The brain-boosting power of adaptogenic mushrooms

We’re in the middle of a shroom boom. Look around, and you’ll see them cropping up everywhere: Cordyceps coffees, Lion’s Mane lattes, and tinctures of Turkey Tail.

Adaptogenic mushrooms are nothing new. They’ve been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to promote healing, balance, and longevity. Today, science is playing catch-up, confirming many of these ancient uses with research on their bioactive compounds.

Some of these mushrooms are touted for their brain health benefits. But can they really improve cognition, enhance memory, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases — or is it all just fungi fiction?

In this article, we cover:

• What are adaptogenic mushrooms?
• Lion’s Mane
• Cordyceps
• Chaga
• Reishi
• To cap things off
• FAQs

 

What are adaptogenic mushrooms? 

Adaptogens are bioactive compounds that help the body adapt to its environment. They can improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and regulate stress. 

According to the original definition in the 1960s, adaptogens must [1]: 

• Be safe — they shouldn’t cause harm or disrupt the body’s natural functions
• Help the body handle stress — they should boost overall resilience against a variety of physical, chemical, and biological stressors
• Promote balance — no matter what’s out of sync in the body, they should help bring things back to a healthy state 

Since then, the definition has evolved, but the core idea remains the same: adaptogens help the body adjust to stress and maintain balance.

Examples of adaptogenic mushrooms include Chaga, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane. Unlike culinary mushrooms, they’re typically consumed as powders, tinctures, or teas. And while they’re not the same as magic mushrooms (which contain psilocybin and can cause hallucinations), they may still have a subtle impact on the brain. Early research suggests their neuroprotective properties could support memory, cognition, and overall brain function.
 

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Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane gets its name from its distinctive appearance. Its fruiting body grows in large, shaggy clusters with white, hair-like spines that resemble a flowing lion’s mane. It’s not just for show; these spines increase the surface area for spore dispersal, assisting in reproduction.

Cognition 

A small trial of 41 participants found that Lion’s Mane improved cognitive performance [2]. Another study with 31 healthy participants found similarly promising results — their cognitive function scores improved after 12 weeks [3]. However, a study on 18–25-year-old students found no cognitive improvement with 10g of Lion’s Mane per day for 4 weeks [4]. More benefits seem to occur in older adults with mild cognitive impairment taking at least 3g daily over 12+ weeks [5,6].

Memory

In mice, Lion’s Mane improved memory, particularly in object recognition tasks, as well as long-term memory [7,8]. However, there are limited studies in humans to back up these findings.

Neuroprotective effects

Lion’s Mane contains compounds (erinacines and hericenones) that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These proteins help grow, repair, and protect the brain cells [9,10]. 

Lion’s Mane also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation which are linked to ageing and brain diseases [11,12]. Some studies suggest it could protect against conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease [13]. A 49-week study showed cognitive improvements and even changes to brain structure among people with Alzheimer’s, though some changes weren’t statistically significant [14]. 

 

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Cordyceps(Cordyceps militaris)

Cordyceps is often marketed as the energy mushroom — and with good reason. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to boost vitality and stamina, it's now popping up in performance blends and mushroom coffees.

Learning and memory

Research shows that Cordyceps promotes neurite outgrowth, which is essential for brain plasticity and learning [15]. Animal studies have suggested benefits for memory, especially in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s models [16,17]. These effects may come from compounds like cordycepin, which support brain cell survival and reduce inflammation [18]. But — and it’s a big but — human studies are lacking, so we can’t say for sure if these benefits translate to people.

Mood and mental energy

Cordyceps may improve mood. In stressed mice, when it was combined with Armillaria (another mushroom) it helped reduce depression-like symptoms [19]. However, a small human trial found it didn’t improve mood or sleep in people with depression — in fact, the placebo group slept better [20]. So the jury’s still out. However, it may improve focus by reducing fatigue. A study showed that it boosted energy and endurance in older adults [21].

Vitamin D and B vitamins also affect energy levels, and cordyceps is packed with these essential nutrients. Some people in the study may have had undiagnosed deficiencies that they partially treated.

Neuroprotective effects

Cordyceps has shown promise in protecting brain function in animal models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s [22,23]. It may protect against Alzheimer’s by reducing oxidative stress and improving brain cell health. However, no human trials have confirmed this. 

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Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga doesn’t look like a typical mushroom — it grows like a burnt clump of charcoal on birch trees. But don’t let its rugged exterior put you off. It boasts one of the highest ORAC values (a measure of antioxidant capacity) among mushrooms, which could help protect brain cells from oxidative stress – a known contributor to cognitive decline.

Memory

In mice with memory problems, Chaga improved learning and helped them perform better in maze tests [24]. It seems to work by reducing oxidative stress in the brain and supporting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for memory.

Mood and mental energy

There’s no direct evidence that Chaga improves mood or reduces anxiety. But because it’s such a strong antioxidant and helps balance inflammation, some researchers think it may support a healthier brain environment overall. People often describe feeling clearer or more balanced after drinking Chaga tea — though that could be the ritual as much as the mushroom.

Neuroprotection

Chaga may protect brain cells and slow brain ageing. Studies show it helps reduce plaque buildup linked to Alzheimer’s [25,26]. While more evidence is needed, especially in humans, Chaga’s antioxidant profile makes it a strong candidate for long-term brain support.

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Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi has been used for centuries to calm the mind, reduce stress, and support longevity. It’s not a classic brain-booster, but it does have some surprising effects.

Cognition and memory

One study showed that Reishi helped preserve spatial memory in mice exposed to low-oxygen environments. It improved brain plasticity and preserved healthy neurotransmitter levels [27]. Reishi increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other growth factors that support synaptic plasticity, and therefore, memory [28]. However, evidence in humans is limited.

Mood and mental wellbeing

Reishi may improve mood. One study showed people with chronic pain felt more energetic and mentally clear after 8 weeks of Reishi extract [29]. In cancer patients, it reduced anxiety and improved quality of life [30]. Animal studies support this, showing reduced anxiety and improved sleep in stressed mice [31].

Neuroprotection

Reishi’s antioxidants help fight oxidative stress in the brain. Studies show it protects brain cells from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 

In Alzheimer models, Reishi protects brain cells from beta-amyloid toxicity [32]. In Parkinson’s disease models, Reishi likewise appears to be protective by preserving dopamine-producing neurons, preventing oxidative stress and brain cell death [32]. So, early studies are promising.

 

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To cap things off

So, which mushroom wins the brain game?

• Lion’s Mane is the front-runner. It’s got the best evidence for improving memory, cognition, and possibly slowing cognitive decline — in both mice and humans.

• Reishi is your go-to for stress, sleep, and mental clarity. It won’t make you sharper overnight, but it may help you stay balanced and resilient.

• Cordyceps could support focus by boosting physical and mental energy — though most of the evidence is in animals.

• Chaga is the quiet achiever. It may not directly improve focus or memory, but its antioxidant strength makes it a great ally for long-term brain health.

In the end, each mushroom brings something different to the table. Whether you want to feel calmer, think clearer, or future-proof your brain, these adaptogenic fungi might just have your back.

 

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FAQs

Which mushroom is best for brain health? 

Lion’s Mane has the strongest evidence for improving memory and cognition, especially in older adults.

Can you take Lion’s Mane and Reishi together? 

Yes — some people combine them to support both cognitive performance and stress resilience.

Do adaptogenic mushrooms really work? 

Early studies are promising, especially for Lion’s Mane and Reishi — but more human research is needed.

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References

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