The Science of
Performance
A clear systems-level look at energy, output, focus, and recovery.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is one of the few functional mushrooms supported by human clinical research for brain health.
- In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adults with mild cognitive impairment who supplemented with lion’s mane showed significant improvents in cognitive function, with benefits declining after discontinuation—suggesting a true biological effect rather than placebo.
(Mori et al., 2009) - Lion’s mane has also been studied for mood and emotional well-being. In a controlled clinical study, middle-aged women experienced reductions in anxiety, depression, and irritability following supplementation, pointing to effects on neuroinflammation and brain–gut signaling.
(Nagano et al., 2010) - At the mechanistic level, lion’s mane contains bioactive compounds such as eracines and hericenones, which have been shown in peer-reviewed preclinical studies to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF)—a protein essential for neuron survival, plasticity, and repair. This NGF activity provides a plausible biological basis for the cognitive and mood outcomes observed in humans.
(Kawagishi et al.; Wong et al.)
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris / Cordyceps sinensis) is one of the most studied functional mushrooms for exercise performance and energy metabolism, with both human and mechanistic data supporting its effects.
- In controlled human studies, cordyceps supplementation has been shown to improve oxygen utilization, aerobic capacity, and exercise tolerance, particularly in older adults and individuals under physical stress. These findings suggest enhanced mitochondrial efficiency rather than stimulant-driven energy.
(Chen et al., 2010; Parcell et al., 2004) - Cordyceps has also been investigated for its effects on fatigue resistance and recovery. Clinical and translational studies report improvements in ATP production and endurance capacity, supporting its traditional use for sustained physical performance rather than acute stimulation.
(Zhu et al., 1998; Hirsch et al., 2017) - At the mechanistic level, cordyceps contains bioactive compounds including cordycepin and adenosine analogs, which have been shown in peer-reviewed studies to influence cellular energy pathways, mitochondrial function, and oxygen utilization. These mechanisms provide a plausible biological basis for the performance and endurance effects observed in human trials.
(Tuli et al.; Paterson, 2008)
Cordyceps Mushrooms
