Can You Use Lion’s Mane Extract For ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can impact attention, focus, hyperactivity, sleep, and anxiety. According to ADHD UK, it is believed that around 2.6 million people (including children) in the UK currently have ADHD. 

Many people are turning to herbal treatments to help alleviate the symptoms, and improve their general focus and cognitive functioning. Since there is a lot of false information and broad claims currently circulating the internet, this blog aims to provide clarity on how Lion’s Mane Mushroom helps the symptoms of ADHD, using only scientific studies as evidence.

What Happens When You Take Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract For ADHD?

The following benefits have been reported after taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract:

• Improved Memory. Three scientific studies (1, 2, 3) found that Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract can reduce memory loss in mice, and prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques.
• Reduced Depression and Anxiety. Although there are many contributing causes to depression and anxiety, one cause can be chronic inflammation. Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract has anti-inflammatory properties that this study has shown can reduce anxiety and depression in mice.
• Improved Brain Injury Recovery. A 2021 study of Antioxidants found that Lion’s Mane Mushroom exhibits neuroprotective effects against the inflammation associated with Traumatic Brain Injury.
• Less Fatigue. The results of this 2015 study showed that Lion’s Mane Mushroom helped fight tiredness. It decreased some biochemical parameters in the blood that are related to tiredness, such as lactic acid. It also increased levels of tissue glycogen content, and antioxidant enzyme activity: which are substances that help fight tiredness.

The Science Behind What Makes Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract Good For ADHD

 

• According to this study, Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract has special elements that make nerve cells produce more NGF, which in turn helps these cells grow.
• This study on mice found that the increase in neuron growth due to the lion’s mane mushroom, significantly improved their recognition memory.
• According to this medical article, Lion’s Mane Mushroom has the following compounds:

 

• Polysaccharides in an aqueous extract of this mushroom can help nerve cells develop and survive.
• Hericenones and erinacines, isolated from different parts of the mushroom, contribute to the expression of substances that support nerve growth (like NGF - nerve growth factor) in the brain.
• Other compounds like dilinoleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine found in the mushroom extracts seem to reduce cell death caused by stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, potentially lowering the risk of cell death related to neurodegenerative diseases.

• This medical article states that Lion's Mane mushroom seems to work by activating specific pathways in the brain (like JNK signalling) to increase the production of nerve growth factors, supporting nerve cell growth and health. 
• This medical article also states that in a trial involving older individuals with mild cognitive impairment, taking oral doses of Lion's Mane mushroom extract seemed to improve cognitive function without any harmful effects.

 

However, it is important to take into consideration that ADHD is not due to a lack of NGF, but rather is associated with weaker function and structure of the prefrontal cortex circuits, in particular, the right hemisphere, and the catecholamine signalling in the PFC. Lion’s Mane Mushroom has not been shown to directly affect the PFC, but it generally improves brain health and functioning, which in turn, can support you in dealing with the symptoms of ADHD. 

What Is The Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract Dosage For ADHD?

We recommend starting your dosage with 0.5g per day. Depending on your body’s response, you can then increase the dosage slowly to 1g per day to enhance the benefits and effectiveness. 

 

This can be further increased to 2g per day, if you are enjoying the benefits, but would like them to be more effective.

How to Consume Lions' Mane

Other Nootropics For ADHD and Holistic Help

If you don’t believe that your dosage of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract is working fast enough, you could try combining it with other nootropics.

 

Nootropics is the general term for any natural or synthetic substances that may positively impact mental skills. 

 

Using a herbal nootropic package provides a holistic solution to overcoming brain fog, anxiety and stress. Herbs such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi alongside Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract can support brain health due to their bioactive compounds which increase BDNF, a protein that promotes brain health and nerve cell growth. They also work together to reduce neuroinflammation, which in turn reduces stress and anxiety.

 

Promoting your general brain health and holistic wellness is a recommendable way to challenge ADHD due to the lack of side effects from the herbs. One of the key differences between natural and synthetic supplements is that natural supplements are more bioavailable and recognisable to your body. 

 

Some people may therefore prefer to try natural remedies before synthetic prescriptions, to see if they can feel better naturally before trying a medicine that exhibits many side effects

 

Decide If Using Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract For ADHD Works For You!

Overall, it may be worthwhile to try Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract for its overall improvements to brain function and health, which in turn can support you with the symptoms of ADHD. As the evidence suggests, Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract is a fantastic natural herb, which can improve your cognitive abilities generally. If you prefer to approach issues with a holistic approach as opposed to synthetic, give Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract a go!