Does Lion's Mane Increase Testosterone?

As of August 2026, no current evidence explicitly proves lion’s mane increases testosterone in humans. There haven’t been any published human clinical trials demonstrating a direct lion's mane-testosterone connection, and the relevant positive findings only come from animal studies that can’t be applied to people.

In this guide, we will answer, “Does lion's mane boost testosterone in any other ways?” and explain how to take it safely.

Factual accuracy note: this article summarises the available peer-reviewed research about lion's mane mushroom and testosterone. We do not provide medical advice. If you suffer from a hormone-related condition or expect it based on certain symptoms, talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

Does Lion's Mane Boost Testosterone? What the Studies Actually Found

So let’s answer it once and for all: Does lion’s mane increase testosterone? If you’re a human (which we assume you are), there isn’t any proven connection between lion’s mane and testosterone.

In 2025, a study was conducted in Keelung, Taiwan, on the effects of the mushroom on the reproductive system of male rats. The animals showed higher levels of testosterone after treatment with erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelium, but the results aren’t comprehensive. Their reproductive dysfunction was induced by a high-fat diet and polystyrene microplastic, so the results may be invalid for healthy men or even men with hormonal diseases.

Another paper, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, also studied the effect of Hericium erinaceus on male rats. However, its primary focus was sub-chronic toxicity rather than a hormone-boosting effect. Therefore, current research doesn’t explicitly support the idea that lion’s mane increases testosterone.

Does Lion's Mane Lower Testosterone? Debunking the DHT Myth

There is also no established scientific evidence that the mushroom lowers this hormone in humans or acts as a clinically meaningful DHT blocker.

The question, “Does lion's mane lower testosterone?” often appears alongside claims about 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts the hormone into DHT. Much of this discussion comes from forums and secondary sources rather than published research. No clinical trial has demonstrated meaningful androgen suppression from the mushroom.

Laboratory work has examined steroid-related pathways, but those findings do not show reduced circulating androgen levels in people. The answer to “Does lion's mane decrease testosterone?” is therefore also unsupported by current evidence.

The lion's mane effect on testosterone should be described as uncertain. Personal reports of libido changes cannot establish a hormone mechanism or prove this effect.

How Lion's Mane May Indirectly Support Healthy Testosterone Levels

General health factors can influence hormones, but they need to be separated from what this mushroom has actually been shown to do.

Stress and cortisol interact with the male reproductive axis. Evidence in men suggests that higher cortisol can be followed by lower testosterone on later days, although acute stress responses are more complex and can temporarily raise both hormones. This does not show that the mushroom supports androgen levels by reducing stress.

The mushroom-specific evidence is limited. A small 28-day pilot found a trend toward lower subjective stress, while another trial reported changes in mood-related measures. These preliminary findings do not establish cortisol reduction, and Hericium erinaceus should not be presented as a clinically proven adaptogen.

Sleep also matters for normal endocrine function. Some controlled human studies link severe or mistimed sleep restriction with lower morning testosterone, although results are not fully consistent. There is no trial showing that the mushroom improves sleep and thereby raises or maintains androgen levels. Any such pathway is theoretical.

So, does lion's mane affect testosterone through stress or sleep? It is possible to propose biological pathways, but current evidence has not demonstrated them. The table also shows why broad mushroom testosterone claims are not useful: different ingredients have different evidence.

Support your focus, stress response, and daily vitality. MDLA Wellness's Organic Mushroom Coffee blends lion's mane and chaga - a smart addition to your routine if you're looking to support stress resilience and cognitive performance. 

Shop Organic Mushroom Coffee →

Lion's Mane Powder Benefits for Men

Questions about lion's mane powder benefits for male wellness are better answered through neurological research than through hormone claims. Trials have investigated focus, memory, mood or broader cognitive performance, although sample sizes are often small.

One proposed mechanism involves nerve growth factor (NGF). Compounds such as erinacines and hericenones have been studied for effects on NGF signalling, neurite growth and neuroprotection. Much of this mechanistic evidence is preclinical. These NGF pathways are biologically interesting, but NGF findings should not be treated as proof of a specific outcome in people.

The mushroom also contains compounds with antioxidant activity in preclinical research. That may be relevant to general cellular health, but it does not make it a treatment for androgen deficiency. Therefore, claims about lion's mane for testosterone overstate what the evidence currently supports.

Choosing the Right Lion's Mane Format

Powder, capsule supplements and extract products can differ substantially. Concentration, fruiting-body versus mycelium content and the extract ratio affect what you are actually taking. Whichever format you choose, make sure the provider you choose has a strong dedication to product quality.

A standardised supplement or extract may suit people who want a clearly stated amount. Check whether the label identifies the mushroom part used, the amount per serving and any extract standardisation details. A high ratio on the package does not, by itself, prove ingredient quality. Testing, sourcing and transparent specifications are more useful than a single marketing number.

Mushroom coffee can be easier to fit into an existing routine. If a morning brew is already part of your day, see our articles on mushroom coffee vs regular coffee and how to choose the coffee format for your perfect routine.

There is no established best time to take lion's mane. Morning use may simply be practical when the product is mushroom coffee, especially because caffeine later in the day can interfere with sleep for some people. Timing should not be presented as improving the mushroom's effects.

Safety, Dosage, and Who Should Be Cautious

To make sure your lion’s mane intake is safe and effective, consider the following facts and recommendations:

• It is generally well tolerated in small human studies, although mild gastrointestinal discomfort and rare allergic reactions have been reported.

• No standard human dosage has been established across all supplements. Follow the product label because powders and extracts differ.

• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or use blood-thinning or immune-modulating medication, discuss supplementation with a healthcare professional because interaction data are limited.

• Choose products with clear formulation details, appropriate extract information, and third-party testing.

• See our Wellness Dictionary to learn about the typical ingredients used in the product, as well as what they do.

Anyone concerned about low testosterone, fertility, sexual function, or another hormonal issue should seek professional assessment rather than relying on a supplement.

A smarter daily ritual for focus and resilience. MDLA Wellness's Organic Mushroom Coffee combines lion's mane and chaga to support the factors (stress, focus, and vitality) that matter for your overall wellbeing.

Explore All Boosted Coffee →

FAQ

Does lion's mane increase testosterone?

No human clinical trial currently shows that it increases testosterone. Currently, all the positive findings come from animal research and rely on specific experimental conditions.

Does lion's mane lower testosterone or block DHT?

There is no established human evidence that it lowers testosterone or meaningfully blocks DHT. Claims that lion's mane affects testosterone through 5-alpha-reductase remain unproven.

Can lion's mane help with low testosterone symptoms?

You shouldn’t use lion’s mane as a treatment for low testosterone. Fatigue and reduced libido can come from a range of causes, so if you experience these symptoms, discuss them with a healthcare professional

Is lion's mane safe to take with testosterone therapy?

There is little published data on the mushroom’s interaction with testosterone boosters or supplements. If you are on testosterone therapy, talk to your doctor before taking lion’s mane

What's the best way to take lion's mane for male health?

There is no proven best format or time. Choose a reputable powder, capsule, extract, or mushroom coffee and follow its label directions.

Does mushroom coffee with lion's mane affect hormones differently than capsules?

There is no clinical research showing that mushroom coffee affects hormones differently from capsules. Neither format has demonstrated a direct testosterone effect.

Sources

1. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/12/5735

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27816657/ 

3. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-00229

4. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842

5. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.710

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599740/

7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1405796