A study in Frontiers in nutrition in 2025 reviewed 26 papers on the mushroom Hericium erinaceus or lion’s mane in humans. It included clinical trials, pilot studies and case studies, and looked at its effect on memory, mood, gut microbiota and safety. The results point to a slight but consistent improvement in cognitive functions and symptoms of anxiety and depression, along with favourable changes in gut flora.
For people with mild cognitive impairment, early symptoms of dementia or emotional distress, these data suggest that Hericium erinaceus may be an interesting physiological support. It also opens up a line of research for adults with a high mental workload who wish to look after their mental clarity and emotional stability in the long term.
What the review looked at in Hericium erinaceus on brain, mood and microbiota
The systematic review collected five randomised clinical trials, three pilot studies, one cohort, one case report and 15 laboratory studies. Most of the trials were conducted in adults with mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s disease, obesity with emotional symptoms or women with menopausal symptoms.
Standardised tests such as the Mini Mental State Examination for global memory, depression and anxiety scales, and menopausal symptom questionnaires were used. Overall, a mean improvement of about one point on cognitive scales and appreciable decreases in depression and anxiety scores were observed, small but clinically interesting effects in mild or early symptoms.
How Hericium erinaceus acts on neurotrophins and the gut-brain axis
Hericium erinaceus contains polysaccharides, hericenones and erinacins, compounds that stimulate the production of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These messengers promote neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and the formation of new connections.
In the studies reviewed, increases in pro BDNF and BDNF were observed, along with signs of increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a key region for memory and emotional regulation. At the gut level, Hericium polysaccharides behave as prebiotics that feed short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. This was associated with greater microbiota diversity, more beneficial bacteria and fewer opportunistic microorganisms, a pattern linked to less systemic inflammation and better gut-brain communication.
Daily habits enhancing the effects of Hericium erinaceus on mental well-being
The review data fit with a clear idea that the brain responds best when a stable metabolic environment is combined with stimuli that promote neuronal plasticity. In practice this means taking care of sleep, movement, nutrition and stress management.
Nutritionally, a diet rich in plant fibre, vegetables, fruit, legumes and fermented foods supports the same microbiota pathway that powers Hericium. Regular exercise, especially moderate aerobic exercise, naturally increases BDNF levels. Breathing practices and short breaks during the day help reduce hyperactivation of the stress axis, which interferes with neuroplasticity.
MINFIRE neutral product block on brain and emotional health
At this point it is important to remember that the review focused on Hericium erinaceus as a supplement, but each commercial formulation combines different ingredients, dosages and qualities. As we do not have the detailed data sheet for MINFIRE here, it is not possible to rigorously describe its specific ingredients, chemical form or internal synergies.
What the study does allow is to better understand why many modern nootropic formulations integrate functional mushroom extracts, vitamins, minerals and other compounds that support pathways such as BDNF, inflammatory balance and gut health. In that context, a supplement like MINFIRE only makes sense when inserted into a routine that already takes care of sleep, nutrition and stress load, and is intended as a physiological support, never as a miracle shortcut.
A supplement designed for adults who wish to physiologically support their mental performance and emotional stability within a healthy lifestyle.
What we can take away from this study for daily brain care
The review in Frontiers in Nutrition paints a coherent picture, Hericium erinaceus is associated with signs of neuroprotection, mild cognitive enhancement, improved microbiota profile and relief of anxiety and depression symptoms in mild contexts. The effects are not dramatic, but are consistent when supplementation is maintained for several weeks or months.
In everyday life, the main message is that the brain responds to repeated and sustained stimuli. A microbiota-conscious diet, regular movement, stress management and, when it makes sense, the use of well-formulated supplements can all add up to maintaining mental clarity and emotional stability over time.
This content is informational and is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
What benefits have been observed with Hericium erinaceus in human studies?
The clinical trials reviewed showed slight improvements in memory and attention tests, and decreases in depression and anxiety scales. Favourable changes in gut microbiota composition were also observed in a pilot study.
How long did it take to see changes in memory and mood?
Most trials used periods of between four weeks and one year, depending on the target. Cognitive and emotional improvements appeared gradually, with early signs within a few weeks and clearer effects in longer studies.
What role does the gut microbiota play in the effects of Hericium erinaceus?
Hericium polysaccharides act as prebiotics that feed short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. This was associated with more microbiota diversity, less presence of opportunistic bacteria and a more balanced inflammatory environment, factors that influence the gut-brain axis.
What side effects were described with Hericium erinaceus supplementation?
Tolerance was generally good, although mild digestive discomfort, headache and menstrual disturbances were reported in some people. One isolated clinical case described a severe respiratory reaction compatible with allergy, a reminder that not all organisms respond in the same way.
How to integrate a supplement like MINFIRE into a mental performance routine
MINFIRE can make sense for adults who already take care of nutrition, rest and physical activity, and are looking for additional support for mental clarity and emotional stability. It makes sense to integrate it into an overall strategy that includes good sleep hygiene, regular exercise and a diet rich in vegetables and fibre, which reinforces the same physiological pathways described in the Hericium study.
