Lion’s Mane and Cognitive Performance

Focus, clarity, and mental resilience under pressure

Cognitive performance is often treated as secondary to physical output. In reality, focus, learning, reaction time, and emotional regulation are central to performance—whether on the field, in competition, or in decision-heavy work environments.

For both athletes and executives, mental clarity under pressure is not optional. It is a core performance variable. This has driven growing interest in ingredients that support cognition without overstimulating the nervous system, including Lion’s Mane.

What Lion’s Mane Is

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom traditionally consumed in East Asia. More recently, it has been studied for bioactive compounds known as hericenones and erinacines, which are associated with neurotrophic pathways in laboratory research.

These compounds have been investigated for their potential role in supporting neural health and cognitive processes, contributing to Lion’s Mane’s positioning as a non-stimulating cognitive support ingredient.

What the Science Actually Says

Human research on Lion’s Mane is still emerging. One double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in older adults with mild cognitive impairment reported improvements in cognitive test scores during the supplementation period, with effects diminishing after discontinuation.

This highlights two important points:

• Benefits, where observed, appear to be supportive rather than permanent

• Consistency matters more than acute or occasional use

Broader reviews of the scientific literature emphasize variability in study design, dosing, and extract type. As a result, responsible interpretation avoids exaggerated claims and focuses on what is defensible: support for cognitive processes, not treatment or enhancement beyond normal function.

Why Cognition Is Performance

For athletes, cognition governs reaction time, spatial awareness, and decision-making under fatigue. For executives, it governs judgment, prioritization, and emotional regulation in high-stakes environments.

Mental fatigue often degrades performance before it is consciously recognized. Maintaining clarity and focus over sustained periods is therefore as important as physical readiness.

Unlike stimulants, Lion’s Mane is typically discussed as a non-stimulating form of cognitive support. This makes it relevant for individuals seeking mental clarity without heightened nervous-system activation.

Cognitive Support in NTRL Coffee

NTRL coffee is formulated around the idea that cognitive performance is inseparable from physical and professional performance. Focus, clarity, and emotional control directly influence outcomes—whether during training, competition, or long decision-heavy workdays.

Lion’s Mane is included in NTRL coffee to support cognitive processes associated with sustained attention and mental resilience. Rather than amplifying stimulation, it complements caffeine by supporting focus without intensifying jitter or anxiety.

Together, this combination supports:

• Sustained focus, rather than short-term mental spikes

• Calm mental clarity under pressure

• Cognitive endurance, especially during prolonged tasks or fatigue

This balanced approach reflects a performance philosophy centered on sustainability, not overstimulation.

Practical Framing

Lion’s Mane is best understood as part of a long-term performance system:

• It does not replace sleep, training, or nutrition

• It is not a shortcut to sharper thinking

• It fits best when used consistently and paired with structured routines

Within NTRL coffee, Lion’s Mane supports a calm, focused mental state that aligns with sustained performance demands.

References

Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372.

Contato, A. G., et al. (2025). Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A review of neurobiological activity. Nutrients.

 Friedman, M. (2015). Chemistry, nutrition, and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(32), 7108–7123.