Applied Food Sciences (AFS) has launched MycoThrive Lion’s Mane, a mushroom extract clinically studied for its impact on cognitive performance and well-being.

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) has a long history of use in traditional Eastern medicine for cognitive enhancing benefits, and its active compounds include beta-glucan polysaccharides, proteins, hericenones, and erinacines.

“AFS takes pride in offering scientifically validated, high-quality ingredients,” said Loretta Zapp, CEO of Applied Food Sciences. “After extensive research on the science of fungi, we developed a love for mushroom ingredients and took on the challenges of creating consistent mushroom extracts standardized to their active compounds. Although the mushroom category is growing in the US, much still needs to be discovered about the scientific and quality aspects. Therefore, we are thrilled to enter this space with significant investment by offering our innovative line of MycoThrive mushroom ingredients and conducting the clinical studies needed to bring more validation to the market.”

The double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was published in Nutrients. Researchers recruited 40 healthy adults who were tested for acute effects after a single 1,000 mg dose of the lion’s mane extract.  The study tested MycoThrive against a 650 mg dose of a guayasa extract, as well as against a placebo. Participants were all tested at baseline, at 60 minutes, and at 120 minutes post-ingestion using neuropsychological assessments like the Go/No-Go, Serial Sevens, and N-Back tasks, as well as subjective measures of cognitive perception and mood.

Participants that took MycoThrive demonstrated acute improvements in working memory, attention, concentration, and reaction time, with results noticed as soon as 60 minutes after ingestion, the authors of the study noted.

According to AFS, the study results “contrast the prevailing notion that Lion’s Mane only produces chronic benefits after 30-60 days of use,” and while chronic use is still advantageous, the research provides insights into the mushroom’s potential role as a fast-acting nootropic. Moreover, it lends well to structure-function claims and increased consumer confidence, AFS stated.