Lion’s Mane vs Cordyceps Supplements: Which Is Best?
There’s a debate out there on whether Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps supplements are best. That’s tough because both are great ingredients with a bunch of benefits.
If you’re focused on long-term wellness, you’ve likely crossed paths with these two standout mushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Lion’s Mane is great for brain health and cognition, while Cordyceps is a fungus known for boosting energy and supporting your immune system.
This guide compares the benefits and uses of both Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps supplements, with data from recent clinical studies, so you can make a clear choice for your health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Key Takeaways
- A 2023 clinical study found that 1.8 grams of Lion’s Mane daily for 28 days improved cognitive function and showed a trend toward lower stress in healthy young adults.
- In a 2016 study with 28 young adults, Cordyceps militaris supplementation increased VO2max by 4.8 ml/kg/min after three weeks and extended time to exhaustion by 69.8 seconds.
- Lion’s Mane contains hericenones and erinacines, compounds that promote nerve growth factor production, while Cordyceps has cordycepin and adenosine to support ATP production and stamina.
- Choose Lion’s Mane for brain health and cognition. Choose Cordyceps for physical performance and immune support based on your specific wellness goals.
- Combining both supplements may enhance focus and energy, but consult your doctor first if you’re on immunosuppressants or blood thinners.
Benefits of Lion’s Mane Supplements
Lion’s Mane supplements support memory and mental clarity, which health and longevity enthusiasts value.
This mushroom has gained attention for its neuroprotective effects.
How does Lion’s Mane improve cognitive function and memory?
Hericenones and erinacines are the active compounds that make Lion’s Mane work. These molecules promote nerve growth factor synthesis and enhance nerve cell activity.
A 2024 study published in July found that a single 1,000 mg dose of Lion’s Mane extract improved working memory, attention, and reaction time in 40 healthy adults within just one hour. According to research from Northumbria University, participants taking 1.8 grams daily for 28 days performed quicker on cognitive tests at 60 minutes post-dose.
You might experience sleep improvements with regular use of high-quality Lion’s Mane extracts. Better sleep helps your brain process information, which further enhances learning and recall.
This mushroom is common in supplements for mental clarity and cognitive performance. Clinical studies have used dosages ranging from 750 to 3,000 mg per day, with most research showing benefits at 1,000 to 1,800 mg daily.
What neuroprotective effects does Lion’s Mane offer?
The two key compounds (hericenones and erinacines) work by boosting nerve growth factor, a protein vital for keeping your nerve cells strong. These molecules cross the blood-brain barrier easily, allowing them to act directly on brain tissue.
Laboratory studies show that Lion’s Mane can reduce oxidative stress in the brain. This helps protect your cells from long-term damage.
Lion’s Mane also modulates microglial activity. This keeps your immune response in check and prevents excess inflammation around nerves.
Regular use supports memory function and helps improve sleep quality. Its polysaccharides help keep your synapses healthy, which is key for fast thinking and learning new things.
Many people report feeling more emotionally stable with daily use. If you want to support neurological wellness, using supplements made from the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane delivers these benefits in a simple powder form.
Can Lion’s Mane support mental well-being?
Lion’s Mane supports your mental well-being in several ways. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, healthy young adults saw significant improvements in cognitive function after taking Lion’s Mane.
A dose of 1.8 grams per day for 28 days showed a trend toward lower subjective stress levels. Some studies found mood enhancements, including reduced depression and anxiety scores, with longer use.
A 2019 study of 77 people with a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher found that eight weeks of Lion’s Mane extract led to improvements in depression by 29.4%, anxiety by 33.2%, and sleep disorders by 39.1% compared to baseline.
Bioactive compounds from this supplement can promote neurogenesis, helping your brain form new connections and potentially enhancing mood.
Benefits of Cordyceps Supplements
Cordyceps supplements can change how your body feels and performs.
These fungi (Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris) are linked to many potential benefits for health, energy, and recovery and have been used as herbal medicine for years.
Cordyceps militaris is the species most commonly used in modern supplements because it can be cultivated sustainably and contains higher levels of cordycepin than the wild Cordyceps sinensis.
How does Cordyceps boost energy and athletic performance?
The use of cordyceps extract acts as a natural exercise mimetic, helping you train harder and recover faster. The main types used in cordyceps supplements are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.
A clinical trial with 28 young adults found that Cordyceps militaris supplementation increased VO2max by 4.8 ml/kg/min after three weeks. This means your body can use more oxygen during intense workouts. Participants also experienced a longer time to exhaustion—an extra 28.1 seconds after one week and 69.8 seconds after three weeks.
Cordyceps works by boosting ATP production, which fuels your muscles. After supplementing with 1 gram of Cordyceps, young adults showed faster recovery following high-intensity exercise compared to placebo.
This helps you bounce back quickly for your next session. Chronic Cordyceps supplementation may improve tolerance to hard exercise and delay fatigue. You might notice less tiredness and more stamina after a few weeks of use, which is why Cordyceps has become popular with athletes.
