Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically managed with medication, behavioral therapy, counseling, and support. In recent years, an interest in alternative treatments such as the lion’s mane mushroom has surged.
Highlights
- No clinical trials have been conducted to prove that lion’s mane improves ADHD symptoms.
- Lion’s mane may improve mood and cognition in some adults, but the results are mixed.
- Lion’s mane should not be a replacement for professionally guided ADHD support. Its safety and efficacy are not fully understood.
While early research suggests that lion’s mane could be part of your diet and support your brain function, it has not been FDA-approved as a standalone ADHD treatment. If you are considering taking lion’s mane, here is what you need to know about the mushroom effects and how to stay safe.
What Is Lion’s Mane?
Noted for its fluffy, white tendrils, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a large, edible mushroom that is native to Asia, Europe, and North America. It grows on the trunks of hardwood trees such as
Lion’s mane has been used for centuries as a tonic in Japanese and
How Is ADHD Usually Treated? And Where Do Mushrooms Fit In?
ADHD is a common condition affecting both children and adults. People living with ADHD usually have problems focusing. They may also be
Your care team will help manage your ADHD using evidence-based approaches such as:
- Medication: Stimulant or non-stimulant medication can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. They act by regulating chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine and dopamine.
Stimulants[4] typically work faster than non-stimulants but also have more side effects.
- Behavioral Interventions: These include
therapy[5] , counseling, ADHD coaching, and personalized training aimed at helping people living with ADHD stay focused.
Conventional ADHD medications are effective, although some people may worry about medication side effects or stigma. Because of this, some may be considering managing ADHD without medication. Natural treatments for ADHD may seem more appealing, be it talk therapy, lifestyle changes, or supplements. However, note that mushrooms like lion’s mane have not been proven safe or effective specifically for ADHD treatment.
Does Lion’s Mane Help ADHD? What does Research Show?
There haven’t been specific clinical studies examining ADHD and lion’s mane.
A
Lion’s mane contains compounds that may stimulate nerve growth factor expression in animal studies; nerve growth factor is important to help the brain form new neural connections.
But even in animal studies, there is no proven benefit for using lion’s mane to specifically treat ADHD. There is also no research determining its effectiveness and safety for ADHD treatment.
What Does this Mean for ADHD Symptoms?
- Attention and Thinking: The Nerve Growth Factor in lion’s mane could potentially help people living with ADHD think in a more organized and structured manner.
- Anxiety and Stress: Mood-regulating properties of lion’s mane may help manage anxiety and stress, which are often experienced by people living with ADHD.
- Long-term Brain Health: Since lion’s mane may have properties that protect brain cells and clear out harmful free radicals, it may be able to support better brain function.
However, while lion’s mane might be helpful with specific symptoms, it hasn’t been approved for ADHD treatment. If you’re seeking professional support, you can get ADHD treatment online and receive a personalized treatment plan from a licensed provider.
Safety, Side Effects, and Who Should Avoid Lion’s Mane
Most adults can tolerate lion’s mane as long as they don’t take too much of it or have allergies to mushrooms.
Common Side Effects of Lion’s Mane Include:
- Stomach upset or nausea
- Bloating
- Itching skin, rashes, and swelling. This could mean you are allergic to it. Discontinue use and see your healthcare provider.
Lion’s mane can interact with medications such as anticoagulants. Since it also has the ability to decrease blood clotting, it may
Special Situations
- Children: There is no clinical data about the safety of lion’s mane in children. Speak to a paediatrician about it before use.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is best to avoid using lion’s mane supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Allergies: People with mold or mushroom allergies should not use lion’s mane except with professional guidance.
Lion’s Mane Dosage and Forms
Lion’s mane is available as a supplement in many forms, such as:
- Capsules, tablets, and gels
- Tinctures and extracts
- Dried powders
- Infused products like teas.
1 to 3 g of dried powder per day is considered to be safe in humans. When choosing the right supplement, look for supplements that use the whole fruit body or ones that are dual extracts. Choose supplements that have been tested by a third party. Also, check the label to see that lion’s mane and its active compounds are used. Taking supplements is recommended after consulting with a healthcare provider, and they can help you choose a suitable option or recommend another way of managing ADHD.
Are There Mushrooms That Are Good for ADHD?
Lion’s mane is not the only mushroom that draws interest among the ADHD community. Mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Chaga are also popular but there is no best mushroom for ADHD. They may be helpful, but the jury is still out on this until research provides more evidence.
Where (If at All) Does Lion’s Mane Fit in ADHD Management
Current evidence doesn’t suggest lion’s mane is a primary treatment for ADHD. It might be a reasonable addition if you have been diagnosed with ADHD, are under professional care, and discuss it with your care team.
It’s not a good idea to use it to manage self-diagnosed ADHD. ADHD ought to be diagnosed by a professional. If you think you have ADHD, talk to your healthcare provider. It is also not a good idea to stop your medication and focus only on taking lion’s mane or any other unproven/unprescribed remedies.
Conclusion
Lion’s mane is a mushroom that has been used for centuries as medicine and food. Its effect on brain health has been shown in studies on rodents. However, its effect on humans is not yet fully understood. Some researchers suggest that it may help improve some ADHD symptoms. However, it is not a good idea to use it as a standalone ADHD treatment or a replacement for proper care. If you are considering taking lion’s mane supplements, speak to your healthcare team to check if it’s appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lion’s mane like Adderall?
No, lion’s mane is not like Adderall. Lion’s mane does not stimulate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine as quickly as Adderall, which is an FDA-approved prescription medication.
Is lion’s mane better than Adderall?
No, lion’s mane is not better than Adderall, when measuring response rates to ADHD symptoms. Adderall is an effective prescription medicine for ADHD. There is no evidence to suggest that lion’s mane is better than Adderall.
Does lion’s mane help with focus?
It might. Evidence shows that the supplement can indirectly support focus. But, there haven’t been studies in people with ADHD.
Do psychedelic mushrooms help with ADHD?
Currently, there is no evidence that suggests this. However, some research is being carried out to understand how psilocybin, a compound in these mushrooms, can affect your ability to focus.
How much lion’s mane should I take for ADHD?
There is no standard dosage of lion’s mane for ADHD. Human studies used between 1 and 3 g per day and found it safe. Speak with your care team if you have ADHD and want to take lion’s mane.
Is lion’s mane a stimulant?
No, lion’s mane is not a stimulant. It does not work as a stimulant. Stimulants directly affect the release of chemicals in the brain.
Can I take lion’s mane with my medication?
Lion’s mane can interact with some medications. Discuss this with your care team.
