Not all mushrooms are the same, and in the realm of natural cognitive enhancers, certain mushrooms have gained significant attention for their nootropic properties.
Nootropic mushrooms, such as lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and maitake, have been revered for quite a while now and are studied for their ability to support memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. With their unique bioactive compounds, nootropic mushroom supplements hold promise as valuable allies in the pursuit of optimal cognitive health.
With that being said, we welcome you to explore the best nootropic mushroom supplements currently available on the market.
Best nootropic mushroom supplement: shortlist
- PureHealth Research — best nootropic mushroom supplement overall
- Real Mushrooms RealClarity — best organic nootropic mushroom blend
- Mind Lab Pro — best science-backed nootropic mushroom supplement
- Oweli — best anti-inflammatory nootropic mushroom supplement
- Pure Essence Labs — best nootropic mushroom supplement for immunity
How to choose the best nootropic mushroom in 2023?
Several considerations come into play when on the lookout for the best nootropic mushroom supplement, making them essential in finding a product precisely tailored to your needs.
We utilize the following criteria to guide you through this process and assist you in selecting a high-quality nootropic mushroom supplement option:
| Ingredients | Science-backed |
| Safety profile | Third-party tested |
| Manufacturing | FDA-regulated and cGMP-certified |
| Mushroom type | Specific properties |
- Ingredients. Opting for nootropic mushroom supplements rich in science-backed ingredients is crucial, as the support of scientific research provides reassurance that the active ingredients are likely to deliver the suggested benefits.
- Safety profile. Seek out products that have been tested by independent third-party laboratories or hold relevant certifications to make certain that the content in the mushroom nootropic supplements aligns with the ingredients listed on the label.
- Manufacturing. Give priority to those nootropic mushroom products produced in facilities that hold cGMP certification and comply with FDA regulations. This reflects greatly on the manufacturing standards and overall quality of the supplements.
- Mushroom type. Different types of mushrooms have specific therapeutic properties due to their unique active compounds. By considering these properties, you can make informed decisions when choosing nootropic mushroom supplements that align with your goals.
Best nootropic mushroom in 2023: overview
Known for their nootropic-rich properties and potential to offer cognitive support, nootropic mushroom supplements have captured widespread interest and gained popularity. So, if you're looking to harness these benefits, look no further than incorporating one of the following supplements into your daily routine.
Stick around as we present the best nootropic mushroom supplements available on the market, helping you discover the ideal one that aligns with your preferences.
1. PureHealth Research — best nootropic mushroom supplement overall
Securing the top spot on our list is the Nootropic Mushroom Formula by PureHealth Research — thoughtfully designed to enhance memory, focus, and concentration, with each ingredient in the blend targeting a different area of cognitive function.
The Nootropic Mushroom Formula combines a total of 9 all-natural ingredients. Within this mix, you will find a blend of mushrooms, herbs, and vitamins, each specifically chosen for their scientifically researched benefits on cognitive function.
The brand manufactures its nootropic mushroom supplement in the United States, with an advisory board comprising doctors and health professionals who offer guidance and collaborate to develop science-backed formulations, thus ensuring the safety of its products.
As recommended by the provider, the daily serving size is 2 capsules. For optimal results, it is advisable to take them with a meal and a full glass of water.
A single bottle of this nootropic mushroom supplement by PureHealth Research contains 60 vegetarian capsules and is currently priced at $69 as a one-time purchase. You can purchase your bottle by visiting the provider's official website.
2. Real Mushrooms RealClarity — best organic nootropic mushroom blend
Crafted from certified organic ingredients and boasting an ingredient mix of lion's mane mushroom with ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, and bacopa monnieri extracts, Real Mushrooms RealClarity is designed to support healthy cognitive function and stress management.
RealClarity's blend comprises solely organically sourced ingredients, subjected to both hot water and dual extraction processes to unlock beneficial compounds like beta-glucans.
What's more, the RealClarity mushroom nootropic supplement contains no grains or starchy fillers, setting it apart from rival supplements.
The manufacturer recommends a daily serving size of 2 capsules, providing a total daily extract dose of 500 mg of lion's mane, 250 mg of ashwagandha, 150 mg of rhodiola rosea, and 100 mg of bacopa.
RealClarity comes in a 30-serving bottle priced at $29.95 for a one-time purchase. You can get yours from the official Real Mushrooms website.
3. Mind Lab Pro — best science-backed nootropic mushroom supplement
Mind Lab Pro is a nootropic mushroom supplement made using premium-grade, research-backed ingredients — all ethically sourced and presented with a clean label. It is specifically designed to help you perform at your peak, potentially enhancing daily mental performance and supporting brain function.
