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Medicinal mushrooms: Lion's mane, Cordyceps and Reishi 

We've previously discussed different types of mushrooms, including medicinal ones, but today I'm talking about three with outstanding properties that I've evaluated myself, along with their unique characteristics. They are Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris), and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). 

These organisms, used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, continue to be the subject of growing scientific research due to their potential effects on various aspects of health, such as physical performance, cognitive function, stress management, and overall well-being.

 

Lion's Mane (Lion's Mane or Hericium erinaceus)

The Lion's Mane mushroom is a white, hair-like mushroom known for its ability to promote neuronal and cognitive health.

- Regarding its effects on cognitive function, lion's mane stimulates the production of neurotrophic factors such as NGF and BDNF, improving memory, attention, and mental processing speed. It can be helpful in states of stress or mental fatigue.  For me personally, it has been very helpful.  Since the first week of use, and because I do a lot of research, reading, and writing, I feel it has allowed me to stay focused for longer periods and retain information more easily.

Recent, robust preclinical studies demonstrate that lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) exerts potent effects on neuronal growth and regeneration, although large-scale direct human studies are still underway.

 

Neuronal growth and regeneration: key studies

•    Ethanol and other fractions of lion's mane extract (particularly A2, A4-A6) have been shown to double axonal length and increase neurite outgrowth more than threefold in cultured hippocampal neurons from rodent models, clearly demonstrating a strong neurotrophic effect at low concentrations (1 μg/mL). ( 1 )

 • Compounds isolated from Lion's Mane, such as hericenones and NDPIH, dramatically increased neuronal length and branching when applied to rat neurons in vitro, showing neuronal projections up to twice as long as controls. Supplementation also improved memory in mice. ( 2 )

•    Australian researchers found that active compounds in lion's mane significantly increased the size of neuronal growth cones, essential for synaptic connectivity, and suggested that these effects could translate into neuroprotection and memory support, with potential for treating disorders such as Alzheimer's. ( 3 )

•    Mycelial enrichments have also delayed neuronal cell death and protected against damage in rat models of neurodegeneration. ( 4 )

- Athletic performance: There is limited evidence in humans, but in animals it improves metabolic flexibility, favoring fat utilization and protecting against oxidative stress during exercise.

- Stress: Reduces perceived stress, promotes emotional balance, and improves sleep, particularly after chronic supplementation.

- Dosage: 1-3 grams daily is usually safe; recent studies use 1.8 g for 4 weeks.

- Optimal timing: Recommended in the morning for cognitive benefits; in the evening, it can promote relaxation in stressed individuals.

- Contraindications: Avoid if you have a fungal allergy; mild adverse effects are rare (digestive, skin allergies).

 

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows on insects and is prized for its potential to increase energy and stamina.

- Athletic performance: Improves oxygen utilization, ATP production, and endurance. Increases VO₂ max and time to fatigue in athletes; significant ergogenic effect after 3 weeks of supplementation.  I personally take it for that purpose, and I do it before going out to train.  What I feel is that it gives me that last push I need to get out the door and it comes in handy, especially when the weather is challenging. 

- Cognitive Function: May protect against oxidative brain stress and improve focus in some contexts, although it is less studied for cognition than Lion's Mane.

- Libido: Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and sexual tonic, it supports energy and physical vigor. Its natural origin is limited and expensive; most supplements come from Cordyceps militaris cultivars, which are equally effective in principle.

- Stress Management: Acts as an adaptogen by modulating the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis, reducing the physiological impact of stress and promoting recovery.

- Dosage: 1–3 g/day in athletes, up to 4 g/day in performance studies; best taken before physical activity for immediate effect. Another fact is that, if you use cordyceps to enhance your training, consuming cordyceps mushrooms in their pure form (as dried powder, whole fruiting bodies, or extracts with just water, without sweeteners or additives) provides minimal calories and negligible macronutrients, so, in general, their use does not break the fast in the context of intermittent fasting protocols focused on autophagy or mitophagy.

- However, commercially prepared Cordyceps supplements, especially alcohol-based tinctures, glycerin-based extracts, or powders mixed with sugars or proteins, can disrupt fasting states depending on their ingredients and calorie content. So, be careful.

- Synergies: It's enhanced with other adaptogens like Rhodiola and energizing mushrooms; in blends, it improves the antioxidant profile and mitochondrial function.

I've heard comments that it shouldn't be consumed with coffee, but in fact, lion's mane can be safely consumed with coffee and is often combined to create "mushroom coffee" products or homemade blends that support cognitive function and mood. This combination is popular for its complementary effects: coffee provides a stimulating boost, while lion's mane stands out for its neuroprotective properties and mental clarity.

- Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in cases of autoimmune diseases or immunosuppressive treatments.

  

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is a reddish mushroom, famous for its use in traditional Chinese medicine for longevity and emotional balance.

- Cognitive Function and Stress Management: Reishi modulates the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis, promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and supports emotional stability; useful for insomnia and fatigue.

- Physical performance: It is not directly ergogenic, but it helps in recovery and management of physical and mental stress.

- Dosage: 1–3 g/day is safe; often used in the evening/night to support relaxation and sleep.

