Lion's Mane for ADHD

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom with medicinal properties native to East Asia.

Components of lion's mane called erinacines and hericenones purportedly reach the brain and protect against plaques and brain cell death.

Research in humans is limited but has largely focused on the effects of lion's mane on brain function and mental health.

This article discusses the use of lion's mane for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also covers precautions you should be aware of if you add it to your recipes or your medicine cabinet.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a common disorder that's been diagnosed in close to 10% of children in the U.S. It usually begins in childhood and is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, or both.

Symptoms of inattention include the following:

• Difficulty paying attention
• Getting distracted easily
• Losing things
• Difficulty organizing tasks

Symptoms of hyperactivity include the following:

• Talking too much or interrupting
• Fidgeting
• Running or climbing at times that are deemed inappropriate

ADHD impacts social functioning and academic performance. Most people with ADHD will also be diagnosed with another condition, such as the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning disorders
• Behavior disorders

Standard ADHD Treatment

For anyone over the age of 6, treatment for ADHD typically involves a stimulant medication, such as the following:

• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine)

Alternatives to stimulants include medicines like the following:

• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Intuniv (extended release guanfacine)
• Kapvay (extended-release clonidine hydrochloride)

Behavioral therapy and parent training interventions can also help people who have ADHD.

Importantly, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parent training instead of medication for children under six years old who have ADHD.

The Research on Lion's Mane and ADHD

Lion's mane has not been directly studied for ADHD in clinical trials, though some people use it for this. However, we do have some (limited) data about its effects on the brain.

In a mouse model, lion's mane improved short-term memory and recognition. However,

A few small clinical trials have focused on the cognitive benefits of lion's mane in adults. Three of these studies concluded that lion's mane supplementation improved cognition in adults with both normal mental function and mild memory loss (including mild Alzheimer's disease).

Larger trials are certainly necessary to verify these results.

On the other hand, one study of healthy young adults concluded that lion's mane had no effect on cognition, even at high doses.

Keep in mind that according to one study, mental function declined after lion's mane was stopped, so long-term use may result in the best effects.

Lion's mane has not been studied in children, so it is not recommended for this population.

Dosage

Though there isn't a specific recommended dose for lion's mane, clinical trials have studied it for cognition at around 3 grams per day for adults.

One trial applied a higher dose of 10 grams per day.

Generally, follow the manufacturer's directions and discuss supplement dosage with a healthcare professional for optimal results.

Safety of Lion's Mane

Avoid lion’s mane if you're allergic to it or any of its components. Individuals with mushroom allergies should avoid lion's mane products.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction (itching, hives, shortness of breath).

Side Effects

According to one clinical trial, about 12% of people who took a lion's mane product experienced side effects that caused them to stop taking the supplement. These side effects included:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Skin rash

Interactions

Lion's mane may interact with the following medicines:

• Diabetes medications: Lion's mane lowered blood sugar in animal studies. Whether it may have a similar effect in humans is unclear. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) could result, especially if lion's mane is taken with diabetes medicines. Watch for signs of hypoglycemia, like shakiness, headache, or a fast heart rate.
• Blood thinners: One of lion's mane's components slows blood clotting. Taking lion's mane with other blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin), aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), or herbs and supplements that affect clotting could increase the risk of bleeding. Check with your healthcare provider if you are using lion's mane and have scheduled surgery.

Precautions

Do keep the following precautions in mind when using lion's mane:

• Pregnancy: Lion's mane is not recommended during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Lion's mane is not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Children: Children under 3 years old should not use lion's mane.
• Other: People who have received allografts—organ or tissue donated from another person— should not use lion's mane extract. Lion's mane can increase the likelihood that the body will reject the transplant.

Summary

Lion's mane is an edible mushroom that can also be taken as a supplement. So far, there has been very little research on its effects in humans.

Lion's mane is not recommended for ADHD because there aren't any clinical trials that prove it's effective. Small studies in healthy adults and those with mild memory loss have shown that lion's mane can improve cognition. However, it hasn't been studied in children or people diagnosed with ADHD.

It's also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for people who have received organ or tissue transplants.

Treatments for ADHD that are supported by scientific evidence include stimulant medications and behavioral therapy.