We are committed to transparency and optimal efficacy when it comes to our formulations. That’s why we’ve long included both fruiting body and mycelium in our standard Lion’s Mane product. And while mycelium has sometimes been underestimated, new research is shedding light on just how bioactive—and powerful—it really is.
A Groundbreaking Review: What It Tells Us
A major 2024 scientific review published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines meticulously catalogued 253 unique bioactive compounds found in Hericium species (the genus that includes Lion’s Mane). These include:
- Cyathane diterpenoids (notably erinacines)
- Alkaloids
- Benzofurans, chromenes, and phenols
- Steroids and terpenoids
- What's truly eye-opening is the tissue-specific distribution of these compounds:
Mycelium is the exclusive source of many powerful compounds, especially erinacines, which have been studied for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier
In fact, all erinacines, including the widely researched erinacine A, are found almost entirely in the mycelium and not in the fruiting body.
Why This Matters
Many companies still focus solely on the fruiting body. However, this new review makes it clear that you miss out on an entire class of neuroprotective compounds by doing so.
This reinforces what we’ve long believed: whole-hericium is greater than the sum of its parts.
We Didn’t Know How Potent Mycelium Was—Until Now
When we first chose to include mycelium in our product, our focus was on preserving the full-spectrum benefit of the mushroom. But we were unaware of just how many bioactive metabolites it contained, particularly compounds like erinacines P, Q, and R, which may play critical roles in supporting the whole body.
You can read the full study here
Australian Grown Lions Mane MushroomContains both the fruiting body and the mycelium. Freeze dried to lock in freshness. Zero alcohol or water added. Order Now |
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Update 15th April 2025 - We have performed lab tests on our Lions Mane Fruiting body + mycelium and on a popular water extract (fruiting body only). These results would be the same for an apple cider extract.
Purpose of the Analysis
The test compares the bioactive compound content between:
- Sample #AAGL599 – Fruiting Body + Mycelium blend (Batch #4025044 FS)
- Sample #AAGL600 – Fruiting Body only (Batch #0302 SF)
Both were analysed using HPLC for key mushroom metabolites known to have functional and therapeutic properties.
Key Findings (mg/g)
| Compound | Fruiting Body + Mycelium | Fruiting Body Only |
|---|---|---|
| Erinacine A | 0.0106 | 0.0067 |
| Adenosine | 0.1390 | 0.2259 |
| Tryptophan | 0.0471 | 0.0175 |
What This Tells Us
1. Erinacine A is Higher in the Mycelium Blend
Erinacine A is a key neurotrophic compound known to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) — a major reason Lion’s Mane is used for cognitive health. It was present in:
- 0.0106 mg/g in the mycelium + fruiting body blend
- 0.0067 mg/g in the fruiting body alone
This is consistent with scientific literature, which shows erinacines are found almost exclusively in the mycelium of Lion’s Mane.
2. Tryptophan is Over 2x Higher in the Mycelium Blend
Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and may play a role in mood regulation. The mycelium blend contains:
- 0.0471 mg/g vs 0.0175 mg/g in fruiting body only
This reinforces the synergy between mycelium and mood-boosting effects.
Conclusion
These results provide scientific validation for including both fruiting body and mycelium in your Lion’s Mane product. The presence of erinacine A and higher tryptophan levels in the mycelium + fruiting body blend clearly support neurotrophic and mood-enhancing benefits.
This reinforces what’s now being echoed in the latest research: “Mycelium is not a filler — it’s a functional, bioactive powerhouse.”
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