The "Smart" Mushroom That Could Keep You Mentally Sharp For Life

What was her secret?

It's not only that neurobiologist Rita Levi-Montalcini lived to the age of 103, the only Nobel prize winner who ever achieved that distinction.

She was still engaged in research at that advanced age. Her youthful vitality and mental powers were undiminished right to the end of her very long life.

The answer could be in a special supplement she ingested that was the subject of her prize-winning discovery—a supplement that's not available to non-scientists and doctors and is, in any case, said to be more expensive than diamonds.

Fortunately, there is a way we can all benefit from the secret without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

NGF regenerates brain cells

Professor Levi-Montalcini played a major role in discovering nerve growth factor (NGF). The body uses NGF to build nerve networks in the brain and elsewhere. It's a key factor in the survival of nerve cells and their maintenance and regeneration.

The discovery of NGF has led to understanding disease processes ranging from Alzheimer's to cancer.

However, NGF production falls with age, and this is proposed as a major reason for cognitive decline. If NGF could be boosted, it would give rise to new brain cells and improve communication, function, and life expectancy of existing cells, maintaining our mental capacity.

Unfortunately, NGF cannot be taken by mouth or injection because it can't pass through the blood-brain barrier. However, animal experiments suggest it can penetrate the brain via the optic nerve (Prof. Levi-Montalcini took NGF as eye drops) and through the nasal passages as well.

Luckily, there's a more reliable way to increase NGF. You can give the body the raw materials it needs to manufacture more of it in the brain itself.

The only foods proven so far to stimulate NGF in the brain are a couple of compounds found in a mushroom called Lion’s Mane.

Lion's mane heightens brain power

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceum) is known by many names such as bearded tooth or tree hedgehog due to its strange appearance. Unlike regular mushrooms, it is ball-shaped with soft white cascading strands or tentacles, resembling a pom-pom.

For centuries, it has been used as food and medicine in Asia. During meditation sessions, Buddhist monks reputedly drank it as a tea to heighten their brain power.

Scientists have been studying Lion's mane to determine if its reputation in the neurohacking movement as a nootropic, or brain booster, is deserved.

A leading authority on Lion's Mane, Dr. Hirokazu Kawagishi of Shizuoka University in Japan, discovered two compounds in the mushroom called hericenones and erinacines. These can pass through the blood-brain barrier and set off chemical processes that stimulate the release of NGF.

He found they can boost NGF five-fold in cell cultures. He wrote, "the erinacines are the most powerful inducers of NGF synthesis among all currently identified natural compounds."

An increase in NGF was also seen in the hippocampus of mice, a key area for memory.

Multiple brain benefits

Other animal research has shown that the active ingredients in Lion's Mane:

• Prevent brain cells from breaking down and dying with age
• Protect against cognitive decline caused by amyloid beta, the plaque that builds up in Alzheimer's
• Promote the growth of brain cells following injury
• Enhance production of myelin, the sheath that protects the nerves and is required for healthy mental function
• Improve memory and other cognitive abilities

The big question is whether all this laboratory work is reflected in people. The answer is a resounding yes.

One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that men and women over 50 significantly increased cognitive function after taking Lion's Mane supplements. They scored higher on all memory and thinking tests.

Another found that measures of independence such as walking, eating and dressing were improved in those taking the supplement and six out of seven saw improvement in memory, understanding and communication abilities.

A study of 30 postmenopausal women found those taking Lion’s Mane, but not those taking placebo, were less anxious and depressed, had improved concentration, and felt better about life. The researchers concluded that Lion's Mane is an excellent nootropic for boosting focus.

Lion's Mane does grow in North America, but you are only likely to find it in some specialty stores. You could go foraging for it in hardwood forests, but the easiest way is to grow them at home in kits you can buy.

There's no guarantee you'll live to 103, but it's sweet and meaty, with a taste similar to lobster, so it's well worth seeking out. If it's not to your taste, you can always take it as a supplement.

Summary

Neurobiologist and Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini helped discover nerve growth factor (NGF), a molecule essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons. While NGF itself isn’t practical as an oral supplement, research on lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has identified compounds (hericenones and erinacines) that may support the brain’s own NGF production. Preclinical studies point to antioxidant, neurotrophic, and myelin-supportive effects; small human studies report improvements in measures related to cognitive performance and mood. For everyday readers, lion’s mane can be enjoyed as a food or taken in supplement form—framed as support for brain health rather than a cure or treatment. Individual responses vary; discuss changes with a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NGF?

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