Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom has been evidenced to support cognitive function in older adults, but a new study has linked supplementation with this mushroom to improved cognitive performance and stress response in younger people.
 
The findings of the study, which utilized Sempera Organics’ lion’s mane ingredient SO-DSX1, were published in Nutrients.
 
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design investigated the effects of immediate (60 minutes post-dose) and sustained (28-day treatment) daily supplementation with 1.8 grams of lion’s mane in 41 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 45.
 
A single dose of SO-DSX1 led to significant improvements in the Stroop test at 60 minutes post-dose compared to the placebo group. This test measures cognitive function, such as the ability to reduce and/or prevent easy distractions, as well as abilities like planning, reading skill, decision-making, and more.
 
The self-reported stress scores of participants who received treatment at the 28-day mark also significantly improved, compared to placebo, as measured by the Stress Visual Analog Score.
 
The participants who consumed the lion’s mane also performed more quickly compared to before supplementation.
 
“When first considering the speed improvement, it must be highlighted that this was only observed on a singular task (Stroop) and was not seen for any other task nor the global speed of performance domain, as such this result should be taken with caution,” the authors wrote. “Nevertheless, this is a novel finding to the area, where although previous enhancements to cognitive decline have been observed, no effects on speed of performance have been seen.” Therefore, this study is the first to reveal the potential improvements of speed of cognitive performance in healthy individuals.”
 
“The findings suggest that SO-DSX1 may improve speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy, young adults,” said Nirmal Nair, CEO and founder of Sempera Organics. “Therefore, we believe that our proprietary SO-DSX1 blend would be a perfect ingredient for cognitive performance supplements and beverages aimed at younger adults who are seeking a mental edge in work/career and in gaming.”
 
Nair also said that the study could serve as the basis for a patent pending on method of use.