A mushroom that calms stress and improves anxiety? This is how Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) works, according to a recent study.

What if there were a natural supplement that could reduce anxiety, help you cope with stress, and improve your mood without the side effects of traditional medications? Science is beginning to show that this is possible thanks to an ancient fungus: Lion's Mane ( Hericium erinaceus ) .

A recent experimental study conducted by researchers from the Medical University of Białystok and the Jagiellonian University Medical College (Krakow, Poland) confirms that this medicinal mushroom can modulate behavior under stress and reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression .

What is Lion's Mane ( Hericium erinaceus )?

Lion's Mane, also known as yamabushitake , is a functional mushroom traditionally used in Asia for its regenerative and cognitive properties. In recent decades, its active compounds—such as erinacines and hericenones —have attracted the attention of neuroscience for their ability to stimulate neuron growth (neurogenesis) and protect the central nervous system .

The study: methodology and context

The study, led by Emil Troćmiuk , Agata Fijałkowska , Halina Car , Hubert Oniszczuk and Bożena Muszyńska , evaluated the effect of oral supplementation with three medicinal mushrooms, including Lion's Mane Hericium erinaceus , for 21 consecutive days in Wistar rats exposed to controlled stress situations.

The researchers compared the effects of the mushroom against a reference antidepressant, fluoxetine , in three types of behavioral tests widely recognized in psychobiology:

• Open Field Test (OFT)

• Elevated Plus Maze (EPM)

• Forced Swimming Test (FST)

Results: less anxiety, more resilience

Animals receiving Lion's Mane extracts showed:

Reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test, indicating less resignation or hopelessness in the face of stress (similar to antidepressant medication).
Increased swimming time and exploratory behavior , reflecting a greater predisposition to active coping strategies.
Modulation of the nervous system , both by the stimulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and by the effect on neurotransmitters such as serotonin , dopamine and norepinephrine .
Reduction of inflammatory markers related to neuroinflammation, such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18, which are often altered in anxiety and depression disorders.

Unlike other mushrooms studied in parallel, Hericium erinaceus showed a continuous and dose-dependent effect at both low and high levels of supplementation, making it a promising candidate for use in humans.

How does it act on a biological level?

The observed effects are not explained solely by the presence of neurotransmitter precursors (such as 5-HTP or phenylalanine), but by a more complex mechanism:

• Activation of pathways such as NGF and BDNF , essential for neuronal development and brain plasticity.

• Inhibition of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway , involved in the response to chronic stress.

• Possible involvement of compounds that modulate GABA activity in the amygdala, key in the regulation of fear and anxiety.

This confirms that the fungus does not act as a punctual stimulant , but as a natural modulator of the nervous and emotional system.

A further step in nutritional psychiatry

This study adds to a growing wave of research in the field of nutrition applied to mental health . Under the umbrella of what is known as nutritional psychiatry , it investigates how certain functional foods, such as medicinal mushrooms, can complement or even prevent mood disorders.

Conclusion

Lion's Mane Hericium erinaceus is not only a natural nootropic with effects on memory and concentration, but it can also be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and improving resilience to stress .

This study, conducted in Poland, provides solid evidence of its efficacy and safety in animal models, paving the way for human clinical trials.

In a world increasingly exposed to chronic stress, this fungus can become a natural ally for maintaining emotional balance from within.

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You can read the full study here .