Lion’s Mane and the Gut–Brain Axis in Pets: Emerging Evidence for Cognitive & Digestive Support

Lion’s Mane and the Gut–Brain Axis in Pets: Emerging Evidence for Cognitive & Digestive Support

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Lion’s Mane and the Gut–Brain Axis in Pets: Emerging Evidence for Cognitive & Digestive Support

Evidence Summary

Abstract. Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) provides polysaccharides and neuroactive metabolites (erinacines, hericenones) studied for cognition, nerve growth, and gut–immune modulation. In dogs, diet inclusion has shifted microbiome composition toward greater diversity. Human and translational data suggest neurotrophic and anti‑inflammatory actions that align with veterinary wellness goals for dogs and cats. Educational content only.

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Key questions

  • What outcomes are reported for Lion’s Mane in companion animals?
  • Which mechanisms connect gut and brain effects?
  • How does current evidence translate to practical use in dogs and cats?

Evidence snapshot

Dogs (highlights)

  • Microbiome: Aged dogs fed Lion’s Mane showed compositional shifts and increased diversity in gut bacteria over 16 weeks.
  • Antioxidant & immune context: β‑glucan–rich polysaccharides contribute to redox balance and mucosal immunity in diet studies.

Cats (translation)

  • Neurotrophic rationale: Erinacines and hericenones stimulate nerve growth factor and modulate neuroinflammation in preclinical models—mechanisms relevant to feline cognitive and sensory health.
  • Gut–immune alignment: Polysaccharide fermentation supports short‑chain fatty acids and barrier integrity, priorities shared across canine and feline nutrition.

Mechanisms (concise)

Neurotrophic signaling

Erinacines (mycelium) and hericenones (fruiting body) can up‑regulate NGF/BDNF pathways, supporting neuronal growth, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection.

Neuroinflammation & redox

Modulation of NF‑κB and up‑regulation of Nrf2 antioxidant responses align with comfort, recovery, and healthy aging aims.

Microbiome & SCFAs

Fermentable polysaccharides can increase butyrate and related SCFAs, supporting gut barrier and the gut–brain axis.

Myelin & nerve repair (preclinical)

Select extracts are investigated for promoting remyelination and peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models.

Selected studies

Focus Species / Model Outcome Evidence Type
Gut microbiota with LM diet Dog (aged) Diversity ↑; composition shift over 16 weeks Dietary inclusion
NGF/BDNF, neuroprotection Rodent & cell models ↑ NGF signaling; ↓ neuroinflammation/oxidative stress Preclinical; reviews
Cognition (MCI) Human clinical Memory test improvement with LM; effects ebb post‑cessation Randomized, placebo‑controlled
Cognition (healthy adults) Human clinical Mixed/acute‑null results; domain‑specific signals Pilot & RCTs
Safety/toxicology Rodent; review No significant toxicity in sub‑chronic dosing ranges Toxicology studies; reviews

Interpretation is educational and non‑diagnostic; align use with veterinary guidance and individualized care.

Use & formulation context

Formulas may combine Lion’s Mane with complementary mushroom polysaccharides and calming nutrients. Practical guidance: begin low and titrate; for daily wellness, pair with consistent routines (enrichment, sleep hygiene) that reinforce gut–brain benefits.

Safety

Lion’s Mane is generally well tolerated. As with all fiber‑rich extracts, introduce gradually. Coordinate with your veterinarian for pets on concurrent medications or with chronic conditions. Prefer fruiting‑body/mycelial products with clear actives and third‑party testing.

References (MLA)

  1. Cho, Hyun‑Woo, et al. “Gut Microbiota Profiling in Aged Dogs after Feeding Pet Food Containing Hericium erinaceus.” Animals, vol. 12, no. 20, 2022, article 2803.
  2. Szućko‑Kociuba, Iwona, et al. “Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 21, 2023, article 15960.
  3. Mori, K., et al. “Improving Effects of the Mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on Mild Cognitive Impairment.” Phytotherapy Research, 2009, pp. 367–372.
  4. Bizjak, M. Č., et al. “Effect of Erinacine A‑Enriched Hericium erinaceus on Cognitive Function.” Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2024.
  5. Docherty, S., et al. “Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane in Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Trial.” Nutrients, 2023.
  6. Surendran, G., et al. “Acute Effects of a Standardised Extract of Hericium erinaceus on Cognition and Mood.” Frontiers in Nutrition, 2025.
  7. Li, I‑Chun, et al. “Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia and Its Isolated Erinacines.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2018.
  8. Lakshmanan, H., et al. “A Sub‑chronic Toxicological Assessment of Hericium erinaceus Aqueous Extract.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016.
  9. Qiu, Yujiao, et al. “Bioactive Substances in Hericium erinaceus and Their Neuroprotective Effects.” Journal of Functional Foods, 2024.

MLA 9 format. APA available upon request.

Educational content only. Not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian regarding supplements for pets.

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