Study: Lion’s Mane Improves Mood and Sleep in Overweight Patients
A 2019 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined the effects of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) supplementation on mood and sleep disorders in overweight or obese patients, while also measuring brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
Study Design
Researchers gave overweight or obese participants Lion’s Mane supplements and measured changes in mood, sleep quality, and blood levels of BDNF and pro-BDNF over the study period.
Key Findings
Participants showed improvements in both mood disorders and sleep quality. Blood tests revealed changes in pro-BDNF and BDNF levels, suggesting a biological mechanism for the observed mood improvements.
The BDNF Connection
BDNF is sometimes called “fertilizer for the brain” because it supports neuron health and is often found at low levels in people with depression. This study suggests Lion’s Mane may work partly by affecting BDNF levels. The connection between metabolic health and brain health appears to be bidirectional—improving one often improves the other.
Limitations to Consider
The study focused specifically on overweight or obese individuals, so results may not generalize to all populations. The mechanisms linking metabolic health, BDNF, and mood are complex and not fully understood.
Citation
Vigna, L., et al. (2019). Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 7861297.