You don't have to be a health warrior or a health hero to know that medicinal mushrooms are all the rage right now, but the latest edible to make waves is Lion's Man Gummies.
2024 will be a mushroom boom year, and if your FYP is anything like me, a quick scroll through TikTok will show you the functional food craze kicking off with people taking multi-mushroom capsule blends, adding liquid tinctures containing mushroom extracts to their tea or coffee, or mixing mushroom powder into whatever. Just last month, “lion's man gummies” were named one of Google's “exploding topics” because these mushrooms reportedly have nootropic properties, such as improved cognitive function, memory, and focus.
Yes, we get it. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin D and vitamin B6, mushrooms in general have long been hailed for their ability to reduce inflammation, promote brain health and lower cholesterol. These nutritional powerhouses have also been shown to help regulate the immune system. But what about the Lion's Man?
To determine whether Lionsman gummies are worth the fuss or just a fad food, we looked at the research and spoke to registered dietitians and nutritionists. Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about Lionsman powders, tinctures, capsules, and gummies.
While you're here, you might also be interested to see the changes Senior Health Editor Allie Head noticed after taking Shrooms Cocoa for a year. Or, if you want more nutrition expert-backed and scientifically approved content, check out our healthy smoothie recipes and healthy dinner recipes that are quick, nutritious, and delicious.
Lion's Man Gummy Bears are all the rage, but do they really work?
What is Lionsman Gummy?
Before we dig deep into Lion's Man gummies, it's worth finding out what Lion's Man actually is: “Lion's Man is an edible mushroom that is large, white and hairy, and resembles a lion's mane when it grows,” says Sonal Jenkins, R.D., founder of Synergy Nutrition and member of Nutritionist Resources.
“Their natural habitat is hardwood trees and they have a long history of being consumed raw, cooked, dried or brewed as a tea for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine,” Jenkins adds.
Lion's Man is a rare plant in the UK, and as such is protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it's illegal to collect it from the wild. Instead, this adaptogenic mushroom can be bought fresh from health food stores, or widely available in powder, liquid, capsule and gummy forms.
What about the gummy itself? “Lion's Man Gummies are a dietary supplement containing Lion's Man mushroom extract,” says Lizzy Sanchez, R.D., a member of Nutrition Resources. “These gummies are designed to deliver the health benefits of Lion's Man mushroom in a convenient, delicious format.”
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What are the benefits of supplementing with Lionsman?
Research shows that in traditional Chinese medicine, lion's man has long been used as a “tonic to relieve depression, anxiety, and stress,” but in more modern times, a small (but slowly growing) body of evidence suggests that this white, spherical fungus may have some notable benefits, including improved brain function, mental health, and protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
First, a small pilot study conducted in 2023 involved 41 participants taking 600 mg of Lionsman capsules for 28 days, which was shown to improve cognitive function and mood. Researchers said participants who took the capsules performed “significantly faster” on a Stroop task and also experienced reduced stress.
In 2010, researchers conducted a small, four-week randomized controlled trial in 30 women and concluded that Lionsman “has the potential to reduce depression and anxiety.”
Another small study in 2020 looked at the effects of supplementing a group of people 50 and older diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease with three 350mg capsules of Lionsman for 49 weeks, which led to “significant improvements” in cognitive test scores compared to a placebo group. Researchers said this suggests that H. erinaceus mycelium (also known as Lionsman) “is safe, well tolerated, and may be important in achieving neurocognitive benefits.”
And the research continues: Another review in 2018 concluded that lion's mane may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, including ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. However, it's important to note that this review was based on mouse studies.
What are the side effects of Lionsman?
“Lion's Man is generally considered safe,” says Nicola Ludlam-Raine, a registered dietitian and member of the British Dietetic Association and author of How to Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods. However, Ludlam-Raine says that taking Lion's Man can cause side effects, including:
Allergic reactions – “People with mushroom allergies should avoid mushrooms,” the nutritionist points out. Gastrointestinal discomfort – “Some people may experience stomach upset or nausea,” the expert adds. Skin rashes – “Rarely, skin rashes have been reported,” says Ludlam-Rain.
Is there anyone who can't take Lionsman?
Ludlam Lane said there are a few people who should avoid the Lion's Man.
This includes “anyone with a known allergy to mushrooms,” says Ludlum-Raine, “pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to insufficient safety data. Also, anyone with an autoimmune disease, as lion's mane stimulates the immune system, which may exacerbate autoimmune conditions.”
In any case, you should consult a registered healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement containing Lionsman, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are already taking any medication.
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How does Lion Man make you feel?
That's the answer we all want to know. Well, everyone's body is different. And taking nootropics affects everyone differently. Lionsman is no exception.
