When Jake was diagnosed with ADHD at age 7, his parents were handed a prescription and a pamphlet. "This will help him focus," the doctor assured them. And it did—at first.
But as Jake grew, so did the side effects. Sleepless nights, loss of appetite, and a rollercoaster of emotions made his teenage years a minefield. By adulthood, the struggle hadn’t disappeared; it had simply evolved.
He learned that over 50% of individuals with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, often affecting their careers, relationships, and mental health.
ADHD is more than a childhood behavioural condition; it’s a complex interplay of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Despite decades of research, effective and safe treatments remain elusive.
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines are widely prescribed, yet they come with serious drawbacks, including dependency risks, cardiovascular issues, and emotional instability.
The Search for a Safer Solution
In the realm of alternative medicine, researchers are increasingly turning to natural compounds for answers. One such promising candidate is Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom.
Traditionally used in Eastern medicine, Lion’s Mane has garnered scientific interest for its neuroprotective properties. Recent studies suggest it could hold the key to addressing the neurological imbalances associated with ADHD.
The Science Behind Lion’s Mane and ADHD
A study by Brandalise et al. (2023) found that bioactive compounds from Hericium erinaceus could be effective in treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s.
Similarly, Szućko-Kociuba et al. (2023) highlighted the mushroom’s ability to stimulate neuronal growth, prevent neuronal cell death, and promote regeneration—factors crucial for ADHD management.
The findings from a small 2023 study tentatively suggest that lion's mane may improve speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy, young adults.
Myo-Inositol: A Natural Compound for ADHD?
In more recent research, researchers conducted an experiment isolating the bioactive compounds from lion's mane. The study used Soxhlet-mediated extraction followed by a rigorous screening process to analyse its therapeutic properties.
Analysis identified a range of bioactive compounds, including carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic groups—all known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
Metabolite profiling detected 17 active compounds, one of which stood out: myo-inositol.
Myo-inositol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, showed a strong binding affinity to the serotonin transporter protein (SLC6A4), which plays a critical role in ADHD by regulating mood and cognitive function.
Computational modelling revealed that myo-inositol forms stable interactions with key residues in the protein, suggesting it could modulate serotonin levels in the brain—a mechanism similar to that of certain ADHD medications but without the harsh side effects.
Past research has already linked myo-inositol to various health benefits. Mancini et al. (2016) found it effective in reducing insulin resistance, while López-Gambero et al. (2020) demonstrated its potential in treating anxiety and obsessive behaviours.
If this compound can positively impact serotonin regulation, it may offer a safer, natural alternative for ADHD treatment.
Hericenones and Erinacines: Unlocking Lion’s Mane’s Full Potential
While myo-inositol has shown promise, it is not the only compound in Lion’s Mane with potential benefits for ADHD.
Hericenones and erinacines, two classes of bioactive compounds found in Hericium erinaceus, have been extensively studied for their neuroregenerative properties.
Hericenones, found primarily in the fruiting body of the mushroom, have been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production.
NGF plays a crucial role in the survival and function of neurons, which is particularly important for individuals with ADHD, as impaired neural connectivity is often observed in the condition.
By promoting neural regeneration and plasticity, hericenones could help enhance cognitive function, focus, and memory retention—key areas of struggle for those with ADHD.
Erinacines, which are found in the mycelium of Lion’s Mane, also exhibit strong NGF-enhancing properties. Research suggests that erinacines can cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than hericenones, making them a powerful candidate for neuroprotective and neurotrophic therapies.
This means they may help repair damaged neural pathways, improving attention regulation and executive functioning over time.
Studies have also linked hericenones and erinacines to the reduction of neuroinflammation, a factor that has been implicated in ADHD pathology.
Chronic inflammation in the brain has been associated with cognitive dysfunction and impulsivity, both hallmarks of ADHD.
What’s the Optimal Dose?
1. Standard Adult Dosage: The Golden Range
If you’re diving into lion’s mane for the first time, research suggests starting with 1-3 grams per day of dried fruiting body extract. But don’t just grab any dusty old powder off the shelf—make sure it’s standardised to at least 0.5% hericenones and erinacines. That’s the stuff responsible for those much-needed cognitive boosts.
Mushies Cognitive Enhancer Lion's Mane capsule contains 400 mg of lion's mane extract per capsule, providing 4.8 mg of hericenones.
This works out to 1.2% hericenones, which is on the stronger end of the spectrum. Great for anyone looking for a more potent cognitive boost!
2. Sublingual Tinctures: For the Fast-Trackers
If you’re after quicker results (because, let’s be honest, patience isn’t always an ADHD superpower), sublingual tinctures are your best bet. Here’s the science:
- Dosage: 2 mL, twice daily
- Absorption Speed: Hits peak plasma concentration in just 45 minutes (compared to a sluggish 120 minutes for capsules)
This method bypasses the digestive system, meaning the active compounds hit your bloodstream faster—and that means quicker focus, improved attention, and better mental clarity when you need it most.
3. Pediatric Dosage: A Weight-Adjusted Approach
For younger minds still finding their focus, things get a little more precise. While research on kids and lion’s mane is still in its infancy (read: we need more rigorous trials), current expert recommendations suggest a weight-adjusted dose of 20 mg/kg/day.
Let’s break that down:
- A child weighing 25 kg (about 55 lbs) would need around 500 mg per day.
That said, since the long-term effects on kids haven’t been fully studied, always consult a healthcare provider before starting lion’s mane for children.
The Future of ADHD Treatment
While stimulant medications remain the gold standard for ADHD treatment, they are far from perfect.
The growing body of research on Hericium erinaceus and its compounds, particularly myo-inositol, hericenones, and erinacines, presents an exciting frontier in ADHD management.
For individuals like Jake, the possibility of a natural alternative is more than just scientific curiosity—it’s a beacon of hope. A future where ADHD treatment doesn’t mean trading one struggle for another is on the horizon.
With continued research, mushrooms like Lion’s Mane could pave the way for safer, more sustainable solutions.
As science continues to explore these natural remedies, one thing is clear: the brain is resilient, and so are those who seek better ways to nurture it.
