Lion’s mane vs. cordyceps: comparing the key benefits

Lion’s mane vs cordyceps: Meet the mushrooms

We’ll start by introducing our two challengers in the lion’s mane vs cordyceps contest. First up, we have lion’s mane. Also known by the scientific name Hericium erinaceus, this striking mushroom grows on the trunks of dead hardwood trees. Its clumps of cascading cream-coloured tendrils look a little like the mane of a lion or an old man’s beard. This is why, as well as lion’s mane, people sometimes call it the pom-pom mushroom or bearded tooth fungus.

You can find this fungus growing across North America, Asia, and Europe. This includes the UK – however, as an endangered species, it’s protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. That means it’s illegal to collect it – so leave lion’s mane alone if you spot it in the woods! This is actually good advice for all wild mushrooms, as it’s difficult to know which are safe to consume. Whichever you choose in the lion’s mane vs cordyceps fight, we recommend avoiding foraging. Instead, always purchase your fungi from trusted suppliers.

Moving on to cordyceps, this grows in thick orangey-yellow fingers and has a rather unique life cycle. Unlike other species of mushroom, in the wild, cordyceps develops on a living host. Its spores infect small insects and spread through their bodies, taking control of the host and directing its behaviour.

This might sound like an end to the lion’s mane vs cordyceps debate before it’s even started. But don’t worry, eating cordyceps won’t transform you into a zombie! And the majority of suppliers cultivate the fungus on carefully controlled substrates, with no insects involved.

Now that we know more about the mushrooms themselves, let’s turn to the reasons you might want to take them.

Shared lion’s mane and cordyceps benefits

One factor that makes the lion’s mane vs cordyceps question tricky is that the two have a lot in common. For example, both species of mushroom are rich in a type of fibre called beta-glucan, which offers several benefits. Most notably, it supports the health of the heart, gut, and immune system.(1) Specifically, studies show that beta-glucan can decrease your cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease. It also enhances the function of certain types of immune cells, plus nourishes the good bacteria in your gut. The latter has a positive influence on everything from digestion to brain health.

Both lion’s mane and cordyceps have other ways of looking after your heart too. Cordyceps is rich in adenosine, a compound that offers heart-protective effects.(2) Meanwhile, lion’s mane helps to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood.(3) It also contains a compound called hericenone B, which reduces blood clotting and lessens the risk of heart attack and stroke.(4)

Another similarity you’ll spot when discussing lion’s mane vs cordyceps is that both possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is advantageous because chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to several harmful conditions and even signs of ageing.

In addition, the two mushrooms act as adaptogens. That means they enable the mind and body to deal with stress of all kinds more effectively. This is another key benefit because stress can result in a number of unpleasant and damaging symptoms.

So, in terms of benefits for the heart, gut, and immune system, there’s no clear winner in the lion’s mane vs cordyceps contest. However, this isn’t the case in other areas of wellness. Time to see where each mushroom shines the brightest.

Lion’s mane vs cordyceps: advantages of lion’s mane

Starting with the benefits of lion’s mane, this fungus is perhaps most famous for its positive influence on the brain. And when it comes to cognition, there’s no doubt that it wins the lion’s mane vs cordyceps debate.

The mushroom is rich in hericenones and erinacines, which are compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells. This might explain why research has found that lion’s mane improves cognitive functions in people with mild Alzheimer’s.(5) The fungus may also prevent damage to neurons caused by amyloid-beta plaques that accumulate because of the condition.

Excitingly, studies have discovered that lion’s mane can enhance cognitive performance in healthy people too.(6) So, if you’re considering lion’s mane vs cordyceps as a way to keep your brain in top shape and improve your mental abilities, we recommend going for lion’s mane. We can’t say it will make you a genius, but it may help your synapses fire that little bit quicker!

What’s more, this fabulous fungus could have a positive effect on your mood. Research indicates that it can lessen feelings of anxiety, irritation, and depression.(7) This might be because it enhances nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The latter is a protein that assists with the development and survival of neurons. Lion’s mane could also boost neuroplasticity and reduce neuroinflammation, further supporting mental health.

While you can’t expect medicinal mushrooms to cure a condition like depression, some species may ease its symptoms. And if that’s what you’re interested in lion’s mane vs cordyceps for, again, lion’s mane comes out on top.

Lion’s mane vs cordyceps: advantages of cordyceps

Turning to cordyceps, this isn’t simply a lion’s mane alternative. You may well have heard of people using it as a way to improve their physical performance. And this is definitely an arena in which the fungus excels. In fact, it’s almost the opposite of lion’s mane in this regard. So, for athletes, the lion’s mane vs cordyceps question is potentially easier to answer.

For example, studies show that cordyceps is able to increase your VO2 max.(8) This is a measure of how much oxygen your body can effectively use during exercise. A higher VO2 max allows you to perform better in aerobic workouts, like running, cycling, and swimming. Indeed, cordyceps might help to boost endurance and decrease feelings of tiredness when taking part in such activities.

Similarly, cordyceps could reduce muscle fatigue when you’re working out. Research suggests it may lessen the production and buildup of lactic acid during exercise, plus improve blood flow.(9) The latter helps you get sufficient oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs. Other studies indicate that cordyceps can enhance exercise performance by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).(10) This aids with muscle contraction and provides your cells with energy.

All of this means that in terms of boosting athletic performance, cordyceps is the frontrunner in the lion’s mane vs cordyceps contest. The fungus isn’t going to transform you from a couch potato into a star athlete! However, it could enable you to get more out of your time at the gym or beat your 5K PB.