Nutritionist Jenkins says the research suggests there may be a mild increase in mental clarity and focus, as if “the fog has lifted from your brain.” “A small human study showed faster processing times, lower stress levels, and a slightly elevated mood, which made people feel more balanced and less stressed and anxious,” the expert explains.
So, does current research prove they work?
In short, the current findings on Lionsman look promising, but experts say there is still room for improvement before we can determine its effectiveness and safety.
“Current research on lion's man shows promising results, particularly in cognitive function, neuroprotection, and mood enhancement,” says Sanchez, R.D. “Bioactive compounds in lion's man, such as hericenones and erinacines, are thought to contribute to these effects.” However, “the use of medicinal mushroom-based supplements is still in the early stages of development, and more research is needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety in different age groups and health conditions.”
Ludlam-Laing agrees, saying that current research on Lion's Man is promising but not conclusive. “Most of the research has been done on animals or in test tubes,” says Ludlam-Laing, R.D. “Limited human trials have shown positive results, but larger, more rigorous studies (randomized controlled trials) are needed to confirm these benefits.”
Experts also note that in addition to larger studies in humans, further research on the different forms of lion's mane is needed, as the jury is still out on the gummy bears.
“Gummy vitamins have become popular, likely due to their taste and convenience,” Jenkins points out, “but in my opinion, they're not an effective way to get nutrients and (probably) contain added sugars, sugar alcohols, and food colorings. I also question the dosage in a gummy and whether it's absorbed properly.”
Jenkins says a “better way” to take Lion's Man is in capsule, powder or liquid tincture form: “The mushroom powder can be mixed into hot water, coffee, tea, smoothies or other drinks, or added to soups, stews and gravies.” Meanwhile, nutritionist Ludlam Laing says she always recommends eating whole mushrooms as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Do nootropics really work?
Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs,” can be defined as medicinal drugs that act to improve human thinking, learning, and memory, especially when these functions are impaired, according to a review published in the journal Nutrients in 2022. “Some nootropics have shown real benefits, but their effectiveness varies depending on the substance and the individual,” explains Sanchez.
Ludlam Laing agrees, adding: “Some benefits are well documented, like caffeine, but certain supplements and herbs don't have as much scientific support.”
“My brain is no longer foggy and I can now remember simple things that I had forgotten.”
Denise Palmer-Davis, 45, is the director and co-founder of Born Media. After taking Lion's Man for six months, Palmer-Davis noticed a difference in her focus and memory. Here's why:
“I first came across Lion's Mane on social media and that's what caught my interest. I also had some friends who said they were taking it. I started taking it in early 2024 when I noticed I was having brain fog and lacking focus.”
“I've been drinking it almost daily since January and now even over holiday. I initially tried it in coffee but didn't like the taste and much preferred my regular coffee. Then I found a company called TwentyTwo selling Lionsman in capsule form which I found much more convenient. I love that it's British, organic and uses no fillers or fillers.”
“I notice that my mind is much clearer and sharper. The brain fog is gone and I find it much easier to remember simple things that I had forgotten. I no longer experience the day-to-day anxiety that I previously felt and I feel much more focused when spending time with my family and at work.”
Should I give it a try?
The bottom line: Every person is different, and so will each of our lifestyle choices and reactions to supplements. While the current research is promising, the experts we spoke to for this article all said that more research is needed and that supplements in gummy form should be avoided.
That being said, if you've spoken with a medical professional who recommends you try Lionsman, it certainly sounds promising.
Shop MC UK's Lion's Mane picks now:
Mother Made Brain Lionsman Capsule
This 60-capsule Lion's Man supplement from Mothermaid contains no additives and 450mg of the nootropic per capsule. According to the brand, the mushrooms are “true to their origin” and imported from China, then to Mothermaid's home base in New Zealand.
Don't like capsules? Then why not try Lionsman gummies? DIRTEA's Apple flavour contains 2,400 mg of Lionsman, as well as vitamins B12 and B5. These sugar-free gummies come in 100% earth-friendly packaging and are vegan too.
If you want to get the benefits of your coffee, try Lion's Mane by Balance Coffee. Designed to improve focus, this tincture contains organic Lion's Mane mushrooms, distilled spring water, and organic triple-distilled ethanol.
Is Lionsman similar to CBD?
Lionsman and cannabidiol (CBD) have both reported health benefits. However, Nicola Ludlum-Raine says: “Lion's man and CBD are different substances with different mechanisms and effects. Lion's man is a mushroom extract known primarily for its cognitive and neuroprotective properties. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that is often used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and pain relieving properties. Although both have potential health benefits and are used for similar purposes such as anxiety and overall wellness, they act on different biological pathways and have different safety profiles and legal status.”
