Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding ADHDThe ResearchDosageSafetyFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding ADHD
The Research
Dosage
Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Lion’s mane(Hericium erinaceus)is an edible mushroom with medicinal properties native to East Asia.
Components of lion’s mane callederinacinesandhericenonespurportedly 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 forattention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also covers precautions you should be aware of if you add it to your recipes or your medicine cabinet.
Lion’s Mane Supplement FactsActive ingredients:Hericenones, erinacines, ergosterol, fiber, vitamin D, B vitaminsAlternate names:Monkey’s head,Hericium erinaceus, H. erinaceus,Houtou,YamabushitakeLegal status:Over-the-counter supplement, foodSuggested dose:3.2 grams a day for brain health for up to 12 monthsSafety considerations:May interact with blood thinners or diabetes medicines; not recommended for children under 3 years or during pregnancy or lactation
Lion’s Mane Supplement Facts
Active ingredients:Hericenones, erinacines, ergosterol, fiber, vitamin D, B vitaminsAlternate names:Monkey’s head,Hericium erinaceus, H. erinaceus,Houtou,YamabushitakeLegal status:Over-the-counter supplement, foodSuggested dose:3.2 grams a day for brain health for up to 12 monthsSafety considerations:May interact with blood thinners or diabetes medicines; not recommended for children under 3 years or during pregnancy or lactation
Symptoms ofinattentioninclude the following:
Symptoms ofhyperactivityinclude the following:
ADHD impacts social functioning and academic performance. Most people with ADHD will also be diagnosed with another condition, such as the following:
The Importance of Treating the Root CauseIf a child is acting out in class, it could be due to the following:Vision problemsHearing problemsNutrient deficiencies(e.g.,iron)Sleep disturbances (e.g.,sleep apnea)GiftednessChildren with specific vision problems are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.These include the following:Convergence insufficiencyEye focus issuesAstigmatismColor perceptionIt’s vital to figure out if a child (or adult!) suspected of having ADHD may have these issues and treat the root cause when discussing treatment plans and medication.Speak with your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician. Request for referrals for further evaluation as needed.
The Importance of Treating the Root Cause
If a child is acting out in class, it could be due to the following:Vision problemsHearing problemsNutrient deficiencies(e.g.,iron)Sleep disturbances (e.g.,sleep apnea)GiftednessChildren with specific vision problems are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.These include the following:Convergence insufficiencyEye focus issuesAstigmatismColor perceptionIt’s vital to figure out if a child (or adult!) suspected of having ADHD may have these issues and treat the root cause when discussing treatment plans and medication.Speak with your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician. Request for referrals for further evaluation as needed.
If a child is acting out in class, it could be due to the following:
Children with specific vision problems are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.These include the following:
It’s vital to figure out if a child (or adult!) suspected of having ADHD may have these issues and treat the root cause when discussing treatment plans and medication.
Speak with your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician. Request for referrals for further evaluation as needed.
Standard ADHD Treatment
For anyone over the age of 6,treatment for ADHDtypically involves a stimulant medication, such as the following:
Alternatives to stimulants include medicines like the following:
Behavioraltherapyand 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.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) at Borough Market in Southwark, London.Moonstone Images / Getty Images
Moonstone Images / Getty Images
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 improvedshort-term memoryand 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 mildmemory loss(including mildAlzheimer’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.
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 asevere 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:
Interactions
Lion’s mane may interact with the following medicines:
Precautions
Do keep the following precautions in mind when using lion’s mane:
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLion’s mane has not been specifically studied for ADHD. It may help protect the brain or improve short-term memory or visual recognition.However, the data is very limited. More large-scale clinical trials in humans are necessary before it can be recommended.Lion’s mane is an edible mushroom that is native to Asia and is sometimes used medicinally.Lion’s mane can be grilled, sauteed, or stir-fried. It can be incorporated into the diet as a garnish or as a meat substitute.
Lion’s mane has not been specifically studied for ADHD. It may help protect the brain or improve short-term memory or visual recognition.However, the data is very limited. More large-scale clinical trials in humans are necessary before it can be recommended.
Lion’s mane is an edible mushroom that is native to Asia and is sometimes used medicinally.
Lion’s mane can be grilled, sauteed, or stir-fried. It can be incorporated into the diet as a garnish or as a meat substitute.
21 Sources
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