- Synergies: It's very versatile, combining well with other mushrooms and adaptogens; it improves the immune profile when combined with Lion's Mane and Cordyceps.

- Contraindications: May cause digestive discomfort, dry mouth, insomnia, and headaches in some adults. Contraindicated in cases of anticoagulant therapy, bleeding, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and fungal allergies.

Additional information:

I recently published an article and video about L-theanine and its powerful non-stimulant energizer effects.  You may be wondering whether Reishi or Ganoderma mushrooms provide similar effects to L-theanine and would like to clarify the precise effects of each.

L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in tea leaves, especially green tea, and is not a natural component of Reishi mushroom, although they provide similar effects.

However, reishi and L-theanine are frequently combined in supplements and products for their complementary effects on relaxation, stress reduction, and cognitive support. Reishi offers adaptogenic, immune-supporting, and calming properties, while L-theanine promotes non-drowsy relaxation and improves focus by increasing alpha brain waves. Many commercial preparations combine them to promote calm focus, improve mood, and improve sleep quality.

In short, Reishi mushroom itself does not contain L-theanine, but it is often combined in formulations to provide synergistic benefits related to calmness, stress resistance, and cognitive function.

Another particular fact about Reishi that caught my attention is its use as a star ingredient in anti-aging product preparations. Reishi is used in expensive beauty and anti-aging preparations due to its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties, which help combat skin aging at both the cellular and superficial levels.

 

Main benefits for the skin and anti-aging

•Reishi contains more than 400 bioactive compounds, including antioxidants (such as glutathione and ergothioneine), beta-glucans, triterpenes, and polysaccharides, which help reduce oxidative stress, one of the main causes of skin aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.( 1 )( 3 )( 4 )( 5 )

•Reishi promotes collagen production, increases cell renewal and hydrates the skin, which improves its elasticity and smoothness and restores the skin barrier. ( 2 )( 4 )

• Its compounds inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, responsible for melanin production, making Reishi effective in lightening skin and fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation. ( 3 )( 4 )( 5 )

• This mushroom is rich in hyaluronic acid, which improves skin hydration and helps maintain a youthful appearance.

 

Anti-inflammatory and barrier-enhancing effects

• Reishi's anti-inflammatory effects help reduce redness, soothe irritated skin, and relieve conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. ( 1 )( 3 )( 4 )

• Helps restore skin ceramides, repair the barrier and protect cells from free radical damage, thus preventing premature aging. ( 3 )( 4 )

 

Helps skin heal and relieve stress

• Scientific studies have shown that Reishi extract accelerates wound healing by increasing the migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, upregulating skin remodeling factors, and protecting cells from oxidative damage. ( 5 )

• As an adaptogen, Reishi helps regulate hormonal balance (including cortisol), which impacts skin health, stress levels, and sleep quality, factors linked to skin aging. ( 1 )

The concentration of beneficial compounds, its traditional reputation as the "mushroom of immortality," and the complexity of its extraction contribute to the added value of Reishi-based formulas in luxury skincare products.

Both topical and internal applications are popular in advanced beauty regimens, but internal use is believed to more deeply address the root causes of premature aging and skin dullness.

Overall, the antioxidant, regenerative, barrier-strengthening, and adaptogenic properties of Reishi make it a highly prized ingredient in luxury beauty and anti-aging products. 

SUMMARY TABLE

 

Fungus	Athletic Effect	Cognition/mood	Dose	Other peculiarities
Lion's Mane	Improves concentration, possible metabolic flexibility	Improves memory, reduces stress	1-3 g/day Morning/evening	Fungal allergy, mild digestive effects
Cordyceps	Increases VO₂ max /athletic performance	Less studied, possible approach	1-3 g/day (athletes); up to 4 g/day Pre-exercise	Combines well with other Adaptogens, such as Lion's Mane
Reishi	Recovery, non-direct ergogenic	Relaxation, sleep, anti-anxiety, Anti-aging	1-3 g/day Evening/night	Combines well with other adaptogens and other mushrooms

 

Possible interactions

The three mushrooms—Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi—may interact with common medications and have contraindications for certain medical conditions. Key points are summarized here, prioritizing the most relevant clinical interactions:

 

Mushroom	Main risk	Medications and serious interactions	Other precautions
Lion's Mane	Bleeding, hypoglycemia	Warfarin, aspirin, insulin, metformin, antihypertensives	Surgery, pregnancy, fungal allergy
Cordyceps	Bleeding, immunostimulation	Warfarin, cyclosporine, antidiabetics, testosterone	Pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, polypharmacy
Reishi	Bleeding, hypotension, immuno	Warfarin, NSAIDs, antihypertensives, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants	Pregnancy, allergies, diabetes

 

Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi represent valuable natural tools for boosting physical and mental health. Their use, increasingly supported by science, can contribute to athletic performance, cognitive function, emotional balance, and overall well-being. 

However, it's essential to choose quality products, follow the recommended dosages, adhere to optimal consumption schedules, and consult a healthcare professional to avoid interactions or contraindications. Incorporating these mushrooms into a healthy routine can make all the difference on the path to greater well-being.