Lion’s Mane and Nerve Health: What Does the Research Say About NGF?

Lion’s Mane is usually talked about in relation to things like focus, memory and mental clarity.

Spend a little longer reading about the research, though, and you will probably come across another term: NGF.

It stands for nerve growth factor.

The name sounds quite technical. The basic idea is much easier to understand.

NGF is one of the proteins involved in helping nerve cells develop, survive and function.

Lion’s Mane has been studied in relation to NGF and other processes involving nerve cells.

And while this definitely does not mean Lion’s Mane has been shown to repair nerves in people, it is certainly a very interesting area to look at more closely.

So what does the research actually tell us?

Key Takeaways

• NGF is a protein involved in the development, survival and function of certain nerve cells.

• Lion’s Mane has been studied in relation to NGF and other processes involving nerve cells.

• Much of the detailed research into NGF is still developing.

• Small human studies have looked at areas such as cognition, memory, stress and mood.

• With SKïP, Lion’s Mane is part of the drink. Flavour still matters just as much.

What Is NGF and Why Is Lion’s Mane Linked to It?

NGF stands for nerve growth factor.

It belongs to a wider family of proteins called neurotrophins, which are involved in helping certain nerve cells develop, survive and function.

You may have come across the names hericenones and erinacines when reading about Lion’s Mane.

They are naturally occurring compounds associated with the mushroom that researchers have studied in relation to NGF and the way nerve cells grow and survive.

Though the research is still developing.

What Does the Research on Lion’s Mane and Nerve Health Show?

Much of the detailed research around Lion’s Mane and NGF is still developing.

A 2025 review brought together a range of existing research into Lion’s Mane and nerve-related processes.

Some of the findings involved nerve-cell growth and survival.

Actual human research is much smaller.

One well-known human study involved 30 adults aged between 50 and 80 with mild cognitive impairment.

Over 16 weeks, the Lion’s Mane group showed improvements in cognitive scores compared with placebo. Those scores fell again after the intervention ended.

The study was small, though, and it was looking at cognition rather than nerve repair.

Human studies have mainly looked at cognition, memory, stress and mood, while the wider research around Lion’s Mane and NGF is still developing.

A 4-week or 16-week study tells us how long the research ran. It does not tell us when somebody should expect to notice an effect.

Can Lion’s Mane Support Everyday Focus as Well as Nerve Health?

Human studies around Lion’s Mane have tended to look more at things like cognition, mood and stress than nerve repair.

SKïP Cloudy Apple and Blood Orange each contain 2,000mg of Lion’s Mane alongside vitamins B6 and B12.

They are functional drinks you can keep in the fridge and reach for when you fancy one.

You might have one with lunch, during the afternoon or simply because you like the flavour.

Should Older Adults Drink Lion’s Mane?

Some of the small human studies around Lion’s Mane have involved older adults, which is one reason the ingredient often appears in conversations around memory and ageing.

The 16-week study involving adults aged 50 to 80 is one example.

But one small study does not mean every older adult needs Lion’s Mane.

People are different. Medication, existing health conditions and individual circumstances all matter.

If you are unsure whether Lion’s Mane is suitable for you, speak with a healthcare professional.

Are There Other Foods Studied for NGF?

Yes. Lion’s Mane is not the only food researchers have looked at in relation to nerve growth factors.

Omega-3 fatty acids and a range of plant compounds have also been studied in connection with nerve-cell health.

But that does not really add up to an “NGF diet”. It is a much wider area of research, with Lion’s Mane simply one ingredient within it.

Where Does SKïP Fit Into All of This?

For us, though, it still comes back to the drink.

Lion’s Mane is one of the functional ingredients in our Cloudy Apple and Blood Orange cans.

You do not need to think about NGF every time you open one. Sometimes you might simply fancy something cold from the fridge.

FAQs

Can Lion’s Mane Treat Nerve Damage?

No. Lion’s Mane has not been shown to repair nerve damage in people. Research has explored Lion’s Mane in relation to NGF and other nerve-related processes, but the evidence is still developing. If you are experiencing symptoms that may involve nerve damage, speak with a healthcare professional.

Is Lion’s Mane Safe for People With Nerve Conditions?

If you have a nerve or neurological condition, take medication or are receiving treatment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before trying Lion’s Mane.

Can Children’s Developing Nerves Benefit From Lion’s Mane?

The research discussed here was carried out in adults, so it cannot be used to say that Lion’s Mane benefits children’s developing nerves. SKïP drinks specifically are not suitable for children. For answers to questions about children’s health, always speak with a healthcare professional.

Should I Drink Lion’s Mane After a Head Injury?

A head injury needs proper medical assessment. Lion’s Mane has not been established as a treatment for concussion, brain injury or nerve damage. Seek appropriate medical care rather than relying on Lion’s Mane after a head injury.

Does Lion’s Mane Increase NGF in Humans?

We do not currently have strong human evidence showing that drinking Lion’s Mane produces a predictable increase in NGF. Much of the detailed research around Lion’s Mane and NGF is still developing. Human studies have focused more often on things such as cognition and mood. So it is more accurate to say Lion’s Mane is being studied in relation to NGF than to say it has been proven to increase NGF in people.