Hericium erinaceus reduces symptoms of sleep disorders
A systematic review of five RCTs and three pilot clinical trials found that Hericium erinaceus supplementation improved symptoms of sleep disorders, alongside benefits for depression, anxiety, and binge eating. The review included studies on participants with and without dementia, with cognitive improvements measured by a combined weighted mean increase of 1.17 on the Mini-Mental State Examination.
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Hericium erinaceus reduces symptoms of sleep disorders The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Hericium erinaceus reduces symptoms of sleep disorders
This conclusion is most relevant to: Participants with and without dementia, including those with mood dysregulation.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review. (Frontiers in nutrition, 2025) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Hericium erinaceus enhances pro-BDNF and BDNF production
- ▸Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
- ▸Improves behavior and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
- ▸Result: Reduced symptoms of sleep disorders
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Participants with and without dementia, including those with mood dysregulation
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only five RCTs and three pilot clinical trials were included, limiting generalizability
- ▸Potential side effects (stomach discomfort, headache, allergic reactions) were commonly unreported, suggesting underreporting bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hericium erinaceus?▼
Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion's Mane mushroom, is an edible medicinal fungus with bioactive polysaccharides and erinacines that show neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
How does Hericium erinaceus affect sleep?▼
The systematic review found that Hericium erinaceus reduced symptoms of sleep disorders, likely through enhancing BDNF production and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis.
What are the side effects of Hericium erinaceus?▼
Potential side effects include stomach discomfort, headache, and allergic reactions, though these are commonly unreported in studies.
What other benefits does Hericium erinaceus have?▼
It shows benefits for neuroprotection, cognitive function, cancer prevention, gut health, and reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and binge eating.
References
- 1.Menon A, Jalal A, Arshad Z, Nawaz FA, Kashyap R. “Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review..” Frontiers in nutrition, 2025. PMID: 40959699 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1641246