OnePin Peptide Library · Cognitive & Mood
Lion's Mane
Hericium erinaceus · Yamabushitake
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is unique among medicinal mushrooms for its well-documented neurotrophic properties - specifically the ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis through its bioactive compounds hericenones (found in the fruiting body) and erinacines (found in the mycelium).,Lion's mane has become one of the most popular nootropic supplements in the biohacking community, used for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and nerve regeneration. It is also a key component of the Stamets Stack (lion's mane + psilocybin microdose + niacin) for neuroplasticity. Beyond cognitive effects, lion's mane demonstrates anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gastroprotective properties.,The evidence base includes several small human RCTs showing cognitive improvement in mild cognitive impairment, along with robust preclinical data for nerve regeneration, myelination, and neuroprotection. Both fruiting body and mycelium extracts are used, though they contain different bioactive profiles - dual extracts or products specifying erinacine/hericenone content are preferred.
Can be taken with or without food. Morning or split morning/afternoon dosing. Look for products specifying beta-glucan content (>25%) or standardized hericenone/erinacine content.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
Lion's mane contains two families of bioactive compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate neurotrophic factor synthesis. Hericenones (H3, H4, H8, found in fruiting body) and erinacines (A, B, C, found in mycelium) both stimulate NGF synthesis in astrocytes through activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. NGF is essential for neuronal survival, growth, differentiation, and myelination.,Beyond NGF, lion's mane promotes BDNF expression and enhances myelination through upregulation of myelin basic protein and peripheral myelin protein 22. This dual neurotrophic effect supports both neurogenesis (new neuron formation, particularly in the hippocampus) and remyelination of damaged nerve fibers.,Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through inhibition of NF-kB signaling and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6). Gastroprotective effects involve protection against H. pylori and promotion of gastric mucosal integrity. Immunomodulatory effects include enhanced gut-associated immune function through polysaccharide-mediated macrophage activation.
Lion's mane contains two families of bioactive compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate neurotrophic factor synthesis. Hericenones (H3, H4, H8, found in fruiting body) and erinacines (A, B, C, found in mycelium) both stimulate NGF synthesis in astrocytes through activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. NGF is essential for neuronal survival, growth, differentiation, and myelination.,Beyond NGF, lion's mane promotes BDNF expression and enhances myelination through upregulation of myelin basic protein and peripheral myelin protein 22. This dual neurotrophic effect supports both neurogenesis (new neuron formation, particularly in the hippocampus) and remyelination of damaged nerve fibers.,Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through inhibition of NF-kB signaling and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6). Gastroprotective effects involve protection against H. pylori and promotion of gastric mucosal integrity. Immunomodulatory effects include enhanced gut-associated immune function through polysaccharide-mediated macrophage activation.
What to expect
Weeks 1-2: Minimal observable effects. NGF upregulation beginning at cellular level.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Store in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture. Capsules and powders are shelf-stable at room temperature for 1-2 years. Refrigeration extends potency. Liquid extracts (tinctures) should be stored per manufacturer instructions.
Regulatory status
Classified as a dietary supplement in the US (not FDA-approved for any medical condition). GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status as a food ingredient. No prescription required. Widely available over the counter. Quality varies significantly between products - look for third-party testing and standardized extracts.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Lion's Mane straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
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The guide & community
The complete Lion's Mane walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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