In what ways do Cordyceps supplements support the immune system?
Cordyceps sinensis boosts the activity of T-helper 1 cytokines. These tiny messengers are vital for your body’s fight against disease.
A 2024 review published in Molecules found that Cordyceps polysaccharides augment the activities of macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells while fostering the expression of immune-active substances. Extracts of Cordyceps also increase interferon-gamma, or IFN-γ, which helps ramp up your natural cellular defense.
Active components, such as adenosine and cordycepin, add to these immune benefits. According to a 2019 clinical trial, healthy adults who received 1.68 grams per day of Cordyceps mycelium extract for 8 weeks showed a significant 38.8% enhancement in natural killer cell activity.
Studies show that Cordyceps mushrooms can improve bone marrow function and support white blood cell growth. This means better protection during recovery from illness or stress.
What are the anti-inflammatory benefits of Cordyceps?
Cordyceps mushrooms contain powerful compounds like cordycepin, adenosine, and polysaccharides. These natural substances show strong anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2020 study showed Cordyceps suppressed inflammation-related proteins in human cells. In 2022, research on animals found Cordyceps reduced swelling linked to arthritis. Cordyceps may help your body use oxygen better, which can further calm inflammation.
After intense exercise, muscle soreness is common. Cordyceps can ease this soreness by reducing inflammation and helping with recovery. Athletes use Cordyceps for this reason, and many report less muscle stiffness after workouts when using Cordyceps supplements.
Comparison of Nutritional Profiles
Understanding the active compounds in each mushroom helps you choose the right supplement for your needs.
What are the active compounds in Lion’s Mane?
Hericenones and erinacines make Lion’s Mane special. These compounds help your brain produce more nerve growth factor (NGF) and pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pro-BDNF).
Hericenones are found in the fruiting bodies, while erinacines are derived from the mycelium. Research suggests that erinacines may be more bioavailable and potent than hericenones for nerve growth factor stimulation.
Lion’s Mane also packs in polysaccharides, mainly beta-glucans. Beta-glucans support immune function and show strong anti-inflammatory effects. Along with these, you get a mix of essential nutrients—vitamins D and B, potassium, and zinc.
This blend boosts both physical and mental health. Many Lion’s Mane supplements use fruiting bodies to maximize the amount of these active nutrients.
What are the active compounds in Cordyceps?
Cordyceps contains two main active compounds: cordycepin and adenosine. Cordycepin is a unique molecule that helps your body use energy more efficiently.
Adenosine supports ATP production, which fuels each cell and boosts your stamina during exercise. Research shows that Cordyceps militaris contains significantly more cordycepin than Cordyceps sinensis—in some studies, up to 90 times higher concentrations.
Cordyceps militaris extract holds about 8 percent beta-glucans. These beta-glucans work to strengthen your immune response and reduce inflammation. You also get polysaccharides from Cordyceps fungi; these complex sugars help fight off free radicals and back up your immune system.
Quality Cordyceps supplements use extracts from the fruiting body, giving you a concentrated mix of these key compounds. If you want immune support or a natural energy boost, the active ingredients in Cordyceps are worth your attention.
Which Supplement Is Best for Specific Needs?
Your health goals determine which mushroom serves you best when comparing Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps supplements.
Which supplement is best for brain health and focus?
Lion’s Mane mushroom is great for brain health and focus. Research in healthy young adults shows that a single dose can improve performance speed on a Stroop task, which tests how fast you process information.
Daily use for 28 days may lower feelings of stress, making it easier to concentrate. Compounds like hericenones and erinacines in Lion’s Mane boost nerve growth factor production—key for strong memory and mental clarity.
Studies with Cordyceps don’t show the same strong effects on cognition as Lion’s Mane. Most research points to Cordyceps benefits for energy and athletic performance, not brain function or focus.
If your main goal is sharper thinking or better recall, supplements made from Lion’s Mane fruiting bodies offer the effects you want.
Which supplement is best for physical performance and stamina?
Cordyceps supplements are best for boosting physical performance and stamina. This medicinal fungus supports your body’s energy by increasing ATP production with its main compound, cordycepin.
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Clinical studies show that both natural Cordyceps sinensis and cultured Cordyceps militaris improve athletic endurance. The 2016 study mentioned earlier found that after three weeks of supplementation, participants not only improved VO2max but also showed increased ventilatory threshold by 0.7 L/min.
If you want extra energy or hope to keep up during longer workouts, Cordyceps is the top choice. Many athletes use an extract of Cordyceps militaris before training sessions because it helps with oxygen use and reduces fatigue.
The anti-inflammatory properties help shorten recovery time after exercise. While Lion’s Mane shines for focus or brain health, research shows Cordyceps can truly increase how long you last when active—making it a clear winner if stamina is your goal.
Choosing the Right Supplement for You
Your decision between Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps supplements should align with your personal wellness goals and current health status.
What factors should you consider when choosing a Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps supplement?
Picking the right supplement makes a difference for your health goals. You want safe, effective, and pure products for the best results.
- Check for pure ingredients. Go for Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps supplements with no grain fillers or unnecessary additives. Quality brands contain only fruiting body and nothing extra.
- Confirm third-party lab testing. Choose brands that test their products for potency and safety. This helps you avoid low-quality or contaminated supplements.
- Look for certifications. Select options labeled USDA Organic, Non-GMO, or gluten-free, especially if you have dietary needs or allergies.
- Consider the source. Ethically sourced and cultivated Cordyceps use mycelia from quality strains such as Cordyceps militaris. Avoid products that use only mycelium grown on grains, as these contain lower concentrations of active compounds.
- Review brand reputation and transparency. Check the company’s background and look for brands that clearly state their extraction methods and active compound content.
- Verify the suggested dosage. Clinical studies suggest 1,000 to 1,800 mg daily for Lion’s Mane and 1 to 4 grams daily for Cordyceps, depending on your goals.
- Identify active compounds. Examine key ingredients such as cordycepin content in Cordyceps or hericenones in Lion’s Mane. This guides your choice if seeking certain effects.
- Pay attention to safety. Research potential side effects. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you have type 2 diabetes or other health conditions.
- Examine product form. Decide if you prefer powder or capsule forms based on your daily routine and preferences.
- Evaluate personal response. Monitor how you feel after starting supplementation. Your own experience matters most in finding what works best.
Can you combine Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps supplements safely?
Yes, you can combine Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps supplements safely. Many health enthusiasts do so for added benefits.
Both mushrooms are commonly USDA Organic certified and made from high-quality sources. People use this combination to boost both brain power and physical stamina, drawing from Lion’s Mane’s cognitive effects and Cordyceps’ energy and immune support.
Start with small doses and watch for any mild side effects like stomach upset or headaches. Cordyceps supplements might increase risks for those on immunosuppressants or blood thinners, and are not advised if you have an auto-immune disease or plan a surgery soon.
Speak with your healthcare provider before mixing these supplements, especially if taking prescription medications or managing health concerns. Many have found this combination increases focus during workouts and supports better recovery, but always monitor how your body responds.
Who Wins Between Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps Supplements?
Choosing between Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps depends on your goals.
Lion’s Mane helps with memory, focus, and mental well-being, with clinical evidence supporting 1,000 to 1,800 mg daily. Cordyceps supplements support energy, immunity, and athletic performance, with research showing benefits at 1 to 4 grams daily.
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Check your health needs, and watch for side effects, especially if taking other medications. Many find combining both supplements works well for a balanced approach.
Explore what your body responds to best and always ask a healthcare professional before making changes.
Recommendations for Lion’s Mane Supplements:
Recommendations for Cordyceps Supplements:
FAQs
Research shows cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise, with studies indicating longer supplementation at 4 grams daily can significantly increase VO2 max and exercise performance. Most performance supplements now use cultured Cordyceps militaris because it contains up to 90 times more of the active compound cordycepin than wild Cordyceps sinensis.
Meta-analyses of multiple studies suggest cordyceps sinensis may improve lung function and quality of life for patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Its use in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory health is supported by modern research showing it can help reduce airway inflammation.
Yes, research has documented the safety of taking 1 to 3 grams of cordyceps daily for up to a year for most healthy adults. However, you should avoid taking Cordyceps if you have an autoimmune condition, a bleeding disorder, or are two weeks away from surgery.
Cordyceps militaris contains bioactive compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides that exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies show these compounds can reduce inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6 and help neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.
Cordyceps can increase energy by improving the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the main energy source for your cells. This is different from stimulants like caffeine, providing sustained energy that may improve stamina and reduce fatigue over time with consistent use.
For supplements, Cordyceps militaris is generally the superior choice as it can be commercially cultivated and contains significantly higher concentrations of the key bioactive compound, cordycepin. Wild Cordyceps sinensis is extremely rare and prohibitively expensive, making high-quality, lab-grown militaris the more effective and accessible option for its health benefits.
References
- https://realmushrooms.com/blogs/rm/cordyceps-vs-lions-mane
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424000162
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393287089_Exploring_the_Neuroprotective_Potential_of_Functional_Mushrooms_A_Comprehensive_Review
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5236007/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684115/
- https://freshcap.com/blogs/growing/lions-mane-vs-cordyceps
- https://lostempireherbs.com/lions-mane-vs-cordyceps-mushroom-comparison/
- https://nootropicsdepot.com/lions-mane-vs-cordyceps-the-ultimate-supplement-comparison-guide/
- https://balancecoffee.co.uk/blogs/blog/how-to-choose-a-mushroom-supplement?page=1
- https://longevitybotanicals.com/blogs/mushrooms/cordyceps-and-lions-mane-together
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