Lion’s Mane mushroom, or Hericium erinaceus, is known for its potential to support brain health. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid released by the adrenal glands, is the body’s primary stress hormone. It plays a central role in the physical response to stress and is often the target for those seeking better stress management. This article examines the scientific evidence regarding whether Lion’s Mane can influence cortisol levels.
The Role of Cortisol in the Body
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates bodily functions, including metabolism, immune function, and the stress response. It increases blood glucose levels by promoting the creation of sugar from non-carbohydrate sources, ensuring the brain and muscles have immediate energy during a perceived threat. The hormone also suppresses inflammation, which is beneficial in short bursts.
When stress is acute, cortisol spikes are a necessary and adaptive response, enabling the “fight-or-flight” reaction. However, chronic stress results in persistently high cortisol exposure. This prolonged elevation can be damaging, contributing to issues like sleep disturbances, weight gain, high blood pressure, and impaired memory. This chronic state of elevated cortisol is what people often seek to mitigate through lifestyle changes and supplements.
How Lion’s Mane Interacts with the Stress Response
Lion’s Mane contains unique bioactive compounds, hericenones and erinacines. These compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF is a protein that supports the maintenance and survival of nerve cells.
By supporting neurogenesis and promoting neuronal health, Lion’s Mane may indirectly stabilize the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s central system for regulating stress hormones. Animal studies suggest the fungus can modulate the HPA axis, reducing stress-induced elevations of hormones. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the mushroom may also help reduce oxidative stress in the brain, a factor linked to stress response dysregulation. This suggests a pathway for improved stress adaptation.
What the Research Says About Cortisol Levels
Direct evidence for Lion’s Mane lowering cortisol levels in isolation is limited in human trials. One study investigating a mushroom blend that included Lion’s Mane, along with Reishi, reported a significant reduction in salivary cortisol levels after 25 days of supplementation. This finding suggests a potential effect on physiological stress markers, though it cannot be definitively attributed to Lion’s Mane alone.
Human research more commonly points toward a reduction in subjective measures of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In one pilot study, participants who supplemented with Lion’s Mane showed reduced subjective stress after 28 days. Another small-scale study found that the supplement improved scores on measures of anxiety and depression in menopausal women. These results indicate that the mushroom may enhance the body’s ability to cope with stress. The consistent improvements in mood and perceived stress suggest a beneficial regulatory effect on the overall stress response system, even if direct cortisol reduction is not conclusively proven.
Considerations for Supplementation
When considering Lion’s Mane for stress support, consistency is important, as its neurological effects develop over time. Supplements are available in various forms, including dried powder, capsules, and liquid extracts. General guidelines for powdered extracts range from 300 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams per day.
Lion’s Mane is considered safe and well-tolerated, with a low risk of adverse effects. Supplementation supports overall neurological health and a balanced mood. Individuals managing chronic health conditions or taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.