CRITICAL distinction: Lion's Mane FRUITING BODY contains hericenones (NGF stimulators), while MYCELIUM contains erinacines (different NGF stimulators that cross BBB better). HOWEVER: most US 'lion's mane mycelium' products are grown on grain — Nammex testing showed these are 50-70% starch with negligible beta-glucan or erinacine content. The BEST product: dual extract (both FB + mycelium) with verified beta-glucan content >20%. Real Mushrooms, Nootropics Depot, and Four Sigmatic use fruiting body. Host Defense uses mycelium-on-grain (controversial). --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.