This mushroom nootropic is composed of 11 research-backed nootropic ingredients, carefully selected and formulated to enhance their synergistic effects.
Mind Lab Pro stands by its science-backed label, as it has been proven effective in placebo-controlled human trials conducted independently by Leeds University. The results demonstrate a positive impact on memory and an improved ability to concentrate and process information.
The provider claims that Mind Lab Pro is the cleanest and greenest brain supplement available, boasting a 100% plant-based composition that is sustainably sourced and produced in GMP-certified, FDA-registered facilities. The product is further packaged and shipped using recyclable boxes.
A one-month supply of this nootropic mushroom supplement is priced at $69. Keep in mind that subscribing or buying in bundles will allow you to enjoy additional benefits and discounts.
4. Oweli — best anti-inflammatory nootropic mushroom supplement
Oweli 10 SHROOMS, a nootropic mushroom supplement, boasts a high content of beta-glucans, which are associated with anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking support for their cognitive health and immunity.
Oweli 10 SHROOMS is a comprehensive mushroom formula that contains a blend of 10 of the most researched medicinal mushrooms, 6 of which are added to the supplement as part of a proprietary blend.
This nootropic mushroom supplement by Oweli is manufactured in a pharmaceutical-grade facility that is FDA-registered and compliant with cGMP standards. Additionally, every ingredient present is thoroughly tested to meet industry quality standards.
The manufacturer recommends a daily dosage of 2 capsules, with each serving delivering 266 mg of lion's mane, cordyceps, reishi, and shiitake extracts, respectively.
One bottle of the nootropic mushroom supplement, which contains 30 servings, costs $29.99. You can purchase your bottle from the official Oweli website.
5. Pure Essence Labs — best nootropic mushroom supplement for immunity
MyPure MYcoMune 4X by Pure Essence Labs is an award-winning nootropic mushroom supplement designed to sharpen focus, promote brain health, and support healthier stress response and immune function.
MyPure MYcoMune 4X contains a premium blend of certified organic fruiting body mushroom extracts, with each capsule delivering a total of 505 mg of mushroom extract.
All the extracts present in this nootropic mushroom supplement by Pure Essence Labs are derived from non-GMO, certified organic mushrooms that have been hot water treated for maximum extraction of bioactive compounds.
The manufacturer recommends a daily dose of 1 capsule.
A 30-day supply of MyPure MYcoMune 4X costs $41.77 as a one-time purchase. By buying in bulk, you can enjoy additional discounts and get the supplement at a lower price.
Comparison of the top 5 nootropic mushroom supplements
| Brand | Price per bottle | Serving size | Servings per bottle | Price per serving | Dosage per serving* | Active ingredients |
| PureHealth Research | $69.00 | 2 capsules | 30 | $2.3 | 500 mg of mushroom content | 9 |
| Real Mushrooms RealClarity | $29.95 | 2 capsules | 30 | $0.99 | 500 mg of mushroom content | 4 |
| Mind Lab Pro | $69.00 | 2 capsules | 30 | $2.3 | 500 mg of mushroom content | 11 |
| Oweli | $29.99 | 2 capsules | 30 | $0.99 | 1330 mg of mushroom content | 10 |
| Pure Essence Labs | $41.77 | 1 capsule | 30 | $1.39 | 505 mg of mushroom content | 7 |
* — specific amounts of mushroom extracts, powders, or proprietary blends can be found on providers' websites.
How we compiled our list of the best nootropic mushrooms in 2023
In order to compile this list of the best nootropic mushrooms, we relied on a number of criteria. These criteria encompassed brand reputation, ingredients, mushroom content, and value for money. Below, we provide a more comprehensive insight into each of them:
- Brand reputation. We looked for reputable brands known for their positive track record and transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices. Such brands are more inclined to have a proven history of crafting high-quality products, adhering to stringent manufacturing standards, and subjecting their products to third-party testing.
- Ingredients. Our focus was on selecting supplements that feature particular types of mushrooms renowned for their nootropic effects. These may encompass well-known nootropic mushrooms such as lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and maitake. We made a deliberate effort to avoid supplements containing fillers, additives, or preservatives.
- Mushroom content. It's essential to consider the amount of mushroom content in nootropic mushroom supplements, as extremely high dosages may lead to side effects, while suboptimal dosages may result in no benefits at all. Therefore, we have sought out supplements with doses commonly used in scientific research.
- Value for money. While it's important to consider the supplement's price, the cheapest option might not always guarantee the best quality. We focused on selecting supplements that balance pricing and meeting standards for ingredients and dosages.
What are nootropic mushrooms?
