't find a supplier that can provide you with details about their manufacturing process, it's best to steer clear of that product. Transparency, like that we provide, is key when it comes to choosing supplements.

Start Off Slow

By far the most common side effect of lion's mane is its effect on stomach upset. If you're new to starting a nootropic or using Lion's Mane, it's important to start off slow. While I've personally never experienced an upset stomach from Lion's Mane or nootropics, others might be different.

Our Zen Bites Mushroom Extract Gummies are 100% natural, fast absorbing, and easy on the stomach, meaning they also help protect against stomach upset. By starting off with a half dose and working your way up slowly, you can alleviate any potential stomach discomfort.

Ask a Doctor for Advice

If you're nursing, pregnant, or have other health issues, it's always best to err on the side of caution when starting any new supplement. It's a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regime, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Ask whether or not you can safely take this supplement, and if there's any negative reactions to look out for. While there has only been one confirmed anaphylactic reaction to Lion's Mane as recently as 2022, it's always better to practice safety.

Experience the Power of Lion’s Mane Today!

Little risk of overdose, potent effects on the mind and body, protection from neurodegeneration, and deliciously nutritious. What more could you want from a supplement? Lion's Mane is one of the best nootropics out there for improving cognitive function, mood, and overall health.

Try our delicious mushroom gummies infused with Lion's Mane!

With our Zen Bites, you can easily incorporate Lion's Mane into your daily routine and reap all of its amazing benefits. Our Zen Bites are made using a combination of 10 total nootropics, including Lion's Mane, so you can unlock the full potential of this ancient Chinese medicine.

Plus, with our transparency in our manufacturing process, high-quality ingredients, and positive testimonies, you can trust that you're getting the best possible product for your mind and body.

Don't wait any longer to experience the power of Lion's Mane for yourself. Try out Zen Bites today and see how it can improve your mind, body, and health inside and out!