Nootropic mushrooms belong to a group of medicinal fungi renowned for their cognitive-boosting attributes. Mushroom varieties like lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and maitake are enriched with bioactive substances that potentially promote brain health and support its function.
The benefits of nootropic mushrooms stem from their capacity to enhance memory, boost focus, and support mental clarity. Additionally, these mushrooms are thought to alleviate inflammation and combat stress. Some studies have examined the compounds present in these mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines in lion's mane, as well as triterpenoids in reishi, showing positive effects on cognitive performance.
That being said, the evidence is only emerging, and more research is needed to confirm that these health-beneficial effects of nootropic mushrooms seamlessly translate to humans.
Mushrooms that have nootropic properties
Given the increased focus on the nootropic properties of various medicinal mushrooms and their potential to improve cognitive function, it is imperative to delve deeper into their unique characteristics and the benefits they offer.
Lion's mane
Lion's mane, a nootropic mushroom renowned for its cognitive enhancement properties, contains compounds such as hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis.
Moreover, lion's mane has gained widespread recognition for its therapeutic activities that promote nerve and brain health, making it a popular choice among individuals interested in natural nootropics. Evidence from animal studies further supports the neuroprotective properties of lion's mane, which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy brain as it ages.
Reishi
Reishi, labeled the mushroom of immortality due to its longstanding and revered history in traditional medicine, holds nootropic properties as well. Its key bioactive compounds, like triterpenoids and polysaccharides, exhibit neuroprotective qualities, safeguarding the brain against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Consistently using supplements containing reishi can offer a range of benefits for nootropic support, making it a highly sought-after mushroom for those striving to optimize their mental and physical health. On top of that, reishi has shown promise as a natural ergogenic, offering potential benefits for enhancing athletic performance.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a rare type of fungus typically found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. For many years, it has been utilized as a medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. Like other medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps contains various bioactive compounds, with cordycepin being the most prominent due to its therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. Notably, cordycepin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in animal models with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Maitake
Regarded as a nutritious food with a sweet and umami taste, mainly attributed to its high content of amino acids, maitake has been a focus of research in recent years. In particular, studies have linked the health effects of maitake polysaccharides — a type of sugar molecule — to gut microbiota-modifying effects.
Additionally, as evidence from cell and animal studies indicates, small compounds found in maitake mushrooms play a role in reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and providing antioxidant properties.
Do nootropic mushrooms have side effects?
Although nootropic mushrooms generally have a good safety profile, certain individuals may still encounter side effects. The severity and likelihood of side effects vary from person to person and may depend on individual sensitivities or underlying health conditions.
Some individuals may encounter typical side effects when using nootropic mushrooms, which could include:
- Upset stomach
- Allergic reactions
- Headaches
- Interactions with medications
Before considering the use of nootropic mushrooms, individuals who fall into these categories are advised to consult a healthcare professional to avoid any potential side effects:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with known allergies to mushrooms or fungi
- People with serious underlying medical conditions or undergoing treatments
- Children
Keep in mind that it is crucial to acquire nootropic mushroom supplements from reputable brands that subject their products to third-party testing and adhere to stringent manufacturing standards. This commitment speaks volumes about the safety and quality of the product. Moreover, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before incorporating nootropic mushrooms into your daily regimen — a prudent choice to ensure optimal results.
Read more about how to boost your cognitive function
For those striving for optimal health, the best mushroom supplements are worth considering.
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If you have a sweet tooth, the best mushroom gummies are a must-try.
When it comes to improving brain health, the best lion's mane supplements deserve your attention.
FAQ
Is lion's mane mushroom a nootropic?
Yes. Scientific studies have delved into its cognitive advantages, and though further investigation remains necessary, the current body of evidence indicates that incorporating lion's mane into a nootropic regimen may hold considerable value for those pursuing cognitive support.
What is the best mushroom for mental focus?
Lion’s mane. While several other medicinal mushroom varieties possess immune-modulating properties and are better known for their anti-inflammatory effects, lion's mane stands out for its cognitive function benefits, making it one of the top choices for enhancing mental focus.
What is the best benefit of nootropic mushrooms?
Cognitive support. Essentially, the benefits of nootropic mushrooms lie in their ability to support brain health. Varieties such as lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and other nootropic mushrooms contain an array of bioactive compounds that can positively impact the brain and its cognitive functions.
Is reishi a nootropic?
Yes. However, take note that while some studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may have positive effects on cognitive function, memory, and mood, the evidence is not as extensive or conclusive as that of other well-established nootropics.
- Foods. Bioactive Ingredients and Medicinal Values of Grifola frondosa (Maitake).
- Journal of Restorative Medicine. Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus).
- Molecules. Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential.
- Behavioural Neurology. Